Become a Rotarian
What is Rotary?
Rotary International is an association of Rotary clubs worldwide. It’s made up of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians, and they form a global network of 1.4 million business and professional leaders, all volunteering their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Individual Rotary clubs, in turn, belong to the global association called Rotary International. Find out more about Rotary’s history and structure.
How Do I Become a Member of Rotary?
If you’re interested in joining our Rotary club contact us directly at:
A person being considered for membership is invited to attend one or more club meetings to learn more about Rotary and the club. The candidate’s name will be submitted to the club's membership committee for recommendation and Board of Directors for approval. At that point the prospective member will be inducted into the Club. Please note that membership in a Rotary club is by invitation.
What are the qualifications for membership?
Prospective Members Must:
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Hold (or be retired from) a professional, proprietary, executive, managerial, or community position
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Have demonstrated a commitment to service through personal involvement
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Be able to meet the club’s weekly attendance or community project participation requirements
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Live or work within the vicinity of the club or surrounding area
What Are the Responsibilities of Membership?
Members are expected to attend weekly club meetings. They must pay annual dues to their clubs, their Rotary district, and Rotary International, and they’re expected to participate in local or international Rotary club activities or projects. Clubs encourage members to aspire to club leadership or committee roles.
What Are the Attendance Requirements?
For a long time, 50 percent attendance at club meetings has been required to remain an active Rotarian. However, to accommodate busy schedules, there are many opportunities to make up those missed meeting and members are encouraged to take part in the numerous club community service events, committee meetings and social functions that happen throughout the year. There is also training opportunities and you always have the ability to attend meetings at other clubs in addition to your home club. There is even the option to "attend" meetings online. The emphasis these days are on engagement rather than strict policies of attendance.
How Much Are Dues to Rotary International?
Dues costs are approximately $320 per year and can be billed annually or semi annually. Corporate memberships are also available. Please inquire for more information.
What is the Minimum Age to be in Rotary?
There is no minimum age to join Rotary. You may be invited to join at any age after you become established in a career and have the time and financial resources to meet all Rotary club membership requirements. If you’re interested in joining a Rotary club, ask members about the time and financial commitments necessary to fulfill membership requirements, and consider whether you can make those commitments.
Are College Students Eligible for Membership?
No. Rotarians have achieved a level of career experience that enables them to bring a specialization to their club, and students haven’t yet reached a level in their professional and personal lives that allows them to fulfill all aspects of Rotary club membership. But undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young adults, may become members of Rotaract clubs.
Is There a Way for High School Students to Get Involved?
Yes. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for those ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs give young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends.
Where Do I Find a List of Rotary Classifications?
Because of the ever-changing landscape of professional work and the unique commercial environments in which Rotary clubs are located, Rotary no longer keeps a standard list of classifications on file. Clubs are encouraged to create their own classification lists by using their local phone books, chambers of commerce, or other business directories. Classifications aren’t rigid and can reflect the many types of professions and positions that exist in particular industries. The law classification, for example, can be broken down into criminal law, tax law, intellectual property law, and other fields.
If I’m Not a Rotary Club Member, Can I Still Help Out with Service Projects?
Yes! You can offer to assist any Rotary club with its local service projects.
We use the Kambeo platform to list the different events and projects. You can get more information here:
https://app.kambeo.io/group/rotaryclubstcatharinessouth
Rotary has more than 46,000 Rotary clubs worldwide. There are more than 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide! Please email us for additional information.