Rotary clubs in Northern Virginia offer a variety of events to their members and the community. From large-scale service projects to international conferences, Rotary clubs provide opportunities to develop skills, meet interesting people, and address local and international issues. The 3-H Program is designed to carry out large service projects that exceed the capacity of individual clubs or groups of clubs. Clubs are advised to exercise discretion and restraint when exchanging banners so that financial obligations do not interfere with the club's basic service activities. In August, Rotary clubs celebrate Membership and Extensions Month.
This is a time to focus on Rotary's continuing need for growth, seeking new members and forming new clubs. The governor has extensive knowledge of Rotary's current programs, purposes, policies and goals and is a person of recognized prestige in his profession, community and Rotary club. Some clubs have initiated valuable community service to help older people plan and adapt to retirement by organizing and sharing the wealth of information available among club members. To celebrate World Understanding Month, many clubs organize international conferences, invite young exchange students and international academics from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs with former members of the group study exchange team, organize debates on international issues, offer entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme, and program other programs with an international emphasis. The host clubs mentioned the impact of the program experience and the ways in which it created international understanding in their clubs and communities, forged peer connections and initiated new friendships. Over the years, many Rotary clubs and districts have been actively involved in welcoming emerging leaders from Eurasia.
Youth exchange is a highly recommended program for all Rotary clubs as a practical activity to improve international understanding and goodwill. Clubs or districts must contribute an amount at least equal to that requested from The Rotary Foundation, and at least half of the funds that the Foundation will provide must come from a country other than the country in which the project will be carried out. In addition, Rotarians are asked to plan programs for their weekly meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize understanding and good will as essential elements for world peace. As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of club members. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported Duarte's position that Rotary could not override the club's statutes simply by bringing women into the club.
