What is Rotary?

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Rotary is a worldwide network of inspired men and women who translate their passions into relevant social causes, to change lives in communities.

Made up of over 1.2 million Rotary members - known as Rotarians - in 34,000 Rotary clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas around the world, Rotary International forms a global network of business, professional and community leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve communities locally and around the world - and form strong, lasting friendships in the process.
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), as the name suggests, is the association of Rotary clubs within England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, comprising 53,000 members - men and women of all ages and backgrounds - in 1,850 clubs.

Rotary clubs are based within local communities, with their members meeting on a regular basis to enjoy friendship, networking, and to plan projects that will benefit the lives of others.

Rotary clubs depend on the skills, expertise and dedication of their members, who work hard to change the lives of people in communities both at home and abroad.

Our Mission

Rotary’s mission is simply to serve others; to give something back, to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace by utilising the skills, talents and energy of our members collectively.
  • We want to bring about positive change in our neighbourhoods by fostering and building strong communities.
  • We want to provide opportunities that will improve lives.
  • We want to help eradicate poverty, hunger and preventable disease across the world.

Service Above Self

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Our motto, Service Above Self, exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of Rotary members worldwide – to serve the community and put its needs before the member’s own.
Around the world, our main focuses are:
  • Economic and community development
  • Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Water and sanitation
  • Maternal and child health
  • Basic education and literacy

End Polio Now

In 1979 Rotary clubs took on a project to buy and help deliver polio vaccine to more than six million children in the Philippines.
In 1985, Rotary International launched PolioPlus, the first and largest internationally coordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative, with an initial pledge of US$120 million.
In 1988 Rotarians raise US$247 million for PolioPlus, more than double their fundraising goal of $120 million. The World Health Assembly passes a resolution to eradicate polio, setting up the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
From 2013 to 2018, every US$1 Rotary commits to WHO and UNICEF in direct support for polio immunization will be doubled (up to us$35 million per year) by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Find out more at endpolio.org