Introducing "Rotary Basics"

Every great journey begins with a solid foundation. Whether you are a new member or a longtime Rotarian, understanding the "why" and "how" behind our organization is key to a meaningful experience.

About the Guide

The information in this series is drawn from Rotary Basics, an official reference guide published by Rotary International. It is designed as a comprehensive resource to help members navigate our global network.

The Three-Part Series

  • Part 1 (This Edition): Who We Are & How We Work – Our global network and organizational structure.
  • Part 2 (Next Week): The Values That Guide Us – Core values, Avenues of Service, and The Four-Way Test.
  • Part 3 (Final Week): Our Global Impact – Areas of focus, the fight to end polio, and ways to get involved.

Welcome to the first in our series. In this edition, we publish Part One.


Part 1: Who We Are & How We Work

1.2 Million People of Action

  • Our Global Reach: Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million people of action belonging to more than 45,000 Rotary and Rotaract clubs.
  • Two Primary Entities: Rotary operates through Rotary International (RI), which supports clubs, and The Rotary Foundation (TRF), our charitable arm that funds humanitarian work.
  • How We Are Organized:
    • Clubs: The most important component where service and connection happen.
    • Districts: Groups of clubs (over 500 worldwide) led by a District Governor.
    • Zones: 34 regional groups that nominate members for our Board of Directors.
Did You Know? Early members chose the name "Rotary" because their meeting locations rotated among their different offices.