How to Make a Rotary Union

Rotary Unions, commonly known in the United States as Rotary Clubs, are a network of service clubs. Started in Chicago in 1905, Rotary has grown into an international organization with more than a million members in 33,000 unions around the world. The Rotary's mission is ".... to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders." Rotary International, the worldwide association of Rotary Clubs, is encouraging new unions to form. A Club and District support representative is appointed to all prospective union applicants to help guide them through the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Check to see that there is no Rotary union currently meeting in the area. This is done by contacting the district governor and their Rotary International (RI) Club and District Support representative. Contact information is available at www.rotary.org.

2. Adopt the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. You can view the constitution at http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/constitution_club.pdf.

3. Enroll a minimum of 20 members. Rotary International welcomes all people to join regardless of race, color, gender or creed. Members are encouraged, though not required, to attend weekly meetings and actively participate in the community service projects the union commits to during the year. Members must pay yearly dues to the international organization. Dues are $49 for 2009 and $50 in 2010. There is also a $12 yearly charge for the The Rotarian, the Rotary International magazine. Individual districts may assess separate dues and fees. A local union once established may also decide to charge local dues to cover expenses.

4. Elect officers responsible for overseeing the running of the local union. Elected offices include a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Manuals that explain in detail the responsibilities of the listed officers are available for download at http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/080730_news_officerresources.aspx

5. Pay the charter fee of $15 per new member to Rotary International.

6. Choose a club name.

7. Await approval by the RI Board of Directors.

References

• Forming a Club
• Charter Fee