Rotarians contribute to world in infinite ways.  Members serve based on their individual resources and abilities.  The Four Avenues of Service are Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service.  They form the basis for The Object of Rotary.  The Four Avenues of Service and examples of Rotarian involvement are outlined below.

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular to encourage and foster:

1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
2. High ethical standards in business and professions, recognition    of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
3. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; and
4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Community Service

READING IS FUNDAMENTAL (R.I.F.):  One day each month, Riverview Rotarians read to Head Start students at Riverview Elementary School.  Each reading day, every student is given a free book courtesy of our Riverview Rotary Club.

DICTIONARY DISTRIBUTION: Each year, Rotarians distribute dictionaries to every 4th grade student throughout our four county district.  Riverview Rotary is responsible for seven elementary schools and approximately 900 dictionaries.

INTERACT:  Rotary sponsored service clubs in local high schools are called Interact Clubs.  Our Rotary Club of Riverview currently sponsors an Interact Club at Spoto High School.

SEMINAR FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERS (S4TL): Three Rotary Districts host this week-long leadership seminar for inbound high school seniors.  Directed largely by S4TL graduates, it includes “rap sessions,” in which Rotarians participate in group discussions on a variety subjects.  The Riverview Rotary Club sponsors at least one delegate each year.

SCHOLARSHIPS:  Each year, the Riverview Rotary Club donates college scholarships to graduating local high school seniors.  Total awards have ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 annually.

4-WAY TEST:  The Rotary 4-Way Test is a pledge of integrity “in all we think, say, or do.”  Rotarians are encouraged not only to apply the 4-Way Test in their vocational and personal lives, but also to openly promote the ideal of ethical business practices.

NETWORK:  By joining Rotary, Rotarians have committed not only to world and community service, but also to the practice and promotion of the highest ethical standards in their business practices.  Rotarian-to-Rotarian business networking is a just reward for these ideals.

International Service

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION:  The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace throughout the world.  Riverview Rotarians support The Rotary Foundation through contributions automatically billed with quarterly dues.  100% of all money given to The Rotary Foundation is used for qualified local and international projects.

PROJECT C.U.R.E.: Area Rotary clubs participate in Project C.U.R.E., in which used and discarded medical supplies are collected for distribution in developing nations.  Rotarians pick up equipment and supplies from local healthcare providers, and deliver to a central distribution point.

POLIO PLUS:  In the 1980's, The Rotary Foundation initiated a global polio eradication effort.  In 2008, The Gates Foundation awarded Rotary $355 million in “challenge grants,” asking that Rotarians raise a matching $200 million by 2011.  The Riverview Rotary Club has pledged at least $1,000 per year for three consecutive years.

CARIBBEAN PARTNERS:  Rotary clubs in Georgia, Florida and the Caribbean form alliances between island and mainland clubs.  Riverview Rotary is partnered with The St. Andrew North club of Kingston, Jamaica.  Clubs share activities like satellite phone provision, friendship exchange, and other international projects.

MATCHING GRANTS:  Qualified local and international projects may be eligible for Matching Grants from The Rotary Foundation.

Club Service

BOARD of DIRECTORS & COMMITTEES:  Board members are instrumental in steering the club direction.  The Riverview Rotary Board meets for approximately one hour, once per month, immediately preceding a regular club meeting.  Chairing or participating on a committee is another great way to lead a Rotary initiative.

CONTRIBUTE:  Fellow Rotarians, and especially Club Treasurers greatly appreciate timely payment of quarterly dues.  Weekly meetings also offer the opportunity to contribute to the club through “Happy Dollars” and a “Lottery.”

VISITORS & SPEAKERS:  Visitors and guests are always welcome.  If you know someone you feel would make a good Rotarian, or just someone you would like to experience Rotary, invite them to join us for lunch.  Please contact us for a schedule of speaker assignments.

VISIT OTHER CLUBS:  Rotarians are welcome to join Rotary meetings anywhere in the world.  This is an opportunity to network with more Rotarians, see what other clubs are doing, and learn more about communities locally or abroad.