What Is Rotary

We treat and prevent disease.
We promote basic education and literacy. 
We improve maternal health and reduce child mortality.
We support economic and community development.
We invest in clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. 
We protect our beautiful environment. 
We empower peacebuilding and conflict resolution. 

No one can do all that on their own. But we can do more good together. 

You’ve probably heard of Rotary International but maybe you’re not quite sure what it is or how it’s different from other organizations. Everyone is welcome and there’s no secret handshake. 

We are not religious or political but we all share the same values – serving others and serving our communities. 

Want to join us? You can get involved in any or all of these areas. A Rotary club near you is already committed to programs and projects making these seven ideals a reality. And when people serve together, strangers become friends. 

“If you have the love of your fellow men in your hearts, my friends, you are a potential Rotarian.” – Paul Harris, founder of Rotary International, live radio broadcast from the 1933 RI Convention in Boston

Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

• FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
• SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
• THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
• FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Avenues of Service

We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.

• Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
• Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. Learn more in An Introduction to Vocational Service and the Code of Conduct.
• Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest. Learn more in Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects.
• International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
• Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.