What is Rotary
People of Action, worldwide
New to Rotary? Here's what it is, what we believe, and how our e-club fits into a global movement of neighbours, friends and problem-solvers.
A global movement
Rotary International — founded 1905
The big picture
Neighbours, friends and leaders who see a world where people unite and take action
Service Above Self
Rotary’s guiding motto. Members use their time, skills and networks to solve real problems in their communities and around the world.
People of Action
From eradicating polio to providing clean water, Rotarians turn compassion into measurable, lasting change.
The Rotary Foundation
Rotary’s charitable arm funds global grants and district grants — the engine behind large-scale projects like our avoidable-blindness missions.
And what is an E-Club?
All of Rotary — without the commute
We meet online
An e-club is a full Rotary club that meets over the internet instead of at a fixed venue — ideal for busy professionals and members spread across cities and countries.
Same standing, same impact
E-clubs charter under Rotary International exactly like traditional clubs, run real service projects, and welcome visiting Rotarians for make-up meetings.
Serve from anywhere
Our members join from wherever they are — which is why our projects reach from Bengaluru to West Africa.
What Rotary brings to the table
What you gain as a member
Rotary is as much about what you receive as what you give. Members tell us it changes their lives too.
Join a community of doers who turn ideas into real-world impact.
Meet professionals and leaders across industries and continents.
Fellowship is at the heart of Rotary — friends who become family.
Serve and travel with 1.4M+ Rotarians in 200+ countries.
Find creative ways to meet community needs that matter to you.
Gain new skills and lead projects with real responsibility.
Our ethical compass
The Four-Way Test
Of the things we think, say or do, Rotarians ask four questions — a standard for ethics used by Rotarians worldwide since 1932.
1. Is it the TRUTH?
We hold ourselves to honesty in what we say and do.
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
We weigh the interests of everyone affected.
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
We act to strengthen understanding and fellowship.
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
We aim for outcomes that leave everyone better off.
How Rotary organises service
The Five Avenues of Service
Every Rotary club channels its work through five avenues — and our club is active in all of them.
Keeping the club strong — membership, fellowship and smooth functioning.
Using our professions to serve, and upholding high ethical standards at work.
Improving lives in our local community through hands-on projects.
Advancing understanding and goodwill across borders.
Empowering young people through Interact, Rotaract, RYLA and exchanges.
Where Rotary makes an impact
Rotary's Seven Areas of Focus
Rotary concentrates its global effort in seven areas. Our projects map directly onto these.
Peacebuilding & conflict prevention
Promoting dialogue, understanding and peace.
Disease prevention & treatment
From polio eradication to our health camps and HPV drives.
Water, sanitation & hygiene
Clean water and sanitation for healthier communities.
Maternal & child health
A core priority — our parent-craft and women’s-health work.
Basic education & literacy
Adolescent-health booklets, school labs and libraries.
Community economic development
Livelihoods and dignity — like autos for women drivers.
Protecting the environment
Tree plantation, water conservation and plastic-free drives.
You don't have to be a Rotarian to make a difference
Whether you want to join, partner, volunteer or give — there's a place for you in our e-club.