FAQs

Rotary International is an association of Rotary clubs worldwide. It’s made up of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians, and they form a global network of 1.2 million business and professional leaders, all volunteering their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Individual Rotary clubs, in turn, belong to the global association called Rotary International.

Since 1947, Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships have given more than 41,000 men and women the opportunity to study abroad. Although the program will come to an end in 2013, new scholarship opportunities through the Foundation’s district and global grants will give Rotarians greater flexibility to sponsor scholars. Want to learn more? Contact us.

Often, a person being considered for membership is invited by a club member, or sponsor, to attend one or more club meetings to learn more about Rotary. In this case, the sponsor submits the candidate’s name to the club's membership committee. If you’re interested in joining Rotary, first attend a few meetings to see if Rotary is right for you. Since each club is different, visit several to see the one that fits you best. Individuals must be sponsored or proposed for membership into the club.

Sure! You can offer to assist the Rotary club with its local or international service projects. You can volunteer to work or help by making a donation to the club to support their work.

Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.

Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.

Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.

International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace. Rotarians can support International Service by sponsoring a project in another country, seeking international project partners to support projects in their own communities, or by personally volunteering at an international project site.

Youth Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities as RYLA, Rotaract and Interact, service projects, and creating international understanding with Rotary Youth Exchange.

An attendance record of 50 percent is required to remain an active Rotarian. Any missed meeting must be made up within 14 days before or after the regular meeting. To accommodate busy schedules, there are various opportunities to make up missed meetings, including making up online at various websites.

Prospective members must:

Hold (or be retired from) a professional, proprietary, executive, managerial, or community position
Have demonstrated a commitment to service through personal involvement
Be able to meet the club's weekly attendance or community project participation requirements
Live or work within the vicinity of the club or surrounding area

Members are expected to attend weekly club meetings. They must pay annual dues to their Rotary club, district, and Rotary International, and they’re expected to participate in local or international Rotary club activities or projects. We encourage members to aspire to club leadership or committee roles.

The Four-Way Test

This test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it bring GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

There is no minimum age to join Rotary. You may be invited to join at any age after you become established in a career and have the time and financial resources to meet all Rotary club membership requirements. If you’re interested in joining Rotary, ask members about the time and financial commitments necessary to fulfill membership requirements, and consider whether you can make those commitments.