About Rotary

ROTARY is a worldwide organisation of more than 1.2 million business and professional people who are pledged to:
· serve the community, locally, nationally and globally
· promote the highest ethical standards in all areas of working life
· work for peace and goodwill worldwide
In Great Britain and Ireland alone there are 59,000 members in more than 1,800 clubs, in 29 districts.

ROTARY FOUNDATION is Rotary’s Charity. Its aim is to improve world understanding and the prospect of peace by supporting humanitarian, educational and cultural programmes of Rotary Clubs throughout the world. The most ambitious project has been the eradication of poliomyelitis, working with UNICEF and the WHO to immunise children against this crippling disease - $400 million has been raised.

HOW ROTARY OPERATES
Rotarians believe that commerce and community are not separate entities but totally inter-dependent. Through membership of more than 31,000 clubs worldwide they serve the communities by devoting time, energy and skills to a whole range of projects.
As the largest organisation of its kind in Great Britain and Ireland, Rotary is uniquely placed to harness the energies of thousands of potential volunteers who want to make a contribution to the community at home or abroad.

MEMBERS and MEETINGS
Each club must be representative of the local business and professional community, ensuring a proper balance across all sectors.
Fellowship and the exchange of ideas and experience through regular meetings are at the heart of Rotary’s activities.
Members make a commitment to attend 60 per cent of meetings either at their own club or at other clubs around the world. Because it is an international organisation, Rotarians are welcome at clubs throughout the world.
Folkestone Rotary Club meets on alternate Mondays at lunchtime.

SERVICE at HOME
Rotarians place strong emphasis on personal service to the community, and pride themselves on bringing the same degree of professionalism and integrity to their community work as to their occupation.
Through vocational projects they support job development, employment skills, literacy and numeracy training, and a range of work-related activities, as well as many environmental initiatives.
…. and ABROAD
Many members give community service overseas, particularly in third world countries where their professional skills are in great demand – eye camps, educational and engineering projects (text books for schools or building water filtration units).

YOUNG ROTARY
There are two organisations created for young people, dedicated to service and international understanding. They are independent and self-governing, although closely associated with Rotary.
INTERACT is for anyone aged 14-18 years old and membership is generally found in schools and community youth groups.
ROTARACT is for 18 to 30 year olds. Both are rooted in the Rotary tradition of service to the community and run a range of local, national and international service projects. The international nature of Rotary offers many opportunities for contact and exchange visits.

Why Join Rotary?