Rotary International Code of Policies - Circularization
Using a Rotary membership list as a mailing (or emailing) list for a non-Rotary purpose is not permitted.

Because our club’s membership directory is online and it is not possible to include the required notice below as required by the Rotary International Code of Policies, we include it here and periodically publish it in our newsletter for your information. These policies concern Circularization or the solicitation of Rotarians and Rotary clubs for organizational or commercial solicitation purposes.  If you have a question about how you can use a Rotary club or district membership directory, please consult your club's board of directors.

11.030. Circularization

11.030.1.…it is not permissible for a Rotarian to circularize Rotary clubs or other Rotarians on matters affecting his or her individual business interests.

11.030.4. Club and District Directories

Any club or district publishing a directory shall publish in that directory a notice to the effect that the directory is not for distribution to non-Rotarians nor may it be used as a commercial mailing list. (November 2004 Mg., Bd. Dec. 59)

Source: June 1936 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 275; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59

COMMERCIALIZATION AND CIRCULARIZATION
Commercializing Rotary

The Official Directory of RI is published annually for the information of all Rotarians. No Rotarian shall use the Official Directory, club or district directory, or any other database or list of names compiled in connection with a Rotary related project or activity for commercial purposes. (RCP 11.030.6.)

Circularizing Rotary Clubs

The limits of authorized circularization of Rotary clubs are as follows:

A club desiring to request the cooperation of other clubs or members of other clubs, in connection with any matter whatsoever, by any means, including telemarketing, must first submit its purpose and plans to the governor(s) of the involved area and secure his, her, or their approval. This applies only in cases where a club desires to request the cooperation of more than one Rotary club or members of more than one club. (RCP 11.030.1.)

A Rotary club(s) engaging in these types of activities must comply with RI policy for use of the Rotary Marks, including proper identification and qualifying language for the Rotary clubs(s) involved. (RCP 11.030.1., 33.020.6.)

No club shall solicit financial assistance or participation in commercial ventures from any other Rotary club or from individual Rotarians other than its own members unless and until it first secures an authorization from the RI Board.

The general secretary shall request the governors of any districts involved in unauthorized solicitations, including those by telemarketing, to take action to end such activities. Continued noncompliance with this policy will be reported to the RI Board for possible discipline for cause, including termination of the club. (RCP 11.030.1.)

Rotary clubs and districts desiring to use a commercial telemarketing, Internet Web hosting, or e-mail firm to solicit the public on their behalf must first submit their purpose and plans to the governor(s) of the involved area and secure his, her, or their approval; comply with existing Rotary circularization policy; and include proper identification and qualifying language for all Rotary Entity(ies) to be represented. (RCP 11.030.4.)

The Official Directory of RI shall not be made available by Rotarians, Rotary clubs, or districts for the purpose of circularization. (RCP 11.030.6.) Any club or district directory must include a notice that the directory is not for distribution to non-Rotarians and may not be used as a commercial mailing list. (RCP 11.040.7.)