Join Rotary?

Rotary online membership
Click to send your application through our form

No Secret Handshake, No Funny Hat to Wear. the desire to make a positive difference in our local & international community. As the world’s first service club Rotary International has more than 1.2 million business, professional and community leaders who volunteer their time, talent and treasure to further Rotary’s motto Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Hamilton is Hamilton’s original Rotary Club founded in 1913. Members in the Rotary Club of Hamilton meet weekly to network, enjoy fellowship and hear from a speaker. The Business Lunch is back!

In addition Rotarians raise funds to support local and international projects, conduct hands on service projects that make a difference in the lives of children, youth and families.

Become a Member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton

Welcome! As a potential new member, you’ll get a chance to become more involved in your community and to provide aid to other parts of the world through the opportunities that the Rotary Club of Hamilton and Rotary International offer.

Long-time Rotarians agree that involvement is key to getting the most out of membership. Volunteer to serve on a committee that meets your interests, be a greeter for weekly club meetings, or to join a service project team. These activities will help you get to know your fellow club members and better understand the work of Rotary.

If you’d like to become a member of Rotary or know someone that you feel would be a great representation of our club, please feel free to complete the online application form.

Rotary online membership
Click to send your application through our form

Rotary Club of Hamilton Announces NEW Membership Categories!

The Rotary Club of Hamilton has several Membership Categories. Click on the categories below to see which one fits you!

Rotarian (Member)
Member - Rotarian

A Rotarian is a member of the global service organization Rotary International. Rotarians are individuals who are committed to the organization’s values of service, integrity, diversity, and leadership, and who work to promote these values in their personal and professional lives. 
Rotarians participate in service projects, community outreach programs, and humanitarian efforts both locally and internationally, and they strive to make a positive impact in the world through their actions. They also uphold the Rotary Code of Conduct and adhere to the organization’s ethical standards. 
Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Hamilton attend Rotary @ Noon Meetings, social and fundraising events and are actively engaged in local and international service projects.

Participation: It is expected that Rotarians maintain a 65% attendance. Attendance can be maintained attending regular lunch meetings (Rotary @ Noon Meetings), special events, engagement and participation on committees or projects including serving on the Board of Directors. 

Rotarians are encouraged to visit and do a make-up meeting at another Rotary Club anywhere in the world. Rotary is a worldwide organization.

Sunshine Fund Members Appeal: It is expected that every member will contribute to the Sunshine Fund Members Appeal. This is an opportunity for each Rotarian to personally give to support the good work of our Rotary Club. Our goal is to have 100% of our members support the Sunshine Fund. The level of support is an individual decision.

Rotary Lunch Fees: Each member is responsible to pay for their lunch ticket. We do not have a “non-eaters” fee. If you have dietary restrictions, please let the Srt. At Arms know so we can inform the caterer. We do not make money off of our lunch tickets, the fee covers the cost of the meal.

Membership Fees: Membership fees are to be paid in-full before June 15th each year. The Rotary year starts July 1st. The 2023-24 Membership Dues are $375.00 per member

Corporate Membership – Muliti Organizational

A Corporate Member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton is a type of membership that allows a company or organization to designate one person as a Rotarian and up to three additional people as Associate Members. Corporate membership is designed to encourage businesses to get involved in their local communities and support Rotary’s mission of service.

Corporate Members may participate in Rotary service projects, attend meetings and events, and contribute to the club’s charitable efforts. They may also benefit from networking opportunities with other business professionals and community leaders.

Corporate Membership is a great way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community involvement, while also engaging their employees in meaningful service activities. By partnering with Rotary, Corporate Members can make a positive impact in their local communities and beyond. 

The benefits of Rotary Club of Hamilton Corporate Membership include:

Wider community engagement and recognition.
Corporate social responsibility projects
Flexible participation – nominated members may change as business demands
Leadership development
Networking – attendance at Rotary meetings, social events and project team meetings
Opportunity to visit other Rotary clubs worldwide when travelling and develop international networks of business leaders in partner countries.

Advertising & promotional opportunities in our monthly newsletter and activation opportunities at our various community events

A corporate entity or organization can become an eligible corporate member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton through a Membership application established by the club.

Designees. Once a business or organization becomes an eligible corporate member, it may appoint up to three (3) persons to be its designees (Associate Members), one of whom should member of that entity’s senior executive group; the others can be managerial individuals employed full time by the eligible corporation.

The Corporate/Business’ Rotarian Member will be recognized by Rotary International as a full member and will receive all the benefits and privileges of Rotary International. The Rotarian will also be able to hold Office on the Board and serve as Committee Chairperson.

The Corporate Membership team (Rotarian and up to 3 designees (Affiliate Members) should be fully engaged in Rotary Club of Hamilton activities and projects. 

Attendance and participation may be shared by the designees including; attendance requirement of 65% for Rotary @ Noon Meetings, personal or corporate support of the annual Sunshine Fund Members Appeal Campaign and involvement on Rotary committees and involvement on service projects

Friend of Rotary

A “Friend of Rotary” allows those who share our ideals and objectives to participate in Rotary activities, without the responsibility (or the benefits) of a full membership

This is a perfect way for individuals whose schedules, or health preclude regular attendance or participation at our weekly lunch meetings. Friends of Rotary can contribute to our community by participating in Rotary fundraisers, service projects, socials and fellowship events.

Benefits to Friends of Rotary

Participation in Rotary service projects help the community where we live and/or do business.  There are many opportunities for you to contribute in our local and global communities. 

Friends of Rotary is not a full membership, and you do not have all the privileges and rights of Rotary membership. Friends of Rotary cannot serve or hold office on the Board of Directors, attend more than 3 Rotary @ Noon Meetings yearly or benefit from Rotary District or Rotary International Members benefits.

Come visit one of our meetings, attend a fundraiser or volunteer to help with one of our service projects. What better way to experience Rotary than being part of it! No secret handshake, no hat, and no secret code. 

The Original Rotary Club of Hamilton

In our Local and International Community……

Our Local Community

  • Literacy, Nutrition & After School Programs in the Wever Community Hub
  • Support “Out of the Cold Project”
  • Summer Camp – Rotary Summer Literacy
  • Adopt-a-Park program at Jackie Washington Rotary Park & TB McQueston
  • junior Achievement
  • A Book for Every Child

Our International Community

  • Polio Eradication – Polio Plus Campaign
  • Liberian Learning Centre
  • Shelterbox – Disaster Relief 
  • Ukrainian Crisis Support
  • Rotary World Peace Fellowships

“The extraordinary dedication of Rotary members has played a critical role in bringing polio to the brink of eradication,” says Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Eradicating polio will be one of the most significant public health accomplishments in history, and we are committed to helping reach that goal.” -Bill Gates Founder Microsoft

The Rotary Club of Hamilton’s first meeting was held in the Private Dining Room at Fong Young’s Cafe 26 King William Street Hamilton on Thursday June 26th, 1913 at 1.10 p.m. in the afternoon. The Hamilton Club became the 3rd Rotary Club in Canada and the 82nd Club chartered by Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Hamilton met for a number of years at the prestigious Art Gallery of Hamilton. In the 2019-20 Rotary year the Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain merged with the Rotary Club of Hamilton. Our new meeting location is the Hungry Traveler Restaurant located in the Visitor’s Inn Hotel.

As Hamilton’s oldest and largest club our vision is to “Engaging the Hamilton community to enable children and youth, locally and internationally, to reach their full potential”

Take the opportunity to Network, Make Friends, Serve our Community and have Fun!

Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Through our regular meetings and events you’ll:

  • help support literacy, children & youth, and poverty reduction causes
  • Connect with other leaders who are changing the world
  • Expand your leadership and professional skills
  • Catch up with good friends and meet new ones

Rotary Club of Hamilton Meetings:

We traditionally meet every Thursday at Noon with the exception of the first Thursday of each month. Our Rotary @ Noon meetings are lunch meetings and offer a hybrid and virtual meeting opportunities. We do have special summer meetings schedule and do meet off-site. Check our calendar for meeting even

We traditionally meet every Thursday at Noon with the exception of the first Thursday of each month. Our Rotary @ Noon meetings are lunch meetings and offer a hybrid and virtual meeting opportunities. We do have special summer meetings schedule and do meet off-site. Check our calendar for meeting events and locations. Email us for the link if you would like to join our meeting [email protected]  

Our new meeting location is
McMaster Innovation Park
175 Longwood Rd S,
Hamilton, ON L8P 0A1

Please join us for lunch, a great speaker and networking!
Make a difference in our community!

For more information about the process to being considered as a member, contact:

Rotary Club of Hamilton
E-mail: [email protected]