Is Rotary Bad, or Can You Do Good When You Join a Rotary Club?

Right, let’s be honest – when someone says “Rotary Club”, what do you think of? Maybe it’s older blokes in suits, sitting in a pub or hotel room, sipping tea and talking about golf. Maybe it sounds a bit posh, or even a bit old-fashioned. But here’s the thing – Rotary has been around for ages, and it’s got a pretty big name in the world of doing good. So is it all just outdated nonsense, or can you actually do something meaningful by joining?

What Even Is the Rotary Club?

Let’s start at the beginning. The Rotary Club – or just “Rotary” – is a member of a worldwide group that started way back in 1905. The idea was simple: bring together people from different jobs and backgrounds to make a difference in their communities. It’s now grown to 1.4 million members across loads of countries. Pretty big stuff.

They’re known for projects like fighting polio, helping out in disasters, running youth programmes, and generally trying to make life a bit better for others. Sounds decent, right? But that doesn’t mean everyone loves them – and we’ll get into that.

So Why Do Some People Think Rotary’s a Bit Rubbish?

Alright, let’s talk about the moans and groans people have about Rotary. There are a few things that put people off:

• It’s seen as “stuck in the past” – Some clubs do have that “old boys’ club” vibe. Think suits, speeches, and rules that make it feel more like a school assembly than a friendly get-together.
• Lack of diversity – Historically, Rotary has been pretty white, male and middle-class. Things are changing, for example women have been members for about 40 years, you can join from the age of 18, and many (if not most) clubs reflect the area that they are based in. The old idea though makes it hard for some folks to feel like they’d fit in.
• Meetings and money – Some clubs expect regular meetings, and sometimes meals too – which means you’ve got to spend time and cash. That’s not easy if you’re juggling work, family, and bills.  Having said that, I know of many clubs who say that priorities should be family, work and then Rotary and are happy if members attend meetings when they can.

To be fair, many Rotary clubs have modernised, or are trying to modernise. But some are a bit slow on the uptake, and if you stumble into one of those, it can feel like joining a social club from 1975, especially some of the large club in city areas.

But Can You Actually Do Good in Rotary?

Now here’s the real heart of it. Yes, you can. Big time.

Rotary does loads of stuff that really helps people – both locally and globally. It’s not just talking about change, it’s actually doing it. Here’s a few examples:

• Polio Eradication – Rotary helped start the fight to wipe out polio worldwide. It’s nearly gone now, thanks in part to their massive fundraising and awareness work.
• Clean Water Projects – Rotary clubs help fund and build clean water systems in places where people still have to drink from rivers full of muck. Life-changing stuff.
• Food Banks & Local Support – Loads of UK clubs help out with food banks, school uniform drives, and supporting people during tough times like the pandemic.
• Young People’s Programmes – From leadership camps to speaking contests, Rotary gives young people loads of chances to build confidence and learn new skills.
• Local events – Many clubs organise local events, from car boot sales, through film nights and firework displays, to the typical Santa’s sleigh.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you join a club that’s active and open-minded, you can make a real difference – and have a laugh doing it.

What’s It Like Being a Member?

So what’s the day-to-day reality? Is it all endless meetings and tiny sandwiches? Not always.

Rotary clubs meet in different ways – some do weekly sit-downs, others just catch up once a month over coffee or Zoom. It depends on the club. Some are more formal, some are super relaxed. n For example, the Conwy Valley Rotary Club meets twice a week (once for a meal) and is very relaxed – obviously on a “business meeting” night there is an agenda of things to talk about and formal votes when needed, but overall it’s a group of friends talking about events they are holding and any donations that have been requested in the local community.   If you’re thinking of joining, it’s worth visiting a few different ones before you commit, just to see what vibe suits you.

You pay a membership fee – to cover things like insurance for events, expenses for running the club etc – and you if you are eating you probably have to pay for food and drinks (but in come clubs that can be just a coffee, while in others if could be a sit down meal). But a lot of that money goes towards projects, so it’s not just lining someone’s pockets. You’re investing in doing good.

Do You Need to Be Old or Rich to Join?

Absolutely not – and that’s a myth Rotary’s working hard to shake.

There are clubs for younger people (like Rotaract), and many “regular” clubs are crying out for fresh blood. They want new ideas, new energy, and people who care. You don’t need a posh job or loads of money. You just need to want to help.

In fact, one of the best things you can bring to Rotary is your own experience – whether that’s from work, volunteering, parenting, or just living your life. Everyone has something to offer.

What About the Politics?

This one’s a bit tricky. Officially, Rotary is non-political and non-religious. That means clubs shouldn’t be pushing political views or religious ideas. But, as with any group, you’ll get people with strong opinions. Some clubs are better than others at keeping things friendly and respectful.

If you go to a meeting and someone’s ranting about the government or pushing their views too hard, that’s a red flag. The best clubs stay focused on community and kindness – not arguments or drama.

How Do You Find a Good Club?

Great question! Here’s a few tips if you’re curious:

• Use the Rotary website – Go to the official Rotary site and search for clubs near you, with around 1500 clubs in the UK and Ireland there will probably be one fairly near you. Most clubs also have websites or Facebook pages.
• Search on Google – Almost all clubs cover a geographical area which can be as small as a small town (Llandudno for example) or an area of a city (Liverpool for example has 5 clubs and there are apparently 68 clubs in Greater London), while other clubs in more rural areas can cover several towns and villages.  Generally though a search for “rotary in xxx” will show the local clubs.
• Drop them a message – Most clubs are happy to have visitors. Just send a quick email or message saying you’re interested in coming along.
• Visit a few – Don’t feel like you have to stick with the first one you try. Clubs can be very different, even in the same town.
• Ask questions – Find out what they’re working on, how often they meet, and what kind of people are involved. If it sounds like your thing, give it a shot!

There’s no pressure. You can try it, get involved a bit, and if it’s not right for you – that’s fine. But you might just find your people.

Can You Start Your Own Rotary Club?

Yep, you can! If there’s not a club near you – or if the ones around just don’t feel like the right fit – you can get a group together and start a new one. Rotary actually encourages this and will help you through the process.

You can make it fit your life. Maybe you want a club that meets online, or one for parents with young kids, or one focused on a specific cause. There’s loads of flexibility. Rotary’s been trying to move with the times, and new-style clubs are a big part of that.

Final Thoughts: Is Rotary Worth It?

Here’s the bottom line: Rotary isn’t perfect. Some clubs are cliquey, old-fashioned, or just a bit dull. But others are welcoming, active, and full of people who want to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.

If you want to do something good – not just talk about it – then Rotary can be a brilliant way to make that happen. You’ll meet people, learn stuff, and make a real difference. And who knows – you might even have some fun along the way.

So is Rotary bad? Not really. Like most things, it depends where you look. But if you find the right club – or help build one – you absolutely can do good. Loads of it.

Thinking About Giving It a Go?

If this post’s got you curious, why not look up your local Rotary club and pop in for a visit? Worst case, you have a cuppa and decide it’s not your thing. Best case, you find a new way to make a difference in your community – and maybe the world.

And that’s not bad for something most people think is just tea and talks, eh?

I’ve been a member of clubs where-ever I’ve lived since 1989 and would recommend giving Rotary a try