Rotary Action Groups

Rotary Action Groups are independent entities affiliated with Rotary that each have a specific humanitarian focus, such as economic development, peacebuilding, addiction prevention, ending modern slavery, or environmental sustainability.

Organized by Rotary members and nonmembers, the groups include people around the world who have knowledge, experience, or an interest in the topic. Action group members participate in meaningful service activities and use their expertise and global networks to facilitate sustainable change.

By offering Rotary clubs and districts professional knowledge, advice about partners and funding, and guidance on the best practices and project management strategies, action groups help Rotary members plan and implement large-scale projects that make an even greater impact on critical issues in communities near and far.

Find out more about specific action groups by visiting the websites listed below. Learn about the collective impact of these groups in the Rotary Action Groups annual report highlights. 

Join a Rotary Action Group

Anyone who’s interested in the topic of a Rotary Action group can join one to make a difference with people who are passionate about the same cause. In a Rotary Action Group, you can:

• Be part of a global group focused on a humanitarian issue you care about
• Participate in meaningful service activities to create positive change in the world
• Develop your own capabilities or knowledge related to a particular humanitarian focus
• Make personal and professional connections with people of action around the globe
• Share your experience and skills to help others build their expertise

To get involved, visit the individual action groups’ websites listed below or review the directory, and then contact the group you’re interested in. You’ll need to create a My Rotary account to access the directory.

Find stories about what Rotary Action Groups do on the Service in Action blog.

Contact 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

How to start a Rotary Action Group

Action groups empower Rotary and Rotaract members and like-minded others to form international groups focused on pivotal issues and work in association with Rotary’s 1.4 million people of action around the world. Visit the Action Groups page on My Rotary to learn more about how to start a group.

Questions?

Write to actiongroups@rotary.org.

Resources & reference

• Rotary Action Groups flyer (PDF)
• Rotary Action Groups directory (My Rotary account needed)
• Rotary Action Groups Annual Report (PDF)
• Rotary Action Groups presentation (PPT)
• Work With Rotary Experts (PDF)
• Designing Your Rotary Experience (PDF)