Attendance at each meeting is a big part of being a Rotarian, as is participation in the Club's projects. There are several ways to "make-up" a missed meeting. These include visiting another Rotary Club, attending a Club Committee meeting, attend a Club Board Meeting, working on a Club project, attending a Club Social Function or even making up via the internet.
In addition to dues, small "fines" can be levied at weekly Club meetings for various "infractions", "accomplishments", or "recognition" (all in fun!). The proceeds benefit local charitable organizations in Arlington. While we do have a lot of fun and fellowship as members of the Club, the main purpose of Rotary is service to others. In other words, SERVICE ABOVE SELF!
The Club conducts several additional fundraising activities throughout the year to fund the various projects in which the Club participates.
Below is a list of some of the programs that the Club sponsors:
- The Flag Program - Rotarians place flags at designated homes on several flag routes during six patriotic holidays.
- Highland Games - We staff a hospitality booth at the Scottish Highland Games that are held at The University of Texas at Arlington stadium each spring.
- Dunlop Park Creative Playground - The park was originally built by the Club in 1988-1989. In 2005-2006 the park was rebuilt by the Club and is a continuing project for the Club for additions and upgrades to the amenities.
- Scholarship Program - Each year the club provides scholarship opportunities for local high school seniors entering college.
- Holiday Families - the Club supports selected families and provide various items and financial support during the holidays.
- RYLA (Rotarian Youth Leadership Award) - The Club supports RYLA through sponsoring students (High School Juniors/Seniors) to attend RYLA at Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas.
- International Projects - Rotary's signature project is PolioPlus. Rotarians do such things as painting schools and hospitals. We have donated ambulances and buses to various communities. Rotarians participate in water projects. Rotarians donate dictionaries and other children's books to schools. We have participated in the Avoidable Blindness-Cataract Surgeries Project, the artificial Limbs program in India and the Wheelchair Foundation Project in Mexico and Peru.
- Speaker's Gift - In lieu of a speaker's gift each week, the club donates a book, signed by the speaker, to a local school library.