Rotary International
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
About Rotary
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Together, we take action to create lasting change in our communities and around the world.
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Rotary is one of the world’s leading membership and humanitarian service organisations, with 1.4 million members globally.
Members of Rotary volunteer their time to make a difference in their local communities and around the world through projects which support education, fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water and much more.
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Rotary is one of the world’s leading membership and humanitarian service organisations, with 1.4 million members globally.
Through membership of their local club, individuals volunteer on community and humanitarian projects which make a difference locally, nationally and globally.
Rotary members are determined to tackle the world’s biggest issues, including promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education and so much more.
Rotary was formed as a networking organisation and this still plays a part in Rotary life today. Rotary provides the opportunity to expand personal and professional circles, meet new people and make lasting friendships, all while having fun in the process.
Rotary and Rotaract
Rotaract is a global network that brings People of Action together to create meaningful change in their local communities, around the world, and within themselves.
A type of Rotary membership, Rotaractors are changemakers who join our organisation to build meaningful connections which they use to create a positive impact in society.
In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotary and Rotaract are changing communities like yours.
The Rotary Causes
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![Logo with a circle containing a mountain, a leaf, and a hand, with the text PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT PREVENTION below.]()
We foster understanding and interaction between people of different backgrounds and cultures. We take action to support refugees and train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict to create a safer and more harmonious world for all people.
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![Logo for disease prevention and treatment with a stethoscope and heart icon.]()
Building on our successful fight to eliminate polio, we bring together global experts, national health systems, and local leaders to improve and expand access to health care and prevent the spread of diseases like malaria so that everyone can lead healthy lives.
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![Seal with water sanitation, hygiene, and sanitation text]()
We share our expertise and partner with communities to increase access to vital water, sanitation, and hygiene services and resources particularly in schools and healthcare facilities so that more communities and people can grow and thrive.
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![Logo of Maternal and Child Health with an outlined outline of a mother holding a child inside a circle.]()
By connecting mothers and children to nutrition, health care, and sanitary tools, we increase wellbeing for families and communities.
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![Line drawing of a pencil and an open notebook with a circular background, with the text "Basic Education and Literacy" below.]()
We strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy at all stages of learning, through training teachers and focusing on foundational literacy skills, opening up new possibilities for the future.
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![Logo for Community Economic Development with a stylized globe and stack of coins.]()
Leveraging the collective business and professional expertise of our members, we expand the potential for economic development, especially for youth and women, so that more people and communities can prosper.
The Fight Against Polio
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. Most know it as poliovirus.
The virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine.
The eradication of polio is one of Rotary’s longest standing and most significant efforts. Along with partners, Rotary have helped immunize more than 3 billion children against polio in 122 countries. Polio cases have reduced by 99.9% worldwide and we won't stop until we end the disease for good.
Every dollar Rotary International commits to end polio will be tripled thanks to a matching agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The average cost for a single dose of the oral polio vaccine is US$0.15.
The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
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District grants fund small-scale, short-term activities that address needs in your community and communities abroad.
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Global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary's areas of focus.
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Programs of scale grants are Rotary Foundation grants that benefit a large number of people or a significant geographical area.
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Disaster response grants support relief and recovery efforts in areas that have been affected by natural disaster.
Disaster Response
Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation play a unique role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Working closely with our partner ShelterBox and other organizations that specialize in disaster relief, Rotary members lead projects to support every phase of a community's recovery.
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Local clubs and partners immediately offer helping hands and supplies.
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Clubs and districts help affected communities wherever we can through funds and materials to re-establish day-to-day operations.
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Clubs plan and implement projects that rebuild affected communities.
Rotary International In Great Britain & Ireland
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI or Rotary GB&I) is an Rotary International administrative territorial unit comprising all Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.
Clubs and members within Great Britain and Ireland are support and served by Rotary GB&I and not by Rotary World Headquarters or Rotary’s international offices.
The Chair of Rotaract GBI is also an ex officio member of the Rotary GB&I Board.
Rotary's Action Plan
People of Action know that achieving any vision, big or small, requires a plan.
Rotary pioneered a model of service leadership more than a century ago based on person-to-person connections. That model is just as powerful today as ever. Except now, those individual connections span the globe. Today's Rotary doesn't just reach out to act on communities' needs close to home; we transcend borders, generations, languages, cultures, and historic differences to create hope for a better world.
When we imagined where Rotary is going in the next 100 years, we developed a plan built on four priorities: increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant engagement, and increasing our ability to adapt.
Peace Fellowships
Rotary awards up to 170 funded fellowships a year for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of eight Rotary Peace Centers.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
One of the Rotary Peace Centers is based at the University of Bradford, England.
Rotary Action Groups
Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water.
Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects.
Anyone who wants to share their expertise to make a positive difference can join an action group. Only Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellows can serve in leadership roles.
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Peace
Refugees
Slavery Prevention
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Addiction Prevention
Alzheimer's/Dementia
Blindness Prevention
Blood and Organ Donation
Diabetes
Family Health/AIDS Prevention
Health Education and Wellness
Hearing
Hepatitis Eradication
Malaria
Mental Health Initiatives
Multiple Sclerosis
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Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
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Clubfoot
Reproductive Maternal and Child Health
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Basic Education and Literacy
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Community Economic Development
Disaster Assistance
Menstrual Health and Hygiene
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Endangered Species
Environmental Sustainability
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Food Plant Solutions
Girls’ Empowerment
Paul Harris
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris.
The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
Many other notable figures have been named Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk.
Rotary Programs
Rotary’s programs are developing the next generation of leaders, providing funding to make the world a better place, and making peace a priority. Rotary programs are also not just for club members.
Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Rotary’s programs also help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.
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Each year, Rotary selects up to 130 professionals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at our Rotary Peace Centers.
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Finding community solutions to community challenges, Rotary Community Corps unites Rotary members with nonmembers to make a positive difference.
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RYLA is a leadership development program for young people who want to learn new skills, build their confidence, and have fun. Events range from one-day seminars to weeklong camps.
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Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens.
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Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills and learn about the world through service projects and activities.
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Rotary invests more than $7 million a year in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study.
For 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has been turning project ideas into reality. Our clubs receive funding to support humanitarian projects, scholarships, and international exchanges.
“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”
— Paul Harris, Rotary Founder
Watch former Rotaract GBI Chair and Rotary member, James Thomas, speak at the Rotary International Assembly in 2026.
Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best
— Rotary’s Two Official Mottoes