What is a Rotary Club?

A Rotary club is an organization and association of men and women dedicated to the practice of "Service above Self." Membership is drawn from a broad base of business and professional people with one member sought from every career category.

Fellowship and friendship are key Rotary objectives, achieved in an environment and spirit of mutual cooperation and respect. A Rotary Club is also people centered, action oriented and undertakes many projects to promote goodwill and achieve beneficial results for others.

Meetings are held weekly and attendance is emphasized. They help members experience fellowship, create long-lasting friendships, learn more about Rotary and the world in which we live, and encourage and reinforce our commitment to service.

The acceptance of membership in a Rotary Club is a serious commitment to the ideals of Rotary as originally presented by Rotary founder Paul Harris, and further embodied by the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" and in The Four-Way Test. Membership in Rotary represents a willingness to assume and practice them in all aspects of life and in all contacts with others.

A Rotary Club is the basic unit of Rotary International, which consists of over 1,211,723 Rotarians, organized in over 31,603 Clubs, through 529 Districts and 166 countries.

Among the benefits that come from membership in a Rotary club are:

  • Meeting and getting to know a variety of people from many different occupations who represent high levels of achievement.
  • Developing friendships and experiencing fellowship at a very meaningful level on a weekly and continuing basis.
  • Learning about the activities and experiences of other members.
  • Working with Rotarians and non-members on projects which have a significant impact on the community.
  • Learning about a variety of topics from weekly speakers, chosen for their interest and expertise.
  • Recruiting new members to share in all that Rotary is and does.
  • Developing a new outlook about yourself and your career that can enhance your effectiveness and the focus of your occupation.

What a Rotary Club is Not

  1. It is not a secret organization and does not indulge in practices that require concealment.
  2. It is neither narrow nor self-centered and does not avoid civic, social or fraternal responsibilities.
  3. It does not exalt the material above social values nor put business success above civic and social duty.