What is Rotary?

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad.


Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

Learn more about our structure and our foundation.

Our motto: Service Above Self

For more than 110 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation of our values: service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

What we do

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:

  • Promote peace
  • Fight disease
  • Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Save mothers and children
  • Support education
  • Grow local economies

What is Rotary? sub-pages:

Our Mission

more Our Mission in the Community

The Beginning

more The Beginning

The Rotary Family

more The Rotary Family

"One Hundred Years Old"

more Over 100 Hundred Years Old