What is Rotary?

 

Rotary International is an association of Rotary clubs worldwide. It’s made up of more than 32,000 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. Find out more about Rotary’s history and structure.

 

How do I become a member of Rotary?

If you’re interested in joining a local Rotary club, submit a Prospective Member form, though individuals must be sponsored or proposed for membership into a club. Rotary International staff will process your information and forward it to local Rotary club leaders. You can also contact a local Rotary club directly. Use the Club Locator to find clubs in your area.

 

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.

Find out more about becoming a Rotarian and the responsibilities of membership.

Please note that Membership in a Rotary club is by invitation only.

 

What are the qualifications for membership?

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

What are the responsibilities of membership?

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

 

What are the attendance requirements?

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. 

 

What is the minimum age to be in Rotary?

There is no minimum age to join Rotary. You may be invited to join Rotary 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 a Rotary club, ask club members about the time and financial commitments necessary for fulfilling membership requirements, and consider whether you can make those commitments.

 

How do I locate a club in my area?

Use the Club Locator to search by city or district number.

 

What are my options for making up missed meetings?

Rotarians have various opportunities to make up a missed meeting. Find out more.