In response to comments from membership, Rotary International has revised its recently adopted policy related to guns and weapons.
Excerpt from Rotary’s Policy on Club and District Activities Related to Guns and
Weapons (includes changes from June 2017 RI Board decisions)
Weapons (includes changes from June 2017 RI Board decisions)
2.100. Clubs and Districts Events Involving Weapons
Rotary clubs, Rotary districts and other Rotary Entities may participate in activities involving the
sale, give-away or transfer, including raffles, of guns, weapons or other armaments, provided they
never take ownership of the item(s) and any transfer of ownership of a firearm is handled by a
licensed third party in compliance with all applicable laws. Any use of the Rotary Marks in
connection with such activities shall be in compliance with RI policy, including policy for use of
the Rotary Marks.
2.110. Legal and Insurance Implications of Events Involving Weapons
Rotary clubs, districts and other Rotary Entities that organize events or activities that involve guns
or weapons, including sport shooting activities, shall review potential liabilities arising out of such
activities and consult with legal and/or insurance professionals to ensure that they are adequately
protected.
33.030.6. Use of the Rotary Emblem or other Rotary Marks by Rotary Entities
When used by itself, the word “Rotary” or the Rotary Emblem normally refers to the entire
organization, Rotary International. It also means the ideals and principles of the organization. All
club, district, multidistrict and other Rotary Entity activities, projects and organizations must
include identifiers of the club, district, multidistrict group or other Rotary Entity when using the
Rotary Emblem or other Rotary Marks. In limited instances and in RI’s sole discretion, a
geographic identifier may be used, provided it accurately represents the interests of each club in
that area and appropriate approvals are sought from the district governors and/or the club
presidents. Such identifier must be in close proximity to and in equal prominence with the Rotary
Emblem or other of the Rotary Marks.
The Rotary Marks must always be reproduced in their entirety. No alterations, obstructions or
modifications of the Rotary Marks are permitted. To accommodate digital media and enhance an
accurate reproduction of the Rotary emblem, a specially modified emblem may be used for
replications smaller than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), such modified emblem to be used only together
with “Rotary” as part of the “digital and small space signature lock-up” or with “Interact” or
“Rotaract” as part of the digital and small space simplified signatures for the Programs logos. To
accommodate the embroidery medium, the modified Rotary emblem may be used on licensed and
other RI authorized articles of clothing in replications greater than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) but only
in sizes too small to accommodate accurate reproduction of the Rotary emblem, provided the
modified Rotary emblem is always used together with “Rotary,” “Interact,” or “Rotaract” in the
simplified signature format.
For correct color reproductions of the Rotary emblem or other of the Rotary Marks, current
guidelines are found in the Brand Center at https://brandcenter.rotary.org and in “Voice and Visual
Identity Guidelines,” which give further specifications for reproducing the Rotary emblem and
guidelines for maintaining a standardized, coordinated identity for all Rotary materials (547A).
Rotarians are reminded that Rotary is both a local and a global organization and even local uses
may enjoy global recognition through the use of the Internet and other electronic communications.
Different cultures have different standards and different sensitivities. Any use of the Rotary Marks
under these guidelines should attempt to be culturally sensitive and in concert with the Object of
Rotary. RI reserves the right to review and approve any uses of the Rotary Marks. The Rotary
Marks may not be depicted in combination with images of guns, weapons, or other armaments.