Rotaract: Young people 18 – 30ish, helping locally & globally, growing themselves & having fun!

Rotary: 18+ problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders & take action to create lasting change!

Interact: A program for 12–18 year old’s to help make a difference and join the Rotary Family.

Rotary Family: Rotary International’s Rotary, Rotaract, Interact Clubs and Members, as well as the participants of its programs (e.g. Rotary Youth Leadership Awardees, Rotary Youth Exchange Students).

Rotary Theme: The encouraging message and goal chosen by the current RI President to be an overarching focus for the Rotary Family. Official slogans adopted annually by RI President - A theme that changes yearly to reflect the philosophy and programmes for the year Principal motto that remains constant is "Service Above Self" since 1989

Rotary / Rotaract Year: From July 1 to June 30, the same as a fiscal (financial) year here in Australia.

Club: A group of members, recognised by RI: can be Rotary, Rotaract or Interact.

Cluster: A group of clubs in a similar geographic area, usually led by an Assistant Governor.

District: A group of clusters in a region, usually holding about 60 clubs, approx. 1100 members, led by a District Governor.

Rotary Foundation: The Charity of Rotary, gives grants and manages causes like End Polio.

District Conference: Held annually in each District to further the programmes of Rotary through fellowship, inspiring speakers and recognition of club activities etc.

Provisional Club: A group currently in the formation stage of a new club. They meet until chartered and then admitted to membership of Rotary International once meeting their minimum membership requirements. Rotary International recommend 15 members to charter, although this is not required.

Sister Club Relationship: An agreement between clubs in other Countries/districts - To foster better understanding and fellowship exchange and mutual support and co-operation on humanitarian projects.

Charter Member: The registered members at the time of Charter being issued by Rotary International. The original members of a newly chartered club can be sometimes be identified with a special lapel badge.

Honorary Member: Recognition of a past member or someone not a member of Rotary - Persons who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals.

Club and District Changeovers: A mainly formal event held annually just prior to a new Rotary year and includes partners - Formal changeover to new President and team of incoming Officers/Directors and provides a review of past year achievements and activities.

Club Banner: A small flag expressive of the community, country or region of a club - Commonly used to present to visitors or exchange with clubs visited throughout the world.

Club Charter: A document issued when a new club is admitted to Membership in RI - Signed by RI Pres, General Secretary and DG. The date thereon represents date of official membership Framed and preserved.

Club Committees: The "action" groups within a club – these usually comprise of the five (5) Avenues of Service plus others approved by the Board Each headed by a Director, with Deputy and committee members, but can also be committees set up for specific events/projects.

Club Forum: Formal meeting of an entire club - Called to inform members about service activities and progress of projects Also an opportunity for members to air views.

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI): A series of fast-paced, interactive, one-day courses offered to refine a Rotarian's leadership skills and increase their base of knowledge in Rotary.

Inner Wheel: An international organisation of women – Originally a Rotary sponsored service group open to wives, widows of present and past Rotarians.

Probus: Professional & Business Club of Retired persons. A program of Rotary International like Rotaract & Interact.

International Assembly: An annual assembly of District Governor Elects held in Anaheim/San Diego, USA around Jan/Feb – To educate, instruct and inspire DGEs and adoption of RI theme and new programmes of RI.

International Convention (RICON): A worldwide gathering of the Rotary Family (Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors and more). Held usually in May/June in a different country chaired by RI President.

Interplast: International Plastic Surgery Programme - Established in 1980 and sends teams of volunteer surgeons and nurses to developing countries to operate on deformities, burns etc.

The 4-Way Test: A measure for the Rotary Family in thinking as well as reviewing past, present and future conduct. 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Rotarian: A monthly magazine put out by Rotary International with articles, news and views in several languages.

Theme Months: A focus through various months on major activities - Gives specific attention to e.g. Membership (August), Youth (Sept), Vocational (Oct), Foundation (Nov), Awareness (Jan), World Understanding (Feb), Magazine (April), Rotaract Week (Mar), etc.

Rotary Peace: Funds and fosters action, research, development and education to assist leaders in resolving conflicts and restoring peace.

End Polio Now / Polio Plus: An organisation created to eradicate Polio from the world over 30 years ago, that has removed 99.9% of cases and counting. Aimed to protect all of the world’s children from, poliomyelitis through national immunisation days, laboratory networks, reporting of suspected cases and much more. Find out more information at endpolio.org.

Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM): An organisation under the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) aimed at eradicating and preventing the spread of Malaria in the world.