HAMMOND ROTARY INFORMATION

Since 1920

The Rotary Club of Hammond was established in 1920 on the basis of a shared commitment to the founding principles of Rotary International: "World Peace Through Understanding" and "Service Above Self. "These principles are demonstrated by the personal and professional lives of our members, who today honor that original commitment as vigorously as have our predecessors. We welcome to our club all people who bring their enthusiasm and abilities to the four Rotary Avenues of Service, which are Club Service, Community Service, Vocational Service, and International Service.

Club Service

The first Avenue of Service of Rotary is the most important as it provides the Club with involved, community-minded and caring members who accomplish the goals of the other three areas of Rotary service. This area of service includes the recruitment, involvement and retention of dedicated Rotarians. Club Service is directed toward the internal functioning of the club and includes attendance at Club meetings, social gatherings of our Rotary friends, participation in the management of the Club, and involvement in community service projects. This area of service ensures that the Rotary Club of Hammond remains a vital and contributing club in the area.

Community Service

This Avenue of Service is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our local area. It is the most visible of our Avenues of Service because our efforts enable the community to see Rotary in action, helping others. The Club donates its time, as well as its money, for important local causes including: Honors Scholars Luncheon, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotary Park, the St. Joseph Home for Boys, and much more.

Vocational Service

The third Avenue of Service concerns the youth of our community, and the Club’s involvement culminates in the annual presentation of the Robert V. Heinze Vocational Service Award. Each year the Club honors an individual who or organization which has demonstrated consistent achievement in the area of bringing young people in the area to an understanding and appreciation of work and community service. Helping young men and women of our area learn to enjoy their work and take pride in it is a vitally important service, and the Rotary Club of Hammond honors those whose contributions in this area have been truly exemplary.

International Service

This Avenue of Service helps move us all toward "World Peace Through Understanding." Scores of international students, business leaders and public servants have learned about Northwest Indiana thanks to the consistent efforts of our Club. Youth Exchanges provide unparalleled opportunities for young people to gain international experiences and perspectives. Our annual sponsorship of the World Affairs Conference involves high school students in lively discussions of international issues, an experience which expands their worlds and celebrates the diversity which characterizes our area.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HAMMOND

Membership

Over 40 people whose lives are intertwined with the well-being of Hammond, Indiana comprise the Rotary Club of Hammond. We are men and women who represent different professions and who seek to serve our community.

Paul Harris Fellows

Over 75 Hammond Rotarians, past and present, have become Paul Harris Fellows, a distinction which identifies them as supporters of the Rotary Foundation. It is through the Foundation that Rotary locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally is able to provide funding and volunteer services to accomplish the goals of Rotary. One of the most ambitious goals ever set by any organization is the Polio Plus Program of Rotary International: we will eliminate polio throughout the world through a program which provides vaccine and delivery services to every child in the world. Ambitious? Beyond imagination? Impossible? World health organizations say that we are within striking distance of the goal. You can’t tell a Rotarian, and certainly not a Paul Harris Fellow, that the Rotary Foundation doesn’t accomplish something in the world. We know better.

Club Social Activities

We work together, we care together, and we are careful to make sure that we play together. Throughout the year we bring our friends and spouses together for a Club picnic, a fun-filled golf outing, a luncheon honoring our veterans, our director and officer installation dinner, and new activities allowing members to share friendship and camaraderie with the friends and families of our members.

Membership Information

For information on how to become a member of the Rotary Club of Hammond, please contact any of our members listed on this web site. We’d love to meet you and introduce you to our Club and its friendly members.