RI’s programs and service opportunities are designed to help Rotarian’s meet needs in their own communities and reach out to assist people in need worldwide.
Based on the Object of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:
Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this service organization for youth ages 14-18; more than 10,500 clubs in 109 countries.
Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this leadership, professional development, and service organization for young adults ages 18-30; more than 8,000 clubs in 139 countries.
Rotary clubs organize and sponsor these groups of non-Rotarian’s who work to improve their communities; more than 6,000 RCCs in 60 countries.
Rotary Fellowships (vocationally and recreationally based interest groups) and Rotarian Action Groups (groups focused on service activities) compose Global Networking Groups, which are open to all Rotarian’s, spouses of Rotarian’s, and Rotaractors sharing common interests; more than 90 sharing Global Networking Groups.
Rotarian’s and their families make reciprocal visits to other countries, staying in each other’s homes and learning about different cultures firsthand.
Rotarian’s and other skilled professionals are provided opportunities to offer their services and experience to local and international humanitarian projects.
Clubs and districts sponsor and host students ages 15-19 who travel abroad for an academic year or an extended holiday; about 7,000 a year.
Clubs and districts sponsor seminars to encourage and recognize leadership abilities of youth and young adults ages 14-30.
Rotary clubs and districts from two different countries form partnerships to implement community service projects.
RI recommends that clubs planning service activities consider nine major needs or concerns: Children at Risk, Disabled Persons, Health Care, International Understanding and Goodwill, Literacy and Numeracy, Population Issues, Poverty and Hunger, Preserve Planet Earth, and Urban Concerns.