What is a Rotary Action Group?

Recently, there has been confusion among some CMIRC members as to the status and purpose of Rotary Action Groups. They are not Rotary clubs, but they do serve a valuable role within Rotary.

Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world (editor's note: not limited to Rotarians) who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water.

Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects. Read more about these activities in the Rotary Action Groups annual report. (editor's note: the purpose of a Rotary Action group is to help and support Rotary clubs, not vise versa.)

Anyone who wants to share their expertise to make a positive difference can join an action group. Only Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellows can serve in leadership roles.

Contact or join a Rotary Action Group

Contact a Rotary Action Group to:

• Get expert advice on planning and implementing service projects, including those funded by Rotary Foundation district and global grants

• Connect with potential project partners, both within and outside of Rotary

• Get help fundraising and obtaining resources for projects

Join a Rotary Action Group to share your expertise and make a difference in projects outside your club or district. To get involved, look at our directory and contact the action group you're interested in.

Rotary Action Groups by area of focus

Promoting peace Domestic Violence Prevention Peace Refugees Slavery Prevention

Fighting disease Addiction Prevention Alzheimer's/Dementia Blindness Prevention Blood Donation Diabetes Family Health/AIDS Prevention Health Education and Wellness Hearing Hepatitis Eradication Malaria Mental Health Multiple Sclerosis Polio Survivors

Providing clean water and sanitation Menstrual Health and Hygiene Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Saving mothers and children Clubfoot Reproductive Maternal and Child Health

Supporting education Basic Education and Literacy

Growing local economies Economic Community Development Disaster Assistance

Protecting the environment Endangered Species Environmental Sustainability

Action groups that work in more than one area of focus Food Plant Solutions

How to start a Rotary Action Group

• Read this Guide for Prospective Action Groups.

• Find others interested in the topic:

  • Join a discussion group or start a new one.

  • Use Rotary’s presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote your idea.

  • Attend the Rotary International Convention or other Rotary events.

  • Reach out to district leaders in other countries to build membership.

Resources & reference

• Rotary Action Groups flier

• Rotary Action Groups directory

• Rotary Action Groups annual report

• Rotary Action Groups presentation

• Rotary Action Groups Standard Bylaws

• Visual Identity Guidelines for Rotary Action Groups

• Rotary Action Groups Office Reporting Forms

• Work with Rotary Experts (PDF)

Rotary Service in Action blog

• Read stories from Rotary Action Groups

Rotary support

Questions? Contact actiongroups@rotary.org