About Rotary International

Did you know that Rotary is not just a type of engine or a brand of watch?


Rotary International is the worldwide organisation to which all Rotary clubs belong and may be described as, “A worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.”

There are over 33,000 Rotary Clubs with more than 1.2 million members worldwide. Each Rotary Club is autonomous and therefore unique with its own traditions and preferences but all Rotary Clubs follow the same ideals and aims. The motto of Rotary International is - “Service above Self”. We have a brief history where you can learn more. 

Like most organisations we have a "Mission Statement", except that we call it the Object of Rotary.
Many people have also heard of our 4-Way Test and used it for themselves in their business and personal lives. Rotarians are expected to adhere to high ethical standards in their businesses and professions and to that end a Code of Conduct was adopted in 1989 (revised and updated in 2013) providing more specific guidelines for the high ethical standards called for in the Object of Rotary.

Rotary clubs are grouped into Districts for convenience of administration, co-operation, networking and fellowship. The Rotary Club of Altrincham belongs to Rotary District 1285 and is one of over 70 Rotary clubs within this District. 

It is the unique combination of being part of a large organisation, whilst at an individual Club level being relatively small, that allows Rotary International to function at many different levels in society. Please visit our Rotary Projects page to discover the kinds of projects we get involved in and visit the web sites detailed below to obtain more information about other aspects of Rotary and being a Rotarian.

For information about membership of the Rotary Club of Altrincham please visit our Membership page. 

The world headquarters of Rotary International is located in Evanston, Illinois, USA.. Rotary Clubs in the UK and Ireland are bound into an Association known as Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (Rotary GB&I). The headquarters of Rotary GB&I is located in Alcester, Warwickshire, UK.

Additional information on Rotary International can be found at the following websites:

www.rotary.org The main website of Rotary International where more information on Rotary and its work around the world can be found. 

www.rotarygbi.org The website of Rotary International in Britain and Ireland where information about the work of Rotary in the UK and Ireland can be found.

www.rotary1285.org The website of Rotary District 1285 intended mainly for Rotarians in our District but where information about other local Rotary Clubs can also be found.

About Rotary International sub-pages:

A Brief History of Rotary International

more In a 'nutshell'

The Object of Rotary

more Our "Mission Statement"

The 4-Way Test

more Our mantra

Code of Conduct

more