Join - FAQ on Membership
Becoming a Rotary club member
- What is Rotary?
- How do I become a member of Rotary?
- What are the qualifications for membership?
- What are the responsibilities of membership?
- What are the attendance requirements?
- How much are dues to Rotary?
- What is the minimum age to be in Rotary?
- Are college students eligible for membership?
- Is there a way for high school students to get involved?
- What is a Rotary e-club?
What is Rotary?
Rotary International is an association of Rotary clubs worldwide. It’s made up of more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians, and they form a global network of 1.2 million business and professional leaders, all volunteering their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Individual Rotary clubs, in turn, belong to the global association called Rotary International. Find out more about Rotary’s history and structure.
How do I become a member of Rotary?
If you’re interested in joining the Rotary Club of Truro, submit the Membership Inquire Form, and the club will be in touch with you. A person being considered for membership is invited to attend one or more club meetings to learn more about Rotary and the club. The candidate’s name will be submitted to the club's membership committee for recommendation and Board of Directors for approval. At that point the prospective member will be inducted into the Club. Please note that membership in a Rotary club is by invitation.
What are the qualifications for membership?
A prospective member must be a person of good character with a good business, professional, or community reputation and also be one of the following:
- A current or former professional, proprietor, executive, manager, or community leader
- Committed to service with a record of personal involvement
- A Rotary Foundation alumnus
What are the responsibilities of membership?
Members are expected to make their best effort to attend club meetings and participate in the club activities and service work. They must pay annual dues to the Club ( currently $190 /per year). The Club encourage members to aspire to club leadership or committee roles.
What are the attendance requirements?
For a long time, 50 percent attendance at club meetings has been required to remain an active Rotarian. However, to accommodate busy schedules, there are many opportunities to make up those missed meeting and members are encouraged to take part in the numerous club community service events, committee meetings and social functions that happen throughout the year. There is also training opportunities and you always have the ability to attend meetings at other clubs in addition to your home club. There is even the option to "attend" an online meeting with various e-clubs. The emphasis these days are on engagement rather than strict policies of attendance.
How much are dues to Rotary?
The Rotary Club of Truro currently has dues of $190 per member per year. From that the club will pay the dues for both Rotary International and Rotary District 7820 on the member's behalf. The Club also pays for an Insurance policy that covers club service activity from the members dues. The remained is used for club administration, activities and member training.
What is the minimum age to be in Rotary?
There is no minimum age to join Rotary. You may be invited to join at any age after you become established in a career and have the time and financial resources to meet all Rotary club membership requirements. If you’re interested in joining, ask members about the time and financial commitments necessary to fulfill membership requirements, and consider whether you can make those commitments.
Are college students eligible for membership?
No. Rotarians have achieved a level of career experience that enables them to bring a specialization to their club, and students haven’t yet reached a level in their professional and personal lives that allows them to fulfill all aspects of Rotary club membership. But undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young adults not in University or College, may become members of Rotaract clubs.
Is there a way for high school students to get involved?
Yes. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for those ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs give young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends. The Rotary Club of Truro sponsores two Interact Clubs, one at the Cobequide Education Center and another at South Colchester Academy. These to groups are very active and are a great way to server the community, have some fun AND learn about Rotay.
What is a Rotary e-club?
Rotary e-clubs are Rotary clubs that meet electronically. Like all Rotary clubs, e-clubs meet regularly, perform service projects in local and international communities, support The Rotary Foundation, and enjoy fellowship among members. The key distinction is that an e-club conducts its meetings on-line. Because e-clubs meet online, members can access the site at their convenience at any point during the week. The flexibility in meeting times offers members with hectic business schedules, physical disabilities, or location constraints the opportunity to be part of a Rotary club. In addition, Rotary e-clubs offer an opportunity for all Rotarians to make up a missed meeting online.
Part of the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside, the Rotary e-Club of Atlantic Canada is our local option in this area. Service work and social connection can be maintained by working with the Rotary Club of Truro if you live in this area. You'll always be welcome.