Myth: Rotary is a secret private luncheon club for old white men
Reality (word by word):
Secret – Rotary is a service organization of 1.2 million persons in 35,000 clubs around the world. It is not clandestine but Rotarians are generally humble in going about the good work they perform in their community and internationally.
Private – Rotary clubs are not exclusive. Adult persons of good character and with an attitude of “Service Above Self” (the primary Rotary motto) are welcome to seek information about Rotary and can meet with potential sponsors.
Luncheon club – Aha! This element is historically accurate (Rotary started as such in 1905) but modern flexibilities allow for meetings at any time, online clubs, satellite clubs, clubs for youth, and even clubs for persons who share Rotary ideals but are not dues-paying Rotarians.
Old – Guilty as charged, at least for RCAA. Although Rotarians are generally young at heart, about one-quarter of the members in the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor (RCAA) are over 80. Some of that age results from the fact that about one-third of the total membership has over 20 years of service, with more than a dozen over 40 years. On the other hand, RCAA does have members as young as 24. It also supports clubs for high school and college students and tutors children in elementary schools. Despite the old-time photos that endure, the four founders of Rotary were between 36 and 42 in 1905.
White – Mostly yes, for RCAA, anyway. At the present time, the RCAA recognizes that its roster does not currently reflect the local pool of potential Rotarians but efforts are underway to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion. Worldwide, Rotary is gaining membership in areas outside North America and Europe.
Men – Over one-third of RCAA members are women. The club has had a number of female presidents, currently including three in a row! Worldwide, about one-quarter of Rotarians are women. In fact, Rotary International will have its first woman president in 2022.
Thus, don’t believe everything you may hear about Rotary. Please find out for yourself by contacting us at membership@a2rotary.org!
For a light-hearted look at Rotary, take a look at this three-minute video from the Rotary Clubs of Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota. <>
