About Rotary

We are People of Action

1.4

Million
WE CONNECT PEOPLE

1.4 million members worldwide

47

Million
WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

Approximately 47 million volunteer hours each year

$333

Million
WE FUND SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

$333 million awarded for global service initiatives in 2020-21

Our Causes

Rotary is dedicated to causes that 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.

Protecting the environment

Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.

Each Rotary club is autonomous and different in many ways. Here are a few practices that vary by club:

  • Fellowship and fun 
  • Volunteering & service
  • Meeting times/Meeting place
  • Meeting format
  • Projects
  • Dues structure

Here are a few ways they are the same:

  • Some form of service and support to the community in time, talent, treasure. 
  • The desire to make friends, have fun, and engage in the community and network.
  • Fun!

What happens at a Rotary meeting?

Typically, Clubs meet at a mealtime, breakfast, lunch or dinner. A meeting starts with a pledge of allegience, and a recital of the Rotary 4-way test.

During or the meal, there is a guest speaker and time to conduct some club business – giving reports, making plans and solving problems. Members often bring guests, such as spouses, prospective members or just people who are interested in the guest speaker.

Ready to join Rotary?

Membership in a Rotary club is by invitation only. We want to make sure you join a club that best fits your passion and perspective. We can connect you with a club that’s right for you and make it easy to get involved and on your way to membership immediately.

Step 1 – Find and club and attend a Rotary Meeting.
Step 2 – Review the requirements for participation and attendance and financial obligations.
Step 3 – Fill Out the Paperwork!

Get Involved

Help us create lasting change

Solving some of the world’s most complex and pressing problems takes real commitment and vision. Rotary members believe that we share a responsibility to take action to improve our communities. Join us, so that we can make an even bigger impact – together.