Rotary Basics

Introduction

Rotary International, the world's first service club organisation, is made up of over 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Its members form a global network of business and professional leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world.

Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self", exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organisation's more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterise Rotary worldwide.

Rotary enjoys a rich and sometimes complex tradition and organisational structure, with many programs and customs that can be confusing to new and even not-so-new members. This series of articles offer a basic Rotary education, the fundamental knowledge that will make every member better informed about Rotary and proud to be a Rotarian.

The Organisation of Rotary

Rotary is essentially a grassroots organisation, with most of its service efforts being carried out at the club level. The district and international structure is designed to support the clubs and help them provide more service in their communities and abroad.

Clubs

Rotarians are members of Rotary clubs, which belong to the global association Rotary International (RI). Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary's constitution and bylaws.

Districts

Clubs are grouped into 530 RI districts, each led by a district governor, who is an officer of RI. The district administration, including assistant governors and various committees, guides and supports the clubs.

RI Board

The 19-member RI Board of Directors, which includes the RI president and president elect, meets quarterly to establish policies. Traditionally, the RI president, who is elected annually, develops a theme and emphasis for the year.

The Secretariat

Rotary International is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, USA, with seven international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The RI in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) office, located in England, serves clubs and districts in that region.

The Secretariat's active managing officer is the RI general secretary, who heads a 650-member staff working to serve Rotarians worldwide.