The Rotary name
The word "Rotary" is more than just our name. It also represents our brand, which includes our identity, vision, essence, and values. It signifies our unique culture and approach to creating lasting, positive change and making a difference in our own communities, around the world, and in ourselves.
The "Rotary" name, along with our logo, reflects our long history and trusted reputation. It serves as a beacon to members as well as to the public. And our brand doesn't just include Rotary — it also includes Rotaract, Interact, and more.
That's why we, like other strong brands, protect our name, logo, and trademarks and ensure that they're being used correctly. All Rotary members, participants, and supporters should work to protect and strengthen the "Rotary" name and overall brand — and the best way to do that is by using the Rotary trademarks correctly and consistently.
Rotary's trademarks include:
- Rotary
- Rotary Club
- Rotarian
- Rotaract
- Rotaract Club
- Interact
- Interact Club
- End Polio Now
- People of Action
You can find a full listing of the Rotary Marks in the Rotary Code of Policies, section 34.005.
People's perception of Rotary comes from their experiences with our clubs and programs, as well as from the stories we tell and the images we share. Keeping these communications consistent and compelling strengthens our brand and helps us engage and attract more members, participants, donors, and partners.
If you're planning to name any club event or project, it's important to know and follow the policies and guidelines in place to protect the "Rotary" name and trademarks. These guidelines apply to naming Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact club events and projects and using other Rotary International trademarks.
Here's some specific guidance on how to use Rotary trademarks in ways that protect our brand.
Using the Rotary name
If clubs or districts use just "Rotary," "Rotaract," or "Interact," that can imply that the event or project is an event or project of Rotary International. Clubs can use the "Rotary Club," "Rotaract Club," or "Interact Club" trademark in the name of their event or project if it includes their specific club identification and if the club is in full control of the event or project. Districts and zones can use "Rotary" with their district or zone number.
Here's an example:
- Instead of: Rotary Picnic at the Beach
- Name it: Rotary Club of Evanston Picnic at the Beach
Sometimes, individual members organize themselves around activities and want to use the "Rotary" name to identify themselves. Unlike Rotary Action Groups and Rotary Fellowships, which are approved by the RI Board of Directors, individual members cannot use "Rotary" to identify themselves.
Connecting with other members is one of the hallmarks of Rotary, but individual members can't use "Rotary" or other Rotary trademarks in a group name or by themselves. Without the board approval that action groups and fellowships have, only clubs or districts can form a group and use the "Rotary" name with their club or district identifier.
Here's an example:
- Instead of: Rotarians Worldwide for the Arts
- Name it: We Love the Arts!
Another thing to remember is that a club or district can't license the "Rotary" name to a third party or other entity and can't grant anyone else permission to use it.
A club can use only its own name in the title of an organization or entity — not the "Rotary" name alone — and then only for something it has full control over. By full control, we mean sole ownership and operational power over the organization or entity. You can find more details in the Rotary Code of Policies, section 34.040.7.
- Instead of: Rotary Hospital or Rotary Club of Evanston Hospital
- Name it: A title that doesn't contain "Rotary" or "Rotary Club." The name "Rotary Club of Evanston Hospital" wouldn't adhere to our brand guidelines because the club doesn't have full control of the hospital. Instead, when you dedicate a place or object in the community to honor your club, use signs that state the name of the club (with the correct club logo!) and the relationship the club has with the owner, city, or local organization.