Interested in joining Rotary?  

Maybe you know something about Rotary, or want to contact your local Club. If you are interested in joining Rotary, and live in Great Britain or Ireland, there are several ways to get in touch. 

You can write to us at RIBI, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6PB, or telephone 01789 765411 

Alternatively e-mail us now at secretary@ribi.org  or email davebirdi@gantshill-rotary.org.uk

We'll be able to arrange a contact with a local club, who can invite you along to one of its meetings, so you can see at first hand what Rotary is all about. 

Of course, if you know a Rotarian in your area, speak to him or her about membership. 

But if you'd like to find out more about the organisation and its background right now, please read on 

Do you believe that helping others is more important than your own self-interest? 

Do you enjoy informal networking with like-minded business and professional people? 

Do you want to help those less fortunate than yourself at home and abroad?  

 Your experience and expertise will be valued by your local Rotary club and, when you become an active Rotarian, you will appreciate what 'service above self can mean.

What's it all about? 

Rotary is short for Rotary International - a worldwide association of local clubs for men and women in business or the professions who 

provide humanitarian service to the community at local, national and international level 

encourage high ethical standards in all vocations 

work for goodwill and peace in the world 

Rotary was founded in 1905 and now has 1.18 million members in more than 28,000 clubs in 155 countries and 35 geographical regions. There are 1,834 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland with over 59,000 members. 

Each club operates independently within a common constitution. Membership is drawn from the business and professional community. To ensure the club represents the community there are limitations on membership from each profession or type of business. But Clubs are always pleased to hear from those interested in joining them.   

Clubs meet weekly for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Business often includes a talk on a subject of general interest by an outside speaker. 

Every Rotarian has the right to attend the meeting of any other club and Rotarians may invite non-Rotarian guests to their own club meetings.  

Weekly meetings promote acquaintance and fellowship. Through this fellowship Rotarians find the inspiration to serve the community.  

Service to the community requires Rotarians to devote their time, energy and professional skills to particular projects. Although funds are often raised for charity this is not a Rotary club's first aim. The emphasis is on service by each individual Rotarian.    

Community service is the traditional and well-known face of Rotary. It covers help and advice to the aged, the handicapped, the infirm, young people and all those in need, either directly or through local charitable organisations. Environmental projects are part of community service. 

As jobs are key elements in determining Rotary membership, vocational service draws on the ethical standards, experience and expertise that Rotarians apply in their work.  

Vocational projects support training and job development, provide mock interviews, encourage the development of skills in employment and foster the highest standards in business and the professions.  

International service promotes worldwide goodwill. It includes emergency boxes, eye camps, vocational training schools, text books, tools, water filtration units and many other items for areas of need. Rotarians of different race, creed and custom, when brought together in fellowship, play an important part in breaking down prejudice and developing true international understanding. Many Rotarians volunteer their free time to projects in third world countries to bridge the gap of world understanding.