About Rotary

Rotary is an organization of over 45,000 clubs, each formed from 20 or more individuals who come together to provide service to others, promote high ethical standards, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotary clubs are autonomous. non-religious, non-governmental, and open to people of every gender, race, culture, and creed. They meet regularly, often weekly, together or on the Internet. Many clubs choose to support not only Rotary’s projects but also non-Rotary organizations that provide humanitarian service. Some clubs sponsor groups of secondary-school students (Interact) or college-age persons (Rotaract).

Rotary International is the association of those Rotary clubs throughout the world. Founded in 1905, Rotary today consists of over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries, all committed to creating better understanding and goodwill among people. Rotarians achieve this by providing humanitarian service in their community, nation, and throughout the world, which is reflected in the Rotary motto: “Service above Self.” 

Besides contributing their own resources, Rotarians hold fundraisers for specific causes both here and abroad. Rotarians also participate personally in humanitarian programs, inoculating children, providing on-site expertise, and actively facilitating projects with material, technical, and professional assistance as well as manual labor.

Rotary clubs from two countries or in different regions often partner on projects. A donor club helps meet specific needs with contributions of funds, materials, and manpower, which can be more effective when partnering with a recipient club whose region is experiencing hardship. 

The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 to help Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Its work of “Doing Good in the World” is focused on seven areas of concern: 

​Programs of The Rotary Foundation include scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to study outside their own country and for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. A master’s degree program, World Peace Scholars, equips the next generation of global and community leaders with skills needed to reduce the threat of war and violence.

The Rotary Foundation accepts contributions from Rotarians and friends of Rotary, which are allocated to one of the following: 

  • The Annual Fund-SHARE supports most Foundation programs, returning 95% of the contributions to programs while 5% is used for administrative needs. Half of the program money is returned to Rotary clubs as District Dedicated Funds, used for local community needs, while the other half forms the World Fund, which finances major international projects. 
  • The Endowment is completely invested, and only the interest is used to pay administrative costs and fund programs. 
  • Polio elimination donations are matched with twice the donation by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • Disaster relief is collected as needed to alleviate major regional or world cataclysms.


MEMBERSHIP

To find out more about the service, fun, and fellowship of Rotary find the club closest to you; see Rotary Club Locator below or install the Rotary Club Locator App on your cellphone. You’ll find out where and when your local Rotary club meets. Join us for a meeting and learn about our opportunities for service.​

LEARN MORE

WHAT IS ROTARY ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THE ROTARY FOUNDATION ROTARY CLUB LOCATOR

THE FOUR-WAY TEST
One of the distinguishing features of Rotary is its strong emphasis on high ethical standards in human relations. Today, The Four-Way Test is recited by many clubs at some point during Rotary meetings. Recently many clubs in response to climate change have added a Fifth Way. The test is seen as a guide for decisions we make in our personal lives and in our businesses and professions.
1) Is it the TRUTH?
2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
5) Will it be BENEFICIAL for the ENVIRONMENT?

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