Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million passionate community leaders and business professionals who take action to create lasting change – in the world, in local communities, and in themselves.
Joining Rotary connects you with fellow Rotarians both in your local chapter and around the world.
Note: Membership into Rotary is by invitation only. Interested candidates may declare their interest in Rotary as an
effort to receive an invitation from a Rotarian.
Best Candidates for Membership
Since membership into Rotary is by invitation only, there are several qualities and characteristics Rotarians look for when considering a candidate for membership.
The best candidates for membership exhibit strong leadership abilities, a knack for taking action, and a passion for improving the community and world around them. Because Rotary works to solve complex and multifaceted problems that plague people of various backgrounds and lifestyles, it is critical that candidates are able to empathize and think critically, so they can make decisions that are within the best interest of those they are serving.
Rotary is not guided by any religious or political ideologies which allows Rotarians of various backgrounds and belief systems to unite under the same goal of creating lasting change in the world while promoting integrity, peace, and goodwill. Instead, Rotary is guided by the Four-Way Test which allows Rotarians – regardless of their backgrounds, belief systems, and lifestyles – to occupy the same space as respected peers so they may create lasting change in the world together.
The Four-Way Test is as follows:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it Build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
If a candidate struggles to adhere to the Four-Way Test, they will not be considered for membership into Rotary.
Benefits of Joining Rotary Club of Lexington
There are several benefits to joining Rotary Club of Lexington. Some of which include opportunities to:
- Get the inside scoop on what is happening in Lexington
- Support Lexington in ways you can see
- Network with Lexington’s prominent leaders
- Engage in local fellowship and develop lifelong friends
- Participate in acts of service that benefit Lexington
How to Get Involved as a Member
Everyone joins Rotary for their own reason, and there is a direct correlation between achieving your reason for joining Rotary and your participating in Rotary Club of Lexington.
You can get involved as a member by:
- Attending weekly luncheons
- Serving on a committee or in a leadership role
- Volunteering at service projects such as:
- Stuffing and delivering backpacks for God’s Pantry
- Maintaining the pollinator garden
- Facilitating the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
- Participating at Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League games
- Participating in service projects at an international level.
- Attending Fifth Thursday social events such as:
- Evening Get-Togethers with Drinks
- Trivia Nights
- Holiday Celebrations
- Tailgates
- Keeneland Outings
- Local Event and Festival Outings
- Meeting with Rotarians over lunch or coffee
Membership Details
Rotary is a membership-based organization that involves
financial commitments and participation from its members.
Financial Commitments
- Annual membership dues:
- General membership: $540
- Young professional (under 40) membership: $390
- Spousal membership: One membership at full price and the other is half-off
- Corporate membership: Please contact the office for more details.
- Lunch cost (optional): $20 per lunch
- Charitable support (in any amount) for The Rotary Foundation
Participation Expectations
- Serve on a Rotary Club of Lexington committee
- Build relationships with members in the club
- Attend weekly lunches when you can
- Volunteer in service projects when you can
- Participate in social events when you can
Declare Interest
Since membership into Rotary is by invitation only, you must declare interest in joining Rotary to be considered for an invitation.
As you consider membership into Rotary, it is highly recommended that you meet with 2-3 Rotarians to learn about their experiences in Rotary which will help you solidify your understanding of Rotary Club and confirm your interest in joining the club.
Joining Rotary Club of Lexington
When becoming a member, you must join through one of the 46,000+ Rotary clubs around the world.
It is highly recommended that you join a club that is near you, so that you may engage with Rotarians in your community and participate in initiatives that directly impact your community.
Rotary Club of Lexington primarily serves Fayette County and draws Rotarians from Lexington Metro. Though there are Rotary Clubs in the cities and counties surrounding Lexington, some Rotarians decide to join the Rotary Club of Lexington instead of a Rotary club closer to where they live because they work in Lexington/Fayette County.
If you prefer to join a club that is closer to where you live, please contact the Rotary Club of Lexington office via phone at (859) 389-8100 or by email at trafton@rotarylexky.org, and we can get you in touch with your local Rotary club.