FAQ

 

What is Rotary?

Rotary is a volunteer service club with approximately 1.2 million members in approximately 32,000 clubs around the world. The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.
 

What do you do?

Through volunteerism, we help make the world better at home, and around the world. This includes assisting youth at risk, indigenous people, the homeless, clean drinking water, sanitation, and medical care in developing countries, and many other important projects. Our goal is to help others while having fun and making new friends.
 

Is Rotary a Religious, or Political Organization?

No. Rotary is an international success because it works with all people and does not take a stand in reference to religion or politics. Our founder, Paul Harris, saw the importance of this and in his book, The Rotarian Age, stated:
"To create a harmonious environment for the fellowship that held clubs together, Rotary discouraged religious and political positions." 
 

Why should I join?

If you want to meet a group of positive people who are interested in making Toronto and the world a better place, then Rotary may be for you.  We have a variety of charities and projects that we support both financially and with our efforts. The more you get involved, the more you get out of it. You will grow personally and develop many new, diverse and interesting friends while we work together to make the world a better place.


Who is in your club?

We have members who are actively working, retired, young and old, men and women. Occupations include medical, legal, engineering and accounting professionals, technology, real estate, small business owners, managers, and more. As of April 1, 2024, we are just over 50 members, so it's easy to get to know everyone. 
 

When do you meet?

Our regular meetings can be attended on-line, or in-person. In-person meetings are held at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club at 44 Price St (Yonge/Summerhill), Toronto from 12pm to 1:30pm on the first, third, and fifth (if applicable) Wednesday of each month. Meetings on the second Wednesday of each month are on-line only via Zoom. On the fourth Wednesday, we have a special Rotary After Hours meeting from 5:30 pm to 7pm at the Duke of Kent pub, 2315 Yonge St.

 

How much does it cost?

There is a modest annual Rotary membership fee, plus an additional amount for your meeting meal expenses (if applicable). As a regular member, you can expect the cost to be just over $1000 annually if you chose to be part of the social events or donation activities in which many members participate. If you are under age 45, you qualify for a significantly discounted cost through our Young Professional Membership.


Are there strict meeting attendance requirements?

In order to get the most out of being a Rotarian, it's important to participate as much as possible. While you are encouraged to attend weekly meetings, we place a greater importance on your overall contributions to the club. Members who are unable to regularly attend our weekly meetings due to work or family commitments , can actively participate in many other ways. This can include volunteering for community projects, or assisting with fund raisers. You can also attend on-line or a meeting at a different local or international club. Meetings at other clubs are always open to outside members, even when traveling to different cities or countries. Many people will tell you that some of their greatest Rotarian experiences include visits to clubs in other countries.


What is the membership process?

Membership is by invitation. If you express interest, we will encourage you to attend a few meetings and meet some of our members to see if Rotary is a good fit for you. Assuming we both agree that Rotary is for you, we will guide you through the application process to ensure you understand the obligations of membership. Subsequently, the board will consider your application and once approved, you will be officially inducted into the club at one of our weekly meetings. You will also be provided with a mentor who will help you learn more about the club and the activities that interest you most. Apply for Rotary Membership Here
 

What can I expect at a meeting?

One thing you will notice immediately is the welcoming atmosphere at Rotary Toronto Eglinton. Before things start, you will have a chance to mingle with friendly, like-minded people. Our meetings are structured, but retain a sense of fun and friendship. We begin with acknowledging guests, a short reflection, and fun tradition we call "Happy Bucks" where members volunteer to share a quick thought, or brief story in exchange for dollar. We enjoy a great lunch, and after some club announcements, an interesting and informative guest presentation. The meeting adjourns by 1:30pm, which enables you to make your way to work - or meet for committee meetings. 
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