What is Probus?

Probus has a vital role

To stimulate thought, interest and participation in activities at a time in life when it is easy to become complacent.

To provide regular gatherings to those who, in retirement, appreciate and value opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances and of a similar level of interest.

Existing Probus clubs and Rotary Clubs can sponsor new Probus clubs.

Each Probus club is autonomous but is coordinated through PROBUS CANADA so that the clubs themselves, through regional representatives on a national board, agree to minimal measure of conformity through a standard Constitution and recommended by-laws, to preserve the integrity and reputation of these clubs. This has proved a successful basis for serving the needs of retirees in the many countries in which Probus clubs are now flourishing.

The Probus Club

The emphasis is that the club be simple in structure, be free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs, involve members in a minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other, and the opportunity for development of acquaintance. Clubs can be all men, all women, or combined men and women, decided usually at the first interest meeting by those attending. (The spouses of club members are often included in the club social activities).

Activities in clubs vary with each club:

• Each club will hold regular meetings as established in its bylaws. Meetings will usually include a guest speaker, a short business meeting with reports and updates, and a coffee break that allows for social time.

• EVENTS (between meetings) Club member visit organizations or places, sports and social activities of every conceivable nature (examples of typical Social Events can be viewed under the A Day in the Life menu). Arising out of their membership activities there is a self-generating goodwill, a sense of belonging, a diverse background of interests, ensuring for Probus a highly successful future as a firmly established part of the community. Indeed the general public often recognize that although the club itself is not involved in service work or fundraising, the persons in the Probus clubs, are perceived to be collectively but separately involved in a wide range of volunteer pursuits, even greater than most service clubs

• Club Interest Activities - Members within each club organize their own range of ongoing activities, examples being walking, hiking, bridge and euchre, books, theater, lunch & breakfast groups, wine tasting, art appreciation and many more. The members themselves decide on the activities they choose to hold and the activities they choose to participate in. A list of typical activities can be found under the A Day in the Life menu.

Probus clubs are to:

• Be non-political and non-sectarian

• Be non-profit making and non-fundraising

• Be initially sponsored by another Probus club or a Rotary club, using a HOW TO manual

• Be not only for retired service club members

• Use a distinctive lapel pin, and name badges to assist in friendship

• Keep membership fees low , covering just the costs for operating a club

Probus clubs are not to:

• Impose a restriction on the number of members from one former vocation

• Require compulsory attendance at meetings

• Place any restrictions on members belonging to other clubs or organizations