Skip to main content

Who We Are

Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action 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 and our strategic vision.

What we do

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our more than 45,000 clubs work together to:

  • Promote peace
  • Fight disease
  • Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Improve maternal and child health
  • Support education
  • Grow local economies
  • Protect the environment

Get involved

Our mission

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Vision statement

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

See how Rotary has made a difference in the lives of our members

  • WAIRIMU NJAGE

    Vice Chairperson/Executive Director, International Education
    Kenya

    The collective action of Rotary amplifies Wairimu’s calling to improve educational opportunities for others.

    HEAR WAIRIMU’S STORY

  • PETER ELBERS

    Senior Management and Organization Consultant
    Netherlands

    Rotary gives Peter a cross-cultural network through which he can cultivate friendships and be a citizen of the world.

    HEAR PETER’S STORY

  • BINDI RAJASEGARAN

    Managing Partner, Consultancy
    Malaysia

    Rotary’s international platform broadened Bindi’s humanitarian efforts, allowing her to reach beyond her community to make a difference.

    HEAR BINDI’S STORY

  • MINGAILĖ SCHERER

    Business Development Director
    Lithuania

    Through Rotary, Mingailė can give back to her community and beyond while balancing family, career, and social connections.

    HEAR MINGAILĖ’S STORY

  • CHARVI SHAH

    Systems Analyst
    Canada

    Rotary helped Charvi build her confidence and leadership skills, empowering her to help other young people get involved with community service.

    HEAR CHARVI’S STORY

  • DANIEL EDUARDO ZAVALA

    Attorney
    Venezuela

    Rotary’s global connections and growth opportunities expanded Dani’s perspective and skills, transforming him into a confident leader.

    HEAR DANIEL’S STORY

  • NICOLE PEÑA

    Marketing Director
    Colombia

    Through Rotary, Nicole found mentors who helped guide her growth and shape her future.

    HEAR NICOLE’S STORY

  • PETER HARRISON

    Computer Engineer
    Canada

    Once a mentee in Rotary programs, Peter is now a mentor, helping the next generation achieve success in school.

    HEAR PETER’S STORY

  • JENNIFER SCOTT

    Attorney and Mediator
    Australia

    Jennifer wanted to make a difference and found she could amplify her impact through Rotary, providing better futures for children around the world.

    HEAR JENNIFER’S STORY

  • MARIA VITTORIA ‘MAVI’ GARGIULO

    Research Scientist
    Italy

    From a small town to a global community of friends and connections, Mavi’s Rotary journey helped her grow into the changemaker and leader she is today.

    HEAR MAVI’S STORY

  • RAMESH FERRIS

    Global Health Advocate
    Canada

    As a polio survivor, Ramesh supports Rotary’s mission of realizing a polio-free world by sharing his personal journey and advocating for vaccines.

    HEAR RAMESH’S STORY

We work differently

We see differently: Our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.

We think differently: We apply leadership and expertise to social issues — and find unique solutions.

We act responsibly: Our passion and perseverance create lasting change.

We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members can be found in your community and across the globe.

Get involved

Our pledge to support resilient communities

Rotary is committed to taking collective action toward building resilient communities that are safe, healthy, and sustainable. We value science-based evidence and acknowledge the impacts of climate change. We are committed to integrating sustainability into our processes and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations, events, travel, and projects.

We encourage communities to balance the needs of nature and people by:

  • Reducing the consumption of resources and the emission of pollutants to the air, soil, and waterways
  • Making changes in water and energy use based on the principles of the circular economy, which includes repair, reuse, and recycling
  • Working to protect and regenerate natural ecosystems
  • Helping communities that are affected by extreme weather, natural disasters, pollution, and ecosystem disruptions to become more resilient.

Visit One Rotary Center

Discover how Rotary creates lasting change when you visit One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Learn more. 

Explore our causes