F

Rotary Club of Morristown will host an after-hours Meet and Greet for the community at large on Thursday.

Club members will welcome prospective new members, or those who are just curious about the civic club’s activities and fundraisers, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1907 Brewery in downtown Morristown.

Rotary is an international membership organization made up of people who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. Members change lives locally and connect with other clubs to work on international projects that address today’s more pressing challenges.

Being a member is an opportunity to take action and make a difference, and it brings personal rewards and lifelong friendships in the process.

There are more than 1.2 million Rotary club members, or Rotarians, around the world. They have the privilege of working with other professionals and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by bringing together their expertise, skills and resources.

There are more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in more than 220 counties and geographical areas.

Rotary clubs are autonomous, so the member experience varies from club to club.

However, they all operate somewhat similarly. For example, all clubs have officers that include presidents, secretaries and treasurers, along with committees that help the clubs run smoothly.

Each Rotary club is considered a member of Rotary International.

The causes Rotary clubs target to maximize their impact are called areas of focus.

Rotary International’s most successful and sustainable projects and activities fall within these areas.

Through global grants and other resources, it helps clubs focus their service efforts in the following areas: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.

Projects that focus on these causes are eligible for global grant funding from The Rotary Foundation.

Early Rotary members emphasized the importance of acting responsibly and ethically and using their professions as an opportunity to serve.

In 1932, the Four-Way-Test was developed by Herbert Taylor, a Rotary club of Chicago member and 1954-55 Rotary International president.

The Four-Way Test has long served as an ethical guide for members to live by in their personal and professional relationships and is presented at each meeting: “Of the things we think, so or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”