A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarian men and women who share Rotary’s values and commitment to service. With the guidance and support of their sponsor Rotary clubs, RCCs plan and implement projects that address issues affecting their communities such as health, literacy, safety, employment, and the environment. They may also help support Rotary club service efforts. Currently there are more than 7,000 Community Corps in over 80 countries.
The goals of the Rotary Community Corps programs are to:
- Develop partnerships between Rotarians and non-Rotarians in a joint effort to enhance their community.
- Support community members who proactively address community needs, recognizing their unique ability to identify the most pressing concerns and suitable methods of implementation.
- Promote sustainable solutions to community needs by engaging a broader segment of the community in developing and implementing focused service projects.
RCCs empower community members to initiate and implement their own service projects and facilitate collaboration between Rotarians and non-Rotarians in their community development endeavors. RCCs can flourish anywhere in the world where Rotary exists.
Organize an RCC
An RCC must be sponsored by a Rotary club in the same Rotary district. Discuss your ideas for starting an RCC with the club president and service projects committee, outlining the need and benefits. Once the club has agreed to sponsor an RCC, you can move forward with developing the corps and recruiting members. Consider distributing the brochure Rotary Community Corps: Changing Lives, Shaping the Future at community events for prospective members.
Apply for recognition from RI
An RCC can be officially recognized by Rotary International once it has at least 10 members. To apply for a charter, fill out the Rotary Community Corps Organization Form , and send it to RI World Headquarters or the international office serving your area. After RI has received the information, an official charter certificate will be mailed to the president of the sponsor Rotary club.
Register RCC projects on ProjectLINK
On behalf of an RCC, a sponsor Rotary club can register a project that could benefit from financial assistance, donated goods, or volunteers by completing and submitting the ProjectLINK Submission Form: Project Seeking Support to RI .
Share your story with RI
RI is always looking to promote project stories that can inspire or educate others in their own service efforts. Send us your story or contact us at rotary.service@rotary.org .