13.010. Purpose of RotaKids
RotaKids is an authorized district-led Rotary family youth program for children aged 7 to 12, with a one-year extension in either direction permitted upon approval of the sponsoring Rotary Club and in accordance with applicable local law. The purpose of the program is to introduce children to the concept of Service Above Self, foster the development of leadership skills, encourage ethical behavior through the application of the RotaKids Pledge.
13.020. District-Led Governance Model
Unlike centrally managed programs, RotaKids operates under a District-led model.
- Authorization: The RI Board authorizes the use of the RotaKids brand name and logo by Rotary districts worldwide.
- Liability: Rotary International assumes no legal or financial liability for the activities of RotaKids clubs. The responsibility for safeguarding, insurance, operational supervision, and legal compliance rests with the sponsoring Rotary Club and the respective District, in accordance with applicable local law and any formal agreement with a host school or community partner.
- Certification: The District Governor, or in their absence the Chair of the District RotaKids Committee, is responsible for certifying new clubs and ensuring their adherence to the Standard RotaKids Club Constitution.
- Sponsorship Models: A RotaKids club may be sponsored by one Rotary Club or co-sponsored by two or more Rotary Clubs, subject to District approval. In all co-sponsorship arrangements, one lead sponsoring Rotary Club shall be designated for certification, reporting, safeguarding coordination, financial oversight, and communication with the District.
13.030. Membership and Age Limits
- Membership is open to children aged 7 to 12, with a one-year extension in either direction permitted upon approval of the sponsoring Rotary Club and in accordance with applicable local law.
- Members approaching the upper age limit are encouraged to transition into an Interact club at the end of the Rotary year in which they reach the age of 13, ensuring continuity within the Rotary family.
13.040. Branding and Visual Identity
- Official Color: The primary brand color for RotaKids is Turquoise (PMS 7466C / Hex #00adbb). This color is mandatory for the official RotaKids logo.
- Promotional Materials: The use of Turquoise is recommended but not mandatory for banners, apparel, and other promotional materials.
- Brand Protection: Upon authorization or recognition by Rotary International, the RotaKids name and official logo shall be treated as protected Rotary programme marks, subject to RI brand rules.
- Heritage Logo: The original RotaKids logo, created by Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland, is recognized as the official Heritage Logo of the RotaKids programme.
13.050. The Gear of Service (Developmental Framework)
RI recognizes the Gear of Service as the official progression system for RotaKids. This three-level model focuses on personal growth and community service and is reflected on the member's badge through two marker systems: Level Markers and Progress Markers.
- I. Level I - The Solid Wheel ("TO BE" / Belonging): Recognition through progressive completion of the Progress Markers while the member is in Level I.
- II. Level II - The Spoked Wheel ("TO DO" / Direction): Recognition through formal advancement to the Level II badge version and progressive completion of the Progress Markers within that level.
- III. Level III - The Cogwheel ("TO MULTIPLY" / Leadership): Recognition through formal advancement to the Level III badge version and progressive completion of the Progress Markers within that level.
13.060. Financial Policy
- RI Fees: No dues or fees shall be collected by Rotary International from RotaKids clubs or their members.
- District Funding: Districts and sponsoring clubs shall determine local funding models. RotaKids clubs are encouraged to engage in service-learning fundraising to finance their own projects.
13.070. Digital Infrastructure and Data Privacy
- To support global coordination, the Rotary community may utilize the RotaKids Global Digital Hub (including rotakids.net, .org, .com, and .club), subject to stewardship, governance, privacy, and technical arrangements acceptable to RI and the relevant Districts.
- Development Status: No component shall be treated as an official RI-operated production service unless and until it has passed technical, safeguarding, privacy, and governance review under arrangements acceptable to RI and Districts.
- Privacy: Districts must ensure that no personal data of minors is shared globally or published without written parental consent. Data storage must comply with local privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, COPPA).
13.080. Relationship and Transition to Interact
- RotaKids is recognized as the foundational tier of the Rotary Youth Service pipeline. Members who transition from RotaKids are eligible for Interact membership from age 12.
- Sponsoring Rotary clubs are encouraged to facilitate this transition without additional membership barriers.
- Framework for Alumni:
- a. Direct eligibility: A RotaKid who has completed at least one full level of the Gear of Service may be considered eligible for direct Interact membership without a mandatory probationary period.
- b. Standard eligibility: Others shall be subject to the standard membership process.
13.090. RotaKids Citation
The District Governor, in coordination with the District RotaKids Committee, is authorized to issue an annual "RotaKids Citation" to clubs that achieve a set of pre-defined goals. RI encourages the eventual integration of this recognition into the official Rotary Citation framework.