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Our Programs
Rotary’s programs are developing the next generation of leaders, providing funding to make the world a better place, and making peace a priority. And our programs are not just for club members. Learn how you can make a difference in your community through Rotary.
Rotary Community Corps
A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarians who share our commitment to changing the world through service projects. RCC members plan and carry out projects in their communities in collaboration with local Rotary clubs. Sponsored by a Rotary club, an RCC leverages Rotary’s network, brand, and mentorship by partnering with clubs to plan and implement service projects. RCCs increase Rotary’s impact and expand its reach by bringing the knowledge and talents of local people to strengthen their community through sustainable projects.
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There are more than 12,000 corps in 105 countries and 257 districts. RCCs are active everywhere Rotary is present: in urban and rural areas, and in both developed and developing countries.
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Program Goals
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Promote sustainable solutions to community needs
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Support community members in addressing community needs while recognizing their unique ability to identify pressing concerns and appropriate solutions
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Develop partnerships between Rotarians and non-Rotarians in a joint effort to strengthen the community
Why Rotary Community Corps?
Rotary Community Corps are local. They are part of the community and help mobilize the community. They ensure that local needs are met. And most significantly, a Rotary Community Corps has a vested interest in its own success. Their members have to live with the results of their work; their commitments are the basis for sustainability. Rotary grant projects that establish Rotary Community Corps help to ensure that the project’s impact lives on in the community long after Rotary’s direct support ends.
What are the benefits?
By joining or organizing an RCC, you can make a tremendous impact in your community. RCCs empower community members to take the lead in addressing their needs. Projects are more sustainable and have greater impact when community members are involved in their design, implementation, and long-term oversight. Through RCCs, clubs diversify participation in their service activities and help develop new leaders in the community.
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RCCs can be created to address an identified need in the short-term through a service project or to address various local needs through ongoing service projects.
How do I join an RCC?
Membership into RCCs is open to any adult in the community who shares Rotary’s commitment to service but is not a Rotary member. Members can be comprised of individuals or an entire village, neighborhood, or community association that wants to work with a club on service projects. The majority of RCCs do not charge membership dues. Those that charge nominal dues use funds to solely offset administrative costs. You can find an RCC in your area by contacting your local Rotary club. If there isn’t a community corps, discuss the idea of starting one with your local Rotary club president.
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How do I form an RCC as a community volunteer?
You can form an RCC anywhere community members are interested in working with Rotary. Here are some guidelines:
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Work with other local residents to identify the community’s greatest needs using this assessment form.
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Work with a local Rotary club to outline how you will work together.
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Recruit RCC members. Start with a core group of members. Community organizations and nongovernmental agencies are good places to recruit.
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How does my Rotary club sponsor an RCC?
By sponsoring an RCC, your club gives more people a chance to take action to solve your community’s problems. Here are the steps to start an RCC:
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Create awareness for the RCC program within your club.
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Assess the need for, and feasibility of, establishing an RCC.
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Review Rotary’s policies for RCCs (Chapter 5 of the Rotary Code of Policies, RCC Constitution, and Bylaws).
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Guide the process of forming an RCC once the club(s) has agreed to sponsor one.
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Identify and recruit at least 10 community members for your RCC.
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Register your RCC by sending a completed organization form to Rotary International.
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Celebrate once your RCC certificate arrives. Organize an event to recognize the partnership between the RCC and your club.
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Help your RCC develop a brand in conformity with Rotary’s visual guidelines. Here are some resources that will help your RCC to develop a strong brand:
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Review Rotary’s Voice and Visual Identity Guidelines
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Create your RCC’s logo by using the template on Rotary’s Brand Center
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Work with Rotary’s licensed vendors to purchase customized merchandize or supplies.
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Read the RCC President Survey highlights where RCC presidents and advisors share lessons learned and insights into the motives, attributes, and activities of their RCCs.
How to sustain a successful RCC
Support and mentorship from the sponsoring club is the key to an RCC’s success. Rotary clubs provide ongoing guidance to their sponsored RCC and share service-related resources and tools with the corps. The primary club sponsor is responsible for ensuring that the RCC’s activities are aligned with RI’s policies and procedures. Sponsor clubs are encouraged to invite RCC members to their meetings and events.
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Sponsor Rotary clubs appoint at least one RCC advisor or an RCC committee whose is responsible for participating in the RCC’s meetings and activities, advising on administrative matters, mentoring the RCC leadership and members, keeping the sponsor club informed about the RCC’s activities, and identifying opportunities for the club and RCC to partner on service projects.
Sponsor clubs must update the contact information of their RCC advisor and RCC president annually using this online form. Visit Rotary Club Central to review a list of RCCs sponsored by your club (Reports > Service > List of Rotary Community Corps)
How to promote RCC
Publicize an RCC’s accomplishments through your club and district communication channels. Share success stories from your sponsored RCC’s activities with Rotary International by emailing us at rotary.service@rotary.org.
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Promote your RCC’s projects on Rotary Showcase.
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Read stories about RCCs on our Rotary Service in Action Blog.
District governors are encouraged to appoint a district community service committee to promote RCCs and other service-related resources to Rotary clubs.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Do you have what it takes to become a dynamic leader and change yourself and the world?
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
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What are the benefits?
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Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
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Build communication and problem-solving skills
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Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community
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Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
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Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action
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Have fun and form lasting friendships
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What’s involved?
RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14-30. Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics.
Your community might host a RYLA event for secondary school students to hone their leadership potential, for university students to develop creative problem-solving strategies, or for young professionals to learn ethical business practices.
How can I participate?
RYLA participants are nominated by local Rotary clubs. Contact your local Rotary club to find out more about RYLA events in your area, how to apply, and any costs of getting involved.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
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Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
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Develop lifelong leadership skills
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Learn a new language and culture
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Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
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Become a global citizen
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.
What are the costs?
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Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
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Round-trip airfare
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Travel insurance
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Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
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Spending money and any additional travel or tours
How can I apply?
Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.
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Rotary Youth Exchange Annual Report
Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.
Get Involved
Join Rotary’s 1.4 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.
Rotary Clubs
The heart of Rotary is our dedicated members, who share the ideals of service, friendship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.
Rotary clubs bring together people across generations who wish to create lasting change in the world, in their communities, and in themselves. Rotary and Rotaract members around the world strengthen their connections to friends and neighbors taking action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotary is changing communities like yours.
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Club Benefits
Your club connection gives you the chance to develop skills like public speaking, project management, and event planning. You’ll meet interesting people from your community and around the world. And you’ll tackle local and international issues that are important to you and your fellow club members.
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Some clubs conduct all or part of their meetings online, for members who have a busy schedule, limited mobility, or live in an area without an established Rotary or Rotaract club. Online clubs, sometimes known as e-clubs, meet regularly, carry out service projects, support The Rotary Foundation, and socialize, like any other Rotary or Rotaract club, without the cost that often comes with meeting in person.
Rotaract Clubs
Join the global movement of young leaders who are developing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Rotaract clubs bring together people ages 18 and older to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service.
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In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. From big cities to rural villages, Rotaract is changing communities like yours.
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What’s involved?
Rotaract members decide how to organize and run their clubs, manage their own funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects. Rotary club sponsors offer guidance and support and work with your club as partners in service.
How do I join?
Tell us a little about yourself so we can connect you with the right club.
Interact Clubs
Take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world.
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
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What are the benefits?
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Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
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Take action to make a difference in your school and community
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Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
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Become a leader in your school and community
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Have fun and make new friends from around the world
What’s involved?
Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.
Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:
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World Interact Week
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Interact Video Awards
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Rotary Youth Day at the United Nations
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Global Youth Service Day
How do I join?
Check with your school or contact a local Rotary club to find out if there’s an Interact club in your area. Contact the Interact club to find out how you can join its next meeting, service project, or community event.
