F.A.Q.
What is Rotary?
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
 
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
 
 
What does Rotary do?
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:
  • Promote peace
  • Fight disease
  • Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Save mothers and children
  • Support education
  • Grow local economies
...And much much more
 
Who are members of Rotary?
The heart of Rotary is its members...dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.
 
Impact starts with members — everyday people who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
 
Rotary members share ideas, make plans, hear from the community, and catch up with friends during club programs that fuel the impact we make.
 
 
What is a Rotary Club?
There are over 35,000 Rotary Clubs across the globe...and each is unique in one way or another.
 
While Rotary clubs are grounded in the same values, no two are the same, because each community has its own unique needs and each club is made up of different people from different backgrounds and walks of life.
 
At club meetings in communities across the globe, Rotary Club members come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbors and their commitment to improving lives.
 
While each club abides by internationally established guidelines and regulations, each Club has its own meeting schedule and location, own projects and activities, own culture and mission. However, in many cases, Clubs come together both in fellowship and moreover to assist one another and collaborate on community service and humanitarian projects.
 
 
How to I become a member of Rotary and Join a Rotary Club?
Rotary is always looking for people who want to give back to their communities and are ready to demonstrate a sincere commitment to service.
 
However, membership in a Rotary Club is by invitation only.
 
If you know someone already in a Rotary Club, they can provide you with more information on their club and perhaps others in your area so that you can choose which Club may be a better fit for you based on the projects they do, days they meet, etc.
 
Alternatively, if you do not know any members of Rotary, visit Rotary.org and Rotary will connect you with a club that's right for you and make it easy to get involved and on your way to membership immediately.
 
 
What are the benefits?
Becoming a Rotary member connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Through regular meetings and events, you’ll:
  • Discuss your community’s needs and develop creative ways to meet them
  • Connect with other leaders who are changing the world
  • Expand your leadership and professional skills
  • Catch up with good friends and meet new ones
Other benefits of membership include:
  • Rotary Global Rewards - a member benefits program, which offers discounts on products and services. It’s Rotary’s way of helping our members spend less so they can do more.
  • The Rotary International Convention - the biggest Rotary event of the year. Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet at the convention each year to celebrate our successes and make plans for the future.
  • Rotary Fellowships - members have the chance to join a group of people who share similar interests, hobbies, or vocations. Some groups use their fellowship to make a positive difference.
  • Rotarian Action Groups - unites Rotary members, family members, program participants and alumni who share their expertise in particular fields by collaborating with clubs and districts on projects.
 
 
What’s expected of me as a member?
As a club member, you will be asked to:
  • Pay club dues
  • Attend meetings and events
  • Participate in projects and activities
  • Use your professional skills and talents to make a difference
 
 
Are their other options for young persons?
If you’re between the ages of 12 and 30, you may be interested in joining one of Rotary's service clubs for young professionals and youth.
 
Rotaract clubs bring together people ages 18-30 in communities worldwide to organize service activities, develop leadership skills, and socialize.
 
Through Interact clubs, people ages 12-18 connect with others in their community or school and learn about the world through service projects and activities.
 
Like Rotary clubs, Rotaract and Interact clubs give their members the chance to make friends, develop leadership skills, and create positive change.
 
 
What are the major causes of Rotary?
Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.
 
Promoting peace - Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.
 
Fighting disease - We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. We improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in developing areas.
 
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene - We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term.
 
Saving mothers and children - Nearly 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.
 
Supporting education - More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
 
Growing local economies - We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
 
Ending Polio?
Ending polio forever!
 
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for over 30 years, and our goal of ridding the earth of this disease is in sight. We started in 1979 with vaccinations for 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic.
 
For more information, please visit Rotary.org