Join us on Friday Mornings at Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
Membership Committee
Larry Christenson
Chair
“A community of purpose,
powered by people.”
Welcome to the gateway of service, connection, and leadership. The Membership Committee plays a vital role in building and sustaining a vibrant, engaged, and service-driven club. At PAUR, we don’t just recruit members—we welcome new friends, partners, and changemakers into a thriving Rotary family.
About PAUR & Its Membership
Founded in 1988, the Palo Alto University Rotary Club (PAUR) is home to a diverse group of professionals and community leaders who live and/or work in the Mid-Peninsula and adjacent areas. United by a shared commitment to service, we address local and international needs while fostering peace and understanding through fellowship and action.
Our 85+ members are the heart of everything we do. As part of Rotary International—comprised of over 45,000 clubs and 1.2 million members worldwide—our club offers both global impact and local connection.
Joining PAUR means joining a community committed to service, fellowship, and leadership.
Click on either to learn more
Why Join PAUR?
Membership at PAUR offers meaningful opportunities to:
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Participate in impactful local and global service projects
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Develop friendships and professional relationships
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Engage with stimulating, purpose-driven weekly speakers
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Support youth, seniors, and underserved communities
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Promote causes like health, education, civil discourse, and the environment
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Contribute your skills, experience, and ideas in service of the greater good
We are guided by the Rotary Four-Way Test, a timeless ethical compass:
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Is it the truth?
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Is it fair to all concerned?
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Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
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Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
What Members Can Expect
PAUR is an active, service-oriented organization. As a member, we ask that you:
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Attend our weekly Friday breakfast meetings at 7:30 A.M. (hybrid in-person at the Sheraton Palo Alto or via Zoom)
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Participate in club life, including at least one committee and one club event each month
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Contribute to club dues and project fundraising, supporting the resources that make our work possible
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Engage in Rotary events and service opportunities, locally and/or internationally
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Explore leadership roles as your journey continues with us
Becoming a Member - process
Rotary seeks individuals who lead with purpose—people who have held roles of responsibility and are committed to service. A typical path to membership includes:
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Attending at least three meetings as a guest to learn about the club
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Sponsorship by a current member, who will submit your name to the Membership Committee
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Orientation, where you’ll learn about the principles, privileges, and expectations of Rotary
If you do not yet know a PAUR member but are interested in joining or learning more about our club, please contact us through our website.
Qualifications for Membership
To be eligible for membership, a candidate must:
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Hold (or be retired from) a professional, managerial, or community leadership role
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Be a person of good character and reputation
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Demonstrate a commitment to service through past involvement
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Live or work in the Bay Area and be able to regularly participate in club meetings, events and activities.
We invite prospective members to “get to know us” before applying, by attending meetings and experiencing our community in action.
Proposing a Candidate for Membership
If you are a current PAUR member who wishes to propose a candidate:
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Invite the prospective member to attend three meetings
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Submit a Membership Application and Sponsor Form to the Membership Committee
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Keep all applications confidential during the review process
Once the committee and board approve the application, the candidate will be invited to an orientation and asked to confirm their interest before becoming a full member.
Annual Dues, Expenses, and Contributions
Members contribute annually toward:
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Rotary International dues
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Club operating costs (including meeting and event expenses)
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Service project fundraising goals
We strive to keep these contributions purposeful and impactful—and every dollar supports our shared mission.