About Us
The Rotary Club of Roanoke-Downtown was chartered November 11, 1986 as a part of Rotary International District 7570. As all clubs in Rotary, we come together from different vocations to learn more about the respective professions of our members and through a fellowship guided by the motto Service Above Self to better our community and foster international goodwill.
We are a membership club which performs community service and is comprised of inspired individuals whose contributions improve lives across the globe. Our Club's primary focus is to support youth-oriented activities and programs throughout the Roanoke Valley.
Rotary Club of Roanoke-Downtown has supported many programs over the last 32 years and has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars of support to local organizations and global initiatives. Funds are raised through fundraising activities such as our annual Dinner and Live/Silent Auction, “Raise A Fork for Kids!”, supporting the “Foot Leveler’s Blue Ridge Marathon”, and other fundraising opportunities.
Some of our current community service activities include staffing the dining room at RAM House, reading to elementary schools for “Read Across America:”, participating in “Back 2 School Blast”, volunteering at the Rescue Mission, and supporting West End Center for Youth. We are “People of Action” and respond when projects and problem solving opportunities are presented, and we can assist. We can also be found helping other Rotary clubs with their service projects and fundraisers. There are too many short term projects to list! Visit our photo galleries and our “press releases” in our documents tab to see some of our past community service events.
Our club has also applied for and obtained several District Grants, which are awarded annually, and fund short term projects to solve problems/needs in our community. These projects also provide volunteer opportunities. Learn more about our prior District Grant projects in our “press releases” folder in our documents tab.
Our Meetings and Events
We meet from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM on the 1st and 3rd, Wednesday of each month, and meeting include lunch. When applicable, we also gather on the 5th Wednesday of the month for a social, community service, or field trip. Community service activities are scheduled throughout the month. See our listing of events for a schedule of regular and special meetings.
Join Us
From the beginning, one of the secrets to Rotary's success has been the quality of our membership. A club thrives on the active participation of true leaders in a wide variety of professions. As in all Rotary clubs, membership in the Rotary Club of Roanoke-Downtown is by invitation only. Interested? Reach out to any active member you know or contact us with any questions.
Membership Qualifications:
Rotarians must be adults who have demonstrated good character, integrity and leadership; have a good reputation in their business profession and community; and are willing to serve in their community and around the world.
Membership Benefits
- Joining Rotary allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
- You’ll make valuable connections and work with professionals who will encourage and challenge you to be your best.
- You’ll learn and practice skills that can easily transfer to your career, like project management, training, and public speaking.
- You’ll have opportunities to attend conventions and conferences locally and internationally, and to connect with members from all over the world.
- You’ll build friendships while performing service that makes a difference.