Rotary Programs

RI’s programs and service opportunities are designed to help Rotarian’s meet needs in their own communities and reach out to assist people in need worldwide.

Avenues of Service

Based on the Object of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:

• Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
• Vocational Service encourages Rotarian’s to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
• Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
• International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.
• New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs.

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Interact

Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this service organization for youth ages 14-18; more than 10,500 clubs in 109 countries.

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Rotaract

Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this leadership, professional development, and service organization for young adults ages 18-30; more than 8,000 clubs in 139 countries.

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Rotary Community Corps (RCC)

Rotary clubs organize and sponsor these groups of non-Rotarian’s who work to improve their communities; more than 6,000 RCCs in 60 countries.

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Global Networking Groups

Rotary Fellowships (vocationally and recreationally based interest groups) and Rotarian Action Groups (groups focused on service activities) compose Global Networking Groups, which are open to all Rotarian’s, spouses of Rotarian’s, and Rotaractors sharing common interests; more than 90 sharing Global Networking Groups.

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Rotary Friendship Exchange

Rotarian’s and their families make reciprocal visits to other countries, staying in each other’s homes and learning about different cultures firsthand.

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Rotary Volunteers

Rotarian’s and other skilled professionals are provided opportunities to offer their services and experience to local and international humanitarian projects.

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Rotary Youth Exchange

Clubs and districts sponsor and host students ages 15-19 who travel abroad for an academic year or an extended holiday; about 7,000 a year.

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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Clubs and districts sponsor seminars to encourage and recognize leadership abilities of youth and young adults ages 14-30.

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World Community Service (WCS)

Rotary clubs and districts from two different countries form partnerships to implement community service projects.

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Menu of Service Opportunities

RI recommends that clubs planning service activities consider nine major needs or concerns: Children at Risk, Disabled Persons, Health Care, International Understanding and Goodwill, Literacy and Numeracy, Population Issues, Poverty and Hunger, Preserve Planet Earth, and Urban Concerns.