Membership

Membership

What is Rotary?
Rotary Clubs are pockets of like minded people of a variety of ages and talents that all want to make a positive change in their community and internationally. Clubs meet regularly where members get the chance to socialise, listen to guest speakers and make plans to make change happen. Most clubs have commitees such as youth, community, international and environment where you will find extra enthusiasm and support for your ideas in specific areas. 
Not all clubs meet on the same day or time. There are some early morning breakfast clubs, some are lunch, some are tea time and some clubs meet onlne too. There is a club for everyone.
 

Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships and Fellowship.

This vision still stands today with so many clubs worldwide which you would be welcome to drop into even if you were away on holiday.

Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
‘Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves’ – Paul Harris (Rotary Founder)
 
Our reputation for Service is well known and respected locally, nationally, and internationally Rotary is the place to turn your passion for change into action. We are a global community of Circa 1.2 million members in 200 Countries all committed to making a difference.
 
At Rotary we have the unique position of being rooted within our own communities but with a global outlook, ready to tackle challenges locally and around the world.
When you join Rotary, you will enjoy a supportive environment to share your skills, connect with like-minded people and make change happen.
 
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.

We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, colour, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.

Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.

We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.

 Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.
 
1. Promoting peace
Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures.
2. Fighting disease
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria.
3. Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day.
4. Saving mothers and children
Nearly 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation.
5. Supporting education
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate.
6. Growing local economies
We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old.
7. Protecting the environment
Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do; coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.
 
Our District (1175) covers Devon, Cornwall, or the Isles of Scilly and if you live or work here and would like to join a membership of approx. 1,809 across 77 clubs. To play an active and supportive role in your community locally, nationally and internationally then simply fill in the form here http://www.rotarygbi.org/enquire/ and someone from your local area will be in touch very soon.
 
Alternatively, you can contact the 'Rotary Southwest District Membership Lead Adrian Laurie by email at membership@rotary1175.com or by completing the contact form at the bottom of this page.
 
Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland has a Support Centre provides operational, financial and marketing support to 33,887 members across 1,346 Rotary clubs for general enquiries and for existing members please contact Rotary GB&I at http://www.rotarygbi.org/contact-us/
 
For Information
To help with the formation of new clubs in all districts in Rotary GB&I, the following agreement has recently been reached with Rotary International:
The number of members required to form a new Chartered club has now been set as 10 members (reduced from 20 until 2028).
It is hoped that this change will make it easier to form new clubs and invigorate and promote an increase in the number of clubs withing our zone