Frequently Asked Questions:


When was the Oxford - Ole Miss Rotary Club started?

The Oxford - Ole Miss Rotary Club started trying to organize and meet at Johnson Commons at Ole Miss in the fall of 2005. Since hurricane Katrina had just struck, and so many people were involved with relief for that, we postponed trying to meet again until January 2006 when we moved to Baptist Hospital. We've moved a few times since then, but are currently located at The University Club on Lamar. We received our charter as The Rotary Club of Oxford - Ole Miss, MS, USA on April 25, 2007.


Why was this location and meeting time chosen?

Oxford and Ole Miss certainly have the capacity to support multiple Rotary Clubs, and there was an obvious need for a breakfast Rotary Club for those individuals unable to attend a lunch meeting. The University Club provides a convenient meeting space equipped for presentations with a delicious breakfast buffet provided each week.


How much are dues annually?

There is an initial New Member Fee of $15. Annual Membership Dues are $135, Annual Meal Fees are $375, and "Every Rotarian Every Year" Rotary Foundation contributions are $100. Membership obligation can be paid annually ($610) or semi-annually ($310). These fees cover Rotary International dues, weekly breakfast costs, and club support of RI programs.


What is the club attendance policy?

A minimum of 60% attendance is expected.


Who monitors my attendance?

An attendance sign in sheet will be provided if the club Secretary is not present.


How can I make up a meeting?

You can make up a meeting by attending another Rotary Club's meeting within 14 days or you can "attend" an online Rotary meeting. Contributions to service projects also serve as credit for meeting attendance. 


How are members selected for this club?

Rotary looks for individuals that embody the following characteristics:

  1. Good character
  2. Good business/professional reputation
  3. Executive capacity with discretionary authority (e.g. proprietor, partner, corporate officer or manager)
  4. Worthy and recognized business or profession

Past RI President Rick King says, "the quality we seek is a quality of the heart- not just income and position"


What does the Rotary Foundation do?

  • Works for a polio-free world
  • Care for the children of the world
  • Feeds the hungry in the world
  • Provides educational opportunities
  • Preserves planet Earth
  • Promotes world understanding and Peace


What can Rotary do for me?

Some of the benefits of membership are:

  • Networking - An original goal of Rotary was to allow club members to meet periodically and enlarge their circle of business and professional acquaintances.
  • Service - Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Rotarians regularly experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
  • Friendship - Rotary was founded on fellowship, a cornerstone that continues to attract members today.
  • Family - Rotary sponsors some of the world's largest exchange and educational programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders, and the involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
  • Ethics - Encouraging high ethical standards and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days.
  • Leadership - Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in motivating, inspiring, and guiding others.


What can I bring to Rotary?

Set an example of high ethical standards.

Encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.

Search for the right people, not people with the right classification to serve in Rotary.

Service above self is our motto.


What projects has the Oxford - Ole Miss Rotary Club been involved in?

Please see the Service Projects page for a list of recent projects.


What is the Four-Way Test and why do club members recite this at the end of every meeting?

The Four-Way Test is followed by Rotarians worldwide in their business and professional lives. The Four-Way Test was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Tayler in 1932. It has since been translated into more than 100 languages and is used by organizations and individuals throughout the world. 


Our club chooses to recite this at the end of each meeting to remind us to carry these values with us in our daily lives.


The Four Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Does it promote GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?


Where does the money raised by Rotary go?

Every dollar contributed by Rotarians funds the humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs and program operations. Clubs and districts apply for and have received Foundation grants to carry out many worthy projects locally and worldwide.


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