What is Public Image?
Rotary's public image is what people outside of Rotary think of when they hear our name. But name recognition is just the start. Our public image is shaped by the actions of our members, the activities we engage in, the impact we have, and more.
A strong public image promotes trust and encourages people to engage with us. We can help build our public image by sharing stories that show us as people of action and inspire others to get involved.
Promoting Rotary to the general public can be as simple as wearing your Rotary pin or as elaborate as organizing an integrated marketing campaign. By increasing the public's understanding of Rotary, we're strengthening our ability to make an impact in communities around the world.
A strong public image promotes trust and encourages people to engage with us. We can help build our public image by sharing stories that show us as people of action and inspire others to get involved.
Promoting Rotary to the general public can be as simple as wearing your Rotary pin or as elaborate as organizing an integrated marketing campaign. By increasing the public's understanding of Rotary, we're strengthening our ability to make an impact in communities around the world.
Your Public Image Toolkit
Rotary's impact is inspiring, and there are countless stories to share. Our role is to amplify the impact we're already making and empower members to share their Rotary experiences. Here's where to start:
- Know your role. Review suggested Club Public Image Chair job description (or the District Public Image Chair job description if you're serving at the district level) so you know the opportunities to expand our public image.
- Build your team. Public Image works best as a team — recruit members who can help with writing, photography, social media, press relations, video and design.
- Take advantage of Learning Opportunities. Take the Club Public Image Committee Basics learning plan on my.rotary.org. Participate in our Zone Public Image learning webinars. If you are serving as a District Public Image Chair consider attending our in-person Zone institute/summit in the fall.
- Learn the brand. Bookmark the Rotary Brand Center for logos, colors, templates, and the Rotary voice — and use the Canva Brand Template Library to build on-brand materials fast.
- Tell real stories. Focus on People of Action — share what your club's impact in the community and member experiences, not just event flyers.
- Stay connected. Reach out to your Zone Public Image Coordinator and subscribe to Public Image Network for tips and reminders delivered straight to your inbox.
- Join our Zones 28 & 32 Facebook Group
Expand your Public Image knowledge with Learning Center courses. At my.rotary.org, you’ll find curated Public Image Chair trainings that make the role clearer, easier, and more impactful. Your growth starts with a single click. Explore topics such as:
- Building Rotary's Public Image
- Club Public Image Essentials
- Our Logo: Representing Rotary
- Promoting Rotary on Social Media
- Promoting Your Club as People of Action
- Public Relations & Your Club
- Using Rotary's Trademarks
- District Public Image Committee Essentials
My.Rotary.org login required to access the Learning Center.
Our brand is more than a logo — it's how people think about us. Learn how to use Rotary's brand in all your club communications to build awareness about Rotary.
You can find:
- Our Brand — the rules (colors, fonts, voice, logo dos and don'ts)
- Downloads — ready-made photos, videos, banners, and official logos
- Templates — build your own club logo, brochure, or social post
- People of Action — tools to spotlight your members in the community
Visit Our Curated & Branded Canva Template Library
Every template in this library is pre-built to Rotary brand standards, so your Club or District can create polished, on-brand materials without starting from scratch. Pick a design, customize it in Canva, and download or print — no guesswork, no rebuilding Brand Kits, colors or fonts from zero.
ROTARY'S PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA) CAMPAIGN
Rotary's national PSA campaign puts People of Action ads in front of millions of Americans — for free. Since launching in March 2020, the campaign has partnered with a leading advertising agency to place TV, radio, and print spots in media outlets' unsold ad space, generating over $58 million in donated media value to date across more than 1,700 TV and 9,470 radio stations nationwide.
As a district or club PI chair, you can put this campaign to work locally:
- Reach out to your local media. Contact the PSA director or program manager at your local TV and radio stations and ask them to include Rotary's PSA in their rotation. Materials formatted for broadcast and print are available at the PSA Download Center.
- Extend it online. Feature People of Action ads and videos on your club's website and social channels — download them from the Rotary Brand Center or adapt your own.
- Stay in the loop. Subscribe to monthly PSA reports at pr@rotary.org, and lean on your zone's RPIC/ARPICs and the Rotary Marketing team for outreach support — including sample scripts and fact sheets to make first contact with a station easy.
Questions about the campaign? Reach out to PR@Rotary.org.
What can I do to promote my club's public image?
As a Rotary or Rotaract member, you're an ambassador for our brand. You're also in the best position to describe how club projects and activities benefit your community. You'll find many resources in the Brand Center to help promote your club's good works, generate positive media coverage, and present your members as people of action. Opportunities include:
- Websites: Your club website may be the first place that potential members, participants, and donors encounter your club and Rotary. Update your website frequently with images, club activities, and volunteer opportunities that provide ways for community members to engage with you.
- Pro tip: Link to stories and blog entries on rotary.org that show Rotary's impact around the world.
- Social media: Social media is an easy way to connect with large audiences within and beyond your Rotary network. Share news about club projects and invite followers to learn more by linking to your club website.
- Pro tip: Rotary International's social media content is ready-made for sharing! Follow Rotary's social media channels and share posts on your club's channels.
- Events: Programs, events, and service projects help promote your club and inspire others to get involved. Plan events that appeal to your community, address local needs, and encourage the public to participate.
- Pro tip: Be prepared to collect participants' names and contact information, then follow up with them.
- Speaking engagements: Use opportunities in your community to speak about your club and what Rotary does. Make sure to use Rotary-branded PowerPoint templates and high-quality photos or videos.
- Pro tip: Include a call to action for your audience, such as inviting them to a club meeting or event, asking for a donation, or encouraging them to visit your website.
You'll find more information on promoting Rotary and your club in the Brand Center. Advertising, merchandise, and partnerships with local organizations are also effective ways to strengthen Rotary's brand and build awareness of your club.
Cheryl Metiva, Rotary Public Image Coordinator Zone 28
rotarypdgcheryl@gmail.com
Amy Sheller, Rotary Public Image Coordinator Zone 32
amycsheller@gmail.com
