Here’s everything you need to know about how membership works at the Rotary Club of Hamilton. Questions? Get in touch and our Membership team will be happy to help.
Rotarian (Full Member)
A Rotarian is a member of Rotary International, committed to its values of service, integrity, diversity and leadership. Rotarians attend Rotary @ Noon meetings, social and fundraising events, and take part in local and international service projects.
- Engagement: Rotarians are expected to maintain approximately 65% engagement. This can include lunch meetings, special events, committee or project work, or serving on the Board of Directors. Make-up meetings can be attended at Rotary clubs worldwide.
- Sunshine Fund Members Appeal: Every member is expected to contribute. Our goal is 100% participation, and the level of support is an individual decision.
- Lunch: Each member pays for their own lunch ticket, and there is no fee if you are not eating. The ticket simply covers the cost of the meal. Let the Sergeant-at-Arms know about any dietary needs.
- Dues: $350 per year, due in full by June 15. The Rotary year starts July 1.
Corporate Membership
Corporate Membership lets a company or organization designate one person as a Rotarian and up to three additional people as Associate Members. It’s a great way for a business to show its commitment to the community while getting its team involved in meaningful service.
Benefits
- Wider community engagement and recognition
- Corporate social responsibility projects
- Flexible participation, with nominated members able to change as business needs change
- Leadership development for your team
- Networking at Rotary meetings, social events and project team meetings
- The opportunity to visit Rotary clubs worldwide when travelling
- Advertising and promotional opportunities in our monthly newsletter and at community events
How it works
- Rotarian: The organization’s Rotarian is recognized by Rotary International as a full member, with all the benefits and privileges that come with it, including holding office on the Board and chairing committees.
- Associate Members: Up to three designees, one of whom should be a member of the organization’s senior leadership team. The others can be managers employed full time by the organization.
- Shared participation: The corporate team shares the 65% Rotary @ Noon attendance expectation, support of the annual Sunshine Fund Members Appeal, and involvement in committees and service projects.
- Dues: $600 per year.
Friend of Rotary
A Friend of Rotary shares our ideals and wants to get involved, without the responsibilities (or the benefits) of full membership. It’s a great fit for people whose schedule or health makes regular attendance difficult.
Friends of Rotary are welcome at fundraisers, service projects, socials and fellowship events. Because it is not a full membership, Friends of Rotary cannot hold office on the Board, attend more than three Rotary @ Noon meetings a year, or access Rotary District or Rotary International member benefits.
Rotary Imperium Legati: Honorary Civic Ambassadors
The Rotary Imperium Legati is a distinguished, invitation-only honorary membership of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. It is reserved for exceptional civic, institutional and public service leaders whose values align with Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
What the name means
Legati comes from the Latin legatus (plural legati), meaning envoy or delegate. Together, the Legati are a circle of distinguished leaders who serve as ceremonial ambassadors for Rotary’s mission. Each appointee holds the title of Rotary Hamilton Imperium Legate, with imperium signifying honour, leadership and authority in service.
How appointments are made
- By invitation only, with appointments made annually by the Rotary Club of Hamilton Board of Directors
- Proven leadership in civic or charitable institutions
- Alignment with Rotary’s values and community impact
- Roles such as Mayor, Police or Fire Chief, Executive Director, or recognized changemaker
What it includes
While not a dues-paying or voting member, an Imperium Legate receives:
- Public recognition at a formal induction ceremony
- Visibility on our website, newsletters and social platforms
- Exclusive invitations to Rotary @ Noon speakers, community celebrations and major service events
- Opportunities to collaborate with Rotary on initiatives aligned with their organization’s mission
- Ceremonial participation in awards presentations, celebrations and special projects
Ready to join?
The best first step is lunch. Come to a Rotary @ Noon meeting as our guest, meet the people and see the impact for yourself.