Rotary 101: The Basics
Rotary is a worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.
Made up of over 34,000 Rotary clubs 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.
Our motto, Service Above Self , exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide . Service efforts are directed toward our areas of focus:
Made up of over 34,000 Rotary clubs 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.
Our motto, Service Above Self , exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide . Service efforts are directed toward our areas of focus:
- Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
- Disease prevention and treatment
- Water and sanitation
- Maternal and child health
- Basic education and literacy
- Economic and community development
The Organization
Rotary is a grassroots organization, with service efforts carried out by members of Rotary clubs. District and international leaders support Rotary clubs and help them provide service in their local communities and abroad.
Clubs
Rotarians are members of Rotary clubs , which belong to the global association Rotary International (RI). Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary’s constitution and bylaws. We are the Westwood Rotary NJ Club.
Districts
Clubs are grouped into RI districts , each led by a district governor. District leaders, including assistant governors and various committees, help guide and support clubs. Annual district conferences celebrate achievements and bring Rotarians from different clubs together. Our club belongs to District 7490.
RI Board
The RI Board of Directors , which includes the RI president and president-elect, meets quarterly to establish policies. Directors are elected to represent Rotary clubs within a particular zone (group of districts.
The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is overseen by its Board of Trustees , which includes the Trustee chair and chair-elect. Trustees are appointed by the RI president, with approval from the RI Board.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat, or staff, of Rotary is led by the general secretary . The staff works to serve Rotarians from the international headquarters located near Chicago, and at international offices in Argentina , Australia , Brazil , India , Japan , Korea , and Switzerland . The office for RI in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), located in England, serves clubs and districts in that region.
RI Strategic Plan
The RI Strategic Plan focuses Rotary’s efforts on clubs, helping clubs expand their service and publicize their accomplishments. The plan’s three priorities are equally important to Rotary’s future:
Rotary is a grassroots organization, with service efforts carried out by members of Rotary clubs. District and international leaders support Rotary clubs and help them provide service in their local communities and abroad.
Clubs
Rotarians are members of Rotary clubs , which belong to the global association Rotary International (RI). Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary’s constitution and bylaws. We are the Westwood Rotary NJ Club.
Districts
Clubs are grouped into RI districts , each led by a district governor. District leaders, including assistant governors and various committees, help guide and support clubs. Annual district conferences celebrate achievements and bring Rotarians from different clubs together. Our club belongs to District 7490.
RI Board
The RI Board of Directors , which includes the RI president and president-elect, meets quarterly to establish policies. Directors are elected to represent Rotary clubs within a particular zone (group of districts.
The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is overseen by its Board of Trustees , which includes the Trustee chair and chair-elect. Trustees are appointed by the RI president, with approval from the RI Board.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat, or staff, of Rotary is led by the general secretary . The staff works to serve Rotarians from the international headquarters located near Chicago, and at international offices in Argentina , Australia , Brazil , India , Japan , Korea , and Switzerland . The office for RI in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), located in England, serves clubs and districts in that region.
RI Strategic Plan
The RI Strategic Plan focuses Rotary’s efforts on clubs, helping clubs expand their service and publicize their accomplishments. The plan’s three priorities are equally important to Rotary’s future:
- Support and strengthen clubs
- Focus and increase humanitarian service
- Enhance public image and awareness
