Worldwide Rotary Programs

Polio-Plus
The most notable current global project, Polio-Plus, is contributing to the global eradication of polio. Since beginning the project in 1985 Rotarians have contributed over US $500 million and tens of thousands of volunteer man-hours, leading to the inoculation of more than one billion of the world's children. Inspired by Rotary's commitment, the World Health Organization (WHO) passed a resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio by 2000. Now in partnership with WHO, UNICEF and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rotary is recognized by the United Nations as the key private partner in the eradication effort.

In a recent speech in January 2009 at the Rotary International Assembly, Bill Gates commended Rotarians for their tremendous progress in fighting polio and announced an increased financial commitment to the organization—along with the governments of Germany and the United Kingdom—to further Rotary’s efforts. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated 255 million dollars to be matched by 200 additional million dollars by Rotarians in order to go the Final Inch and eradicate the disease.

Exchanges and Scholarships
Some of Rotary's most visible programs include Rotary Youth Exchange, a student exchange program for students in secondary education, and Rotary's oldest program, Ambassadorial Scholarships. Today, there are six different types of Rotary Scholarships. More than 30,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under the auspices of Ambassadorial Scholarship, and today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. In 2002-2003 grants totaling approximately US$26 million were used to award some 1,200 scholarships to recipients from 69 countries who studied in 64 nations. The Exchange Students of Rotary Club Munich International publish their experiences on a regular basis on Rotary Youth Exchange with Germany. Rotary Fellowships, paid by the Foundation launched in honor of Paul Harris in 1947, specialize in providing graduate fellowships around the world, usually in countries other than their own in order to provide international exposure and experience to the recipient

Rotary Centers for International Studies
Starting in 2002, The Rotary Foundation partnered with eight universities around the world to create the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. The universities include International Christian University (Japan), University of Queensland (Australia), Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) (France), University of Bradford (United Kingdom), Universidad del Salvador (Argentina), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA), Duke University (USA), and University of California, Berkeley (USA). Rotary World Peace Fellows complete two year masters level programs in conflict resolution, peace studies, and international relations. The first class graduated in 2004 [4]. In 2004, Fellows established the Rotary World Peace Fellows Association to promote interaction among Fellows, Rotarians, and the public on issues related to peace studies.

Individual club efforts
While there are a number of Rotary-wide efforts, Rotary clubs are also encouraged to take part in local ventures; these range from efforts which combine contributions to the community with efforts to attract new members, such as the scholarships outlined above, to donations to local libraries.

Rotary Community Corps (RCC)

Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarian men and women who share Rotarians' commitment to service. Under the guidance of a sponsoring Rotary club, dedicated RCC members put their own skills to work to improve the quality of life in their communities. The purpose of the RCC program is to:
... Promote grassroots self-help projects;... Develop local leadership abilities; ... Maximize local resources; and ... Use appropriate cost-efficient technology.

Open World
The Open World Program, operated by the Open World Leadership Center at the U.S. Library of Congress, is a special program available to Rotary clubs in the United States. Designed to give young emerging Russian leaders a firsthand look at the U.S. political system, business, and community life the program also aims to promote understanding and forge bonds of friendship between the two nations.

Rotary International is proudly continuing its relationship with the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress and serves as a local hosting organization with Rotary clubs serving as hosts for Russian delegations. This is a fifth year of Rotary's participation in the Open World Program. Rotary clubs have hosted nearly a quarter of all Open World participants throughout these years.

Interact

Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 14-18. The program gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends.

Through service activities, Interactors learn the importance of developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others; and advancing international understanding and goodwill.

Rotaract

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are usually community-based or university-based and are sponsored by a local Rotary club making them true "partners in service" and key members of the Rotary family.

Through the Rotaract program, young adults not only augment their knowledge and skills, but they also address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

All Rotaract efforts begin at the local grassroots level and Rotaract clubs have access to many of the resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation.

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 8,000 Rotaract clubs in some 155 countries and geographic areas, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Rotaractors also often spearhead the formation of Interact clubs and participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Rotaractors also can go on to become Ambassadorial Scholars or Group Study Exchange team members.