Questions and answers about Rotary and Rotaract

Rotary International is the world's largest network of service clubs: more than 1.2 million members in 46,000 clubs in almost every country. The first club was founded by attorney Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905. Rotarians share one idea, "Service Above Self", and work together on humanitarian, educational, and social projects.

Rotaract is Rotary International for young professionals aged 18 to 30. It began in 1968 as Rotary's youth program, and since 2019 Rotaract clubs belong to Rotary International directly, with members officially Rotarians on equal footing with adult club members. The real difference is age and meeting format, the principles and goals are the same.

An ethical test Rotarian Herbert Taylor framed in 1932. Before saying, thinking, or doing something, Rotarians ask themselves: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Read more in the "Rotary Principles" section of our history page.

Rotary International's District 2223 brings together dozens of Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Russia, working in contact with one another and with districts in other countries. Our club belongs to this district, which gives us direct access to the global Rotary community.

No. Rotary and Rotaract are secular and non-partisan. Membership is open to people of any religious belief or political view, and the clubs themselves don't take positions on religious or political questions.

We welcome young professionals aged 18 to 30: students of leading universities, entrepreneurs, and specialists at the start of their careers. The club is private, and admission is small and by personal introduction, usually through a recommendation from a current member or a personal meeting.

Yes, full membership comes with an annual fee and attendance at club meetings. There's also a lighter format, "friend of the club": no fees or official status, but with the chance to join open events and some projects.

A "friend of the club" takes part in open events and some projects by invitation, with no fees or official status. A full member gets official Rotarian status, the right to take part in all club events and projects, a letter of recommendation from the club, and access to a network of over 46,000 clubs worldwide, but pays an annual fee and attends meetings.

No, no formal experience is required. What matters more is the will to take part and contribute, many people join the club to get their first experience with social and entrepreneurial projects.

Usually one meeting a week, plus taking part in at least some of the year's projects. How much you get out of it largely depends on how involved you choose to be.

Send us a few words about yourself by email: your city, age, education, and interests. If it feels like a match, we'll invite you to a meeting as our guest, the first step toward getting to know each other and, if it's mutual, toward membership.

Documented volunteer hours for your CV and applications, hands-on experience with real projects and startups, a letter of recommendation from the club, access to international committees and partnerships, and sometimes an edge when applying to universities abroad or for internships within the Rotary community.

We partner with Rotaract clubs in Ireland, Germany, Turkey, and China: exchanging experience, hosting guests, and running joint initiatives. Membership means you can reach out to any Rotary or Rotaract club in the world with an idea or a project request.

We're a private club, founded in 2006, with a strong focus on international ties: partnerships with clubs in several countries, internships with Rotarian entrepreneurs, and letters of recommendation valued when applying abroad. At the same time, we remain part of Rotary International's official structure, District 2223.