How to Start a Rotary Club

Start a Club

Starting new Rotary clubs increases our ability to improve lives in communities around the world. A new club adviser works with district leaders to develop and support the new club during the process. Other Rotary clubs and members can help the new club succeed by serving as sponsors or mentors.
 
Find information about the process in Starting a Rotary Club (PDF).
 

Reasons to start a club


Both Rotary club members and nonmembers can start clubs. Here are some reasons you might want to.
 
You're a Rotary club member, and:
  • An area in your district doesn't have its own club.
  • Your Rotary club can no longer accommodate new members.
  • Some members need an alternate meeting time.
  • Some members prefer to meet online, less frequently, or using a different format (explore club meeting options).

You're not a club member, and:
  • Your area doesn't have a club.
  • The club in your area doesn't fit your needs.
  • You want to get involved with your community in a new way.

How to start a club

You'll first need to contact Rotary leaders in the region, starting with the district governor. They'll help with the process and guide you through the requirements. If you don't know who the governor is in your area, email Club and District Support. Before you begin, remember:

A new club must have a minimum of 20 members.
If you have a sponsor club, it must have at least 20 members.

Starting a satellite club

Want to start a club but don't have 20 members? You can start a satellite club with just eight people with the sponsorship of an established club. Satellite clubs meet at different times, have their own bylaws and club culture, and their own club leaders. They function as a short-term transitional step on the way to becoming a full, independent Rotary club.

Learn more 

You can find more information from Rotary International:  https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learn-topic/start-club