Rotary clubs are organizations of business, professional, and community leaders who come together to provide service to others, promote integrity, and foster global understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotaract clubs are similar but are specifically for young people aged 18 and over. Through service activities, leadership development, and socializing, Rotaract members become experts in their fields and test new approaches to problem-solving. To further expand your club's connections with the world, you can develop a sister club relationship, collaborate with other clubs and partner organizations on service projects, or organize a visit to Open World. Rotary clubs sponsor several affiliated clubs that promote the goals of Rotary in their community.
Most clubs meet weekly at a regular location for lunchtime meetings where members can discuss club issues and listen to guest speakers. Women were not allowed to join Rotary clubs until the 1980s, although Rotary spouses were often members of the same Inner Wheel club. All clubs share the common goal of global polio eradication and adapt their own service projects to one or more of Rotary International's six areas of focus. No two Rotary clubs are the same because each community has its own unique needs. Some clubs hold all or part of their meetings online for members who have a tight schedule, limited mobility, or who live in an area without an established Rotary or Rotaract club.
The club's governing body is the Club Board of Directors (sometimes called the Club Council), composed of the club president (who acts as president of the board of directors), an elected president, a club secretary, a club treasurer and several directors of the club's board of directors, including the immediate former president and the elected president. Originally, clubs were limited to just one per city, municipality, or town but Rotary International has encouraged the creation of one or more additional clubs in larger cities when practical. The highest distinction that a Rotary club can bestow on an individual is exercised only in exceptional cases. Online clubs (also known as electronic clubs) meet regularly, carry out service projects, support The Rotary Foundation and socialize like any other Rotary club or Rotaract without the cost of meeting in person. If you're interested in getting involved with a local rotary club, you can start by researching online to find one near you. You can also reach out to your local chamber of commerce or other business organizations for more information.
Once you've found a club that interests you, contact them directly to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved.
