Overview of Rotary International's leadership structure

Clubs

Rotarians are members of more than 32,000 Rotary clubs, which belong to the global association of Rotary International (RI). Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary’s constitution and bylaws.

Districts

Clubs are grouped into approximately 530 RI districts, each led by a district governor, who is an RI officer and leads about 50 clubs. The district administration, including assistant governors and various committees, guides and supports the clubs.

The RI Boards

The 19-member RI Board of Directors , which includes the RI president and president-elect, meets quarterly to establish policies. Traditionally, the RI president, who is elected annually, develops a theme and emphasis for the year.

The Secretariat

RI is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, USA, with seven international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The office of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), located in England, serves clubs and districts in that region.

The Secretariat’s active managing officer is the general secretary, who heads a 650-member staff working to serve Rotarians worldwide. Contact the Secretariat .

Adapted from Rotary Basics

Council on Legislation

The Council on Legislation, Rotary’s “parliament,” meets every three years to deliberate and act upon all proposed enactments and resolutions submitted by clubs, district conferences, the RIBI Conference or General Council, and the RI Board. The Council itself also makes proposals. Read more about the Council on Legislation .

The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation

The 15 directors of The Rotary Foundation are appointed by the RI president, with the agreement of the RI Board. The Trustees manage all business of the Foundation. The trustee chair, who serves for one year as chair, is the head of the Trustees. Each trustee is appointed to a four-year term.