Service in Action

By Rotary Service and Engagement Staff

The Rotary Community Corps program was created in 1986 with the purpose of empowering communities to address their needs by developing and participating in sustainable service initiatives. Rotary International established the following goals for the program:

• Develop partnerships between Rotary members and the general public in a joint effort to enhance their community.
• Support community members who proactively address community needs, recognizing their unique ability to identify the most pressing concerns and suitable methods of implementation.
• Promote sustainable solutions to community needs by engaging a broader segment of the community in developing and implementing focused service projects.

A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a team of non-Rotary members who work in partnership with Rotary clubs to address a wide array of needs in the community. An RCC plans and implements sustainable projects that improve the local community with guidance and mentorship from its sponsoring Rotary club. As of 31 March 2023, there are 12,782 RCCs sponsored by 4,216 Rotary clubs in 102 countries and 266 districts.

Rotary International biannually surveys RCC presidents and advisors to understand the features and functions of RCCs in different parts of the world as well as participants’ experiences with the program. 1,415 RCC presidents and advisors responded to Rotary’s June 2022 survey to share their experiences.  Survey results show that RCCs grow Rotary’s service impact in communities, expand our reach, and enhance participant engagement.

Increase our impact

RCCs plan and implement projects to address the most pressing needs in their communities. Projects are more sustainable when we bring the knowledge and talents of local people to identify the root causes of issues and long-term solutions. Survey results demonstrate that RCCs play a vital role in conducting community assessments, identifying solutions to address needs, and designing projects to meet local needs.

Expand our reach

RCCs grow and diversify our membership and participation. Research shows that RCCs are predominantly occupied by women and younger members. RCC presidents reported that two-thirds of RCC members identify as female. Almost one-third of all RCC members are younger than 30 years old and just over half are under the age of 40. Even though the RCC program is designed to empower non-members’ voices and strengthen a club’s service collaborations with its community, the program has also attracted new members to Rotary. 54% of RCC presidents reported that their members had a desire to eventually join a Rotary or Rotaract club.

Enhance participant engagement

RCCs also enhance existing club members’ experiences by offering them meaningful service, connection, and mentorship opportunities. RCC members develop leadership skills through their partnership with Rotary members and involvement in service projects. 89% of the RCC presidents who responded to the survey indicated that their involvement with the RCC helped them develop leadership skills. 92% of the RCC presidents reported they were satisfied with their experience in their RCC.

Read the RCC President Survey highlights to learn more about how RCCs benefit their members and the communities they serve.

Calls to Action for Rotary Members

• Raise awareness about the benefits of the RCCs within your club and district.
• Share this video and the RCC Infographic during your club/district gatherings (language versions of the video is available on Rotary’s Brand Center).
• Assess the need for, and feasibility of, establishing an RCC.
• Identify and recruit at least 10 community members for your RCC.
• Register your RCC by sending a completed organization form to Rotary International.

For inspiration, read RCC stories on the Rotary Service in Action blog and the Rotary Magazine. For information and resources on the Rotary Community Corps program,  visit Rotary’s International website