Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, solve important local and global problems, and help build goodwill and peace in their communities and around the world.
Rotary is composed of Rotary clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation.
Rotary clubs are the heart of Rotary, made up of dedicated individuals who exchange ideas, build relationships, and take action. Rotary International helps by coordinating worldwide programs and events. The Rotary Foundation works as a nonprofit by accepts donations from voluntary contributions and using them to fund Rotary projects.
Rotary’s Four Way Test
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. To do this, Rotarians apply the Four-Way Test, asking the questions:
Rotary’s Other Youth Programs
Rotary Youth Exchange is a program that gives students aged 15-19 the opportunity to learn new cultures and languages by living with another family in another country. Thanks to Rotary’s worldwide network, Rotary Clubs around the globe are able to send and receive students. Exchanges last from several days to a full year where students attend school in their country of travel. If you’re interested in finding out more about YEX in District 5160, see the Youth Programs in Rotary 5160 page.
Rotaract (Rotary in Action) Clubs are the Rotary program for young adults, aged 18-30. In the USA, Rotaract Clubs are usually university-based and are often the next step for graduated Interactors. Modeled after similar goals and standards to those of Rotary, Rotaract brings together college students and young business professionals for the purpose of humanitarian service, networking, building goodwill and promoting peace in the world. As one of the fastest-growing Rotary programs, Rotaract on the international scale includes more than 8,000 Rotaract clubs in some 155 countries. If you’re interested in finding out more about Rotaract in District 5160, including opportunities for Interactors, see the Youth Programs in Rotary 5160 page.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a type of Rotary-hosted seminar or camp hosted by Rotary Clubs and/or Rotary Districts. Participants are generally active members of their community, aged 14-30 who unlock their potential as a leader. RYLA events usually last several days and include often include workshops and mentoring that helps attendees develop skills in communication and problem-solving. If you’re interested in finding out more about RYLA (camps) in District 5160, see the Youth Programs in Rotary 5160 page.