Why Does Rotary International Have Districts and What Relationship Between the District and Club?

Posted by Mary Schwem

on Sep 07, 2010

Rotary International is divided into operating units called districts to make it easier to advance the objectives of Rotary and to assist the individual clubs in achieving these objectives. Each district has approximately 2500-3500 members. Districts are administered by District Governors (officers of RI) who are empowered to speak and act on behalf of Rotary International. These governors provide the legal framework which enables RI to operate worldwide.

We have had several members of our club who have the proud distinction of serving as District Governor. Our Past District Governors , (PDG), are James H. Walton, Jack Gage, Richard D. Gibbs, John Hanes, Hal Miller and George McIlvaine.

Districts are grouped into Zones based on membership and geographic location. There are 34 Zones in the Rotary World. The members of the Board of Directors of RI are chosen from these Zones. Directors serve a two-year term and are replaced on an alternating system so there is continuity on the Board. We live in Zone 27 which is made up of 16 Districts located in the middle part of the U.S. In addition to their service on the Board, these Directors are charged with promoting the goals and objective of the current RI President to the Districts and Clubs within the Zone. PDG George McIlvaine of our club, currently serves as the Zone Challenge Coordinator for Polio Plus.