Rotary clubs in Northern Virginia are dedicated to supporting local community projects and scholarships. Every year, sponsors and award winners are honored at the annual spring banquet. Additionally, Rotarians and clubs in the United States voluntarily donate funds for the construction of the entrance to the Rotary parade. The governor of each club is a person of recognized prestige in their profession, community, and Rotary club, and has extensive knowledge of Rotary's current programs, purposes, policies, and goals.
In 1985, the RI Planning and Research Committee proposed that Rotary clubs around the world dedicate ten years to literacy. This was approved by the RI board of directors. In 1922, Admiral Richard Byrd, a member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, Virginia, carried a small Rotary flag over the South Pole. The Matching Grants program is an important part of The Rotary Foundation and provides an incentive for clubs to undertake international service projects in other parts of the world.
The 3-H Program is designed to carry out large-scale service projects that exceed the capacity of individual Rotary clubs or groups of clubs. It was decided in 1922 that all Rotary clubs would adopt a unique design as an exclusive emblem for Rotarians. Many clubs take advantage of this opportunity to launch an international community service activity or connect with a Rotary club in another country. It's also a great time to start a Rotary scholarship exchange, a three-year project aimed at encouraging support for PolioPlus and other programs of The Rotary Foundation.
Clubs and districts draw attention to The Rotary Foundation programs and often seek additional financial support for the Foundation by promoting contributions for Paul Harris Fellows and support partners. The Rotary Club of Alexandria provides funding for specific programs and activities that strengthen core programs; provide initial funding for a new program, program element, or initiative; or support capital expenditures. The Rotary International board of directors recognized the growing popularity of banner exchanges in 1959 and suggested that clubs participating in those exchanges carefully study the design of their banners so that they are distinctive and express the community and country of which the club is part. In all cases, clubs are advised to exercise discretion and restraint in exchanging banners so that financial obligations do not interfere with the club's basic service activities. As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of club members. District governors who have received extensive training at the World International Assembly are responsible for quality control of the 27,000 Rotary clubs around the world.
Although there are no formal responsibilities for sponsors or sponsors established by Rotary, many clubs recommend certain procedures according to custom and tradition.
