What is the main objective of Rotary?
The main objective of Rotary is service – in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.
How is Rotary organized?
Rotary is organized at club, district, and international levels to carry out its program of service. Rotarians are members of their clubs, and the clubs are members of the global association known as Rotary International. Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and the constitution and bylaws of Rotary International.
How are clubs grouped?
Clubs are grouped into 530 Rotary districts, each led by a district governor who is an officer of Rotary International and represents the RI board of directors in the field. Though selected by the clubs of the district, a governor is elected by all of the clubs worldwide meeting in the RI Convention.
Who are members and how often do they meet?
Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community’s business and professional men and women. The world’s Rotary clubs meet weekly or bi-weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.
What are the benefits of membership in a Rotary club?
Membership in a Rotary club offers a number of benefits, including:
- Effecting change within the community.
- Developing leadership skills.
- Gaining an understanding of – and having an impact on – community and international issues.
- Developing relationships with community and business leaders.
Through Rotary’s various service programs, a Rotary club can have a significant effect on the quality of life in its community.
What are the requirements for membership in a Rotary club?
- An important distinction between Rotary and other organizations is that membership in Rotary is by invitation. Prospective members must:
- hold – or be retired from – a professional, proprietary, executive, or managerial position;
- have the capacity to meet the club’s weekly attendance or community project participation requirements;
- live or work within the locality of the club or the surrounding area.
What is the membership process?
Often a person being considered for membership is invited by a member or sponsor to attend one or more club meetings to learn more about Rotary. The sponsor may then submit the name of the candidate to the club’s membership committee.
I am interested in membership, but do not know a Rotarian in town. How can I become a Rotarian?
An individual who is interested in membership, but doesn’t know any Rotarians can contact the local club directly. You can email us for more information.