Rotary International (RI) is the centralized structure responsible for managing the various bodies connected to it. Rotary promotes the development of leadership, maintaining a democratically-based rotation for access to leadership positions. A pyramidal order of offices exists for organizational purposes, but the base of the pyramid cannot be defined as "low level", nor its apex as "high level".
RI's members are Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs.
A club's typical structure is made up of 2 collegial bodies:
- Members' Assembly: the body of all regularly enrolled members
- Board of Directors: made up of the club's officers
The main offices found in a Rotaract Club are:
- President: the club's legal representative
- Past President: the outgoing president
- President-elect: the president for the immediately following year
- Vice President: stands in for the president in their absence
- Secretary: keeps the club's records and drafts the minutes
- Treasurer: manages the club's finances
- Prefect: oversees the organization of events
Besides the roles listed above, committee chairs and councillors may also be present.
Every level of the pyramid answers to the one before it: it is the members who express their vision and ensure that the people involved in the various processes carry it out. It would be pointless for a president to issue directions to the levels below that are not broadly shared.
Rotaract activities
Rotaract's core activity is service — projects that support the local, national or international community.
Clubs are the RI bodies responsible for conceiving, planning and carrying out service projects. Rotaract members can take part in various activities proposed by other clubs, by districts and by Rotary International, ranging from social gatherings to more specific activities.