Rotary e-clubs are Rotary clubs that meet online. Effective 1 July 2010, Rotary e-clubs are officially a part of Rotary International, following a six-year pilot project.
Other than meeting online to conduct Rotary business, Rotary e-clubs are essentially the same as other Rotary clubs: they conduct service projects, support The Rotary Foundation, and enjoy fellowship among members. Rotary e-clubs follow the same guidelines and procedures as other clubs.
For business, professional, and community leaders who are unable to attend a weekly meeting in person (due to physical disabilities, location constraints, or busy schedules), the e-club option offers the opportunity to be part of Rotary.
The main distinction between Rotary e-clubs and Rotary clubs is in meeting format. While each e-club is assigned to a district, members can come from any country or geographical area where Rotary maintains a presence. Also, e-clubs must meet a number of technical requirements, such as a dedicated website, private sections of the website that only members can access, and online financial transaction systems for collecting dues payments from members.
Making up meetings at a Rotary e-club
All Rotarians, even those in Rotary clubs, can make up missed meetings online with a Rotary e-club. Many e-clubs have links on their websites explaining how to make up a missed Rotary club meeting by attending a Rotary e-club meeting.
Organizing Rotary e-clubs
Each Rotary district may have up to two Rotary e-clubs. If your district is interested in starting an e-club, follow the same general guidelines outlined in RI publication Organizing New Clubs: A Guide for District Governors and Special Representatives. If you have questions about e-clubs, ask your Club and District Support representative.
See What You Need to Know about Rotary E-Clubs for more about Rotary e-clubs and how they function.