We believe we can make a difference when we come together to help those in need.
We fulfil our mission through active volunteering, fundraising for local causes and building collaborative partnerships across the city. Our members come from a broad spectrum of professions and industries, and we believe that diversity is essential to the success of our mission. We are proud to welcome people from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and our diversity continues to grow. Women now make up a third of our membership, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and representation. We bring a wealth of experience, energy and expertise to everything we do with friendship, service and purpose always at the heart.
There are 1.4 million of us spread across 35,000 clubs and in over 200 countries. Wherever you go, there will always be a Rotary Club waiting to make you welcome and extend the hand of friendship. Rotary has its own charity, The Rotary Foundation, which is supported financially by Rotary members and public donations. It funds over 1000 projects every year, in the seven areas listed below. Rotary’s hallmark cause for many years has been the eradication of Polio. Find out more in our projects. Rotary has seven areas of focus which serve as a framework for Rotary's global service projects and grants:
• Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
• Disease Prevention and Treatment
• Water and Sanitation
• Maternal and Child Health
• Basic Education and Literacy
• Economic and Community Development
• Environment
Becoming a member of Bristol Rotary Club is more than just volunteering. It’s about building connections and friendships, having a sense of purpose and belonging but at the same time, being a key part of this worldwide organisation. We are a unique force for good in a challenging world. You can give as little or as much time as you want. Whatever you can contribute to our work, we will be very grateful.
I spent my career in music and education and managed one of the largest County Music Services in the UK. As an international music examiner for over 20 years, I enjoyed Rotary friendship in clubs around the world, after joining in 1990. If you visit our club, I can assure you of a very warm welcome.
As one of the oldest Rotary clubs in the UK, founded in 1917, in Bristol, we have a strong commitment to Rotary ideals and attract members from all walks of life. We have a long-standing tradition of initiating and supporting projects in Bristol and overseas. This includes working with local schools encouraging them to take part in national Rotary competitions, where we are regularly national champions: this helps to prepare young people to grow and gain in confidence.
The club has strong international links with Hannover, Bordeaux, Oporto and Stockholm, resulting in regular exchange visits. Help is regularly given to support Rotary's International charity and other projects such as in Ukraine, Nepal, Uganda and Fiji. We usually meet on Monday evenings, twice a month, either in person or on Zoom and have many social gatherings. We regularly attract interesting speakers to our meetings with a wide range of life experiences. If you would like to find out more about how you or your organisation could make a difference and potentially become a member of our club, please do get in touch via the contact page.
Your support can change lives. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or partnering with us, every action counts.
