Community solutions address local needs through Rotary Community Corps

By Zuhal Sharp, RI Programs staff

RCC of Tauheed Nagar, Pakistan, operates a vocational center for stitching.

Rotary Community Corps, commonly known as RCCs, are teams of community volunteers who share Rotary’s commitment to service but are not Rotary members. They work in partnership with their sponsor Rotary clubs to address their communities’ specific needs. RCCs are highly adaptable and can be found everywhere Rotary is present: in urban and rural areas, and in both developed and developing countries. Some RCCs are established to carry out a specific project for a limited period of time, while others tackle more entrenched problems on an ongoing basis.

Every year, we survey all club presidents whose club sponsors at least one Rotary Community Corps (RCC). This feedback provides valuable information about the activities and demographics of RCCs and their partnership with Rotary clubs.

The 2013 and 2014 Rotary Community Corps surveys provide significant insights for any club considering sponsoring a new RCC to find community solutions to community issues:

RCC of Tauheed Nagar, Pakistan, addresses water and sanitation needs by installing a community hand pump.

RCC projects address all of Rotary’s six areas of focus. Projects that address economic and community development and basic education and literacy seem to be the most common.
Nearly 90% of RCC members are in the age range of 18-44. 32 % of this group is in the age range of 18-34.
45% of the RCCs have predominantly male members, 39% predominantly female members, and 16% equal number of female and male members.
80% of the RCCs meet at least once a month.
Rotary clubs organize most of the fundraising activities and donate funds for RCC projects. RCC members are more likely to volunteer their time rather than donating money.
RCC of Tauheed Nagar, Pakistan, empowers the community through economic development initiatives. Local residents sew and sell wedding dresses.

Most of the sponsoring Rotary clubs promote RCCs through personal contacts (rated highest), newsletter/website, or local media.
76 % of club presidents think that RI should establish direct connections to elected RCC presidents or other RCC members.
75 % of club presidents believe that RI can help better equip the Rotary clubs by sharing best practices from successful RCCs.
86% of club presidents would like to see resources on fundraising ideas for RCCs.
A significant number of club presidents suggested that successful RCCs should be recognized by RI and/or at the district level.