Rotary International recognises two (2) types of members: active & honorary.
Active Members:
An active member of a club is a person who is elected to membership under a classification of business or profession and has all the obligations, responsibilities and privileges of membership as provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International.
Honorary Membership:
An honorary member is a person who, by advancing Rotary ideals, is elected to membership in a club but does not have the obligations, responsibilities and privileges of active members. Honorary membership is determined by the club board.
As of July 1. 2001, members formerly regarded as additional active, senior active, or past service members become active members. This enactment also amended provisions in R.I. constitutional documents about how many Rotarians may have the same classification in one Rotary club. For more information, consult the, MANUAL OF PROCEDURE or the RI web site at: www.rotary.org.
Qualification for membership:
The identification and selection of qualified members are the first steps a productive and fulfilling recruitment process. Proper selection will increase your club's rate of retention and reinforce a positive attitude towards recruitment.
Qualified potential members are:
Men and women of good character who possess an excellent business or professional reputation.
The classification principle is designed to ensure the Rotary club membership reflects the diversity of a community's professional and business interests. A members classification covers the principal and recognised activity of the firm , or company, or institution with which the member is connected, or the members own principal and recognised business or professional activity.
The classification principle works best when viewed as a guide, not as a rule, Qualified members may be admitted under new classifications. With the advent of new technologies over the last several years, many new kinds of jobs have been created and classifications need to be updated regularly to ensure that new professions are represented in clubs membership. Maintaining diversity in classification encourages the club to have a membership that is composed of different views, skills and expertise.
Holders of Public Office:
Persons elected or appointed to a public office for a specified time shall not be eligible to active membership in a club under the classification of such office. This restriction will not apply to persons holding positions or officers in schools, colleges or other institutions of learning or to persons who are elected or appointed to the judiciary. Members who are elected or appointed to public office for a specified period may continue as such members in their existing classifications during the period in which they hold such office.