Rotary Basics

Welcome to the new section of our newsletter, Rotary Basics. We aim to provide basic education about Rotary to new members and guests to enrich their experience in our club. This will also help you be prepared when your friends ask you what is Rotary and what do you do? Stay tuned for more in our future newsletters.

 

Source: Rotary.org

 

Rotary is an international membership organization made up of people who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. Rotary clubs exist in almost every country. Our members change lives locally and connect with other clubs to work on international projects that address today’s most pressing challenges. Being a member is an opportunity to take action and make a difference, and it brings personal rewards and lifelong friendships in the process.

 

DID YOU KNOW? The name Rotary was selected by early members because meeting locations rotated among their offices.

 

 

There are more than 1.2 million Rotary club members, or Rotarians, around the world. Your potential to do good in your community as a Rotarian is far greater than it was before you joined. You’ll have the privilege of working with other professionals and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by bringing together your expertise, skills, and resources.

 

The club is the most important component of Rotary’s organizational structure. There are over 35,000 Rotary clubs in more than 220 countries and geographical areas. Rotary clubs are autonomous, so the member experience varies from club to club. However, they all operate somewhat similarly. For example, all clubs have presidents, secretaries, and treasurers and committees that help them run smoothly. Each Rotary club is considered a member of Rotary International. Strong, well-run clubs enhance our members’ experiences and deliver valuable service to our communities.

 

Rotary clubs hold regular meetings where their members gather to socialize and to discuss their current projects, other Rotary matters, and professional topics. While most clubs meet in person, some clubs meet primarily online or have a combination of in-person and online meetings. Rotary is both apolitical and nonreligious, and Rotary clubs are encouraged to create an inclusive environment for all club members at their meetings. Meetings can be formal or informal and can include food and drinks, speakers, an open forum for discussion, or group activities. The more you participate in your club’s meetings and activities, the better overall experience you will have as a member.

 

Rotary clubs are grouped into districts. District governors serve an important role in Rotary. They’re nominated by clubs in their districts for their leadership skills, Rotary experience, and dedication to service. They are trained extensively both in their regions and all together at the International Assembly. District governors serve a one-year term, leading a team of assistant governors and district committees to support and strengthen clubs and motivate them to carry out service projects. Governors visit each club in the district during the year, oversee the development of new clubs, and plan the district conference and other special events. Districts are organized into regional zones, each led by a team of regional leaders. Finally, your Rotary club belongs to the global association, Rotary International (RI), led by the RI president and the RI Board of Directors.

 

The RI president is elected to a one-year term, during which she or he presides over the Board of Directors. The RI Board of Directors and The Rotary Foundation Trustees govern our organization and its Foundation. The Board sets policies that aim to help clubs thrive. Clubs elect members of the Board, or directors, every year at the Rotary International Convention. Each director serves for two years and represents one of the Rotary zones. The Board of Trustees manages the business of The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary International president-elect appoints Trustees to four-year terms.