1. What is the recommendation you are making to Rotary?
To officially recognize "RotaKids" as an authorized district-led Rotary family youth program, authorize its brand and standardized logo, confirm District and sponsoring Rotary Club responsibility, and consider the transfer, licensing, or designated stewardship of the global digital infrastructure offered by District 2241.
4. What issue does this address or what opportunity does it create for Rotary?
RotaKids has operated for over fifteen years without official recognition, leaving 800–1000 clubs and approximately 25,000 children without brand protection or institutional legitimacy. Recognition closes this gap while creating a structured leadership pipeline from age 7 through Interact, Rotaract, and ultimately Rotary membership.
5. What evidence do you have to support the need for this resolution?
- CLUBS 300+ individually verified clubs on rotakids.net across 25+ countries.
- GROWTH 40% growth in verified clubs between 2021–2026.
- SUCCESS 14 years of continuous operation in District 2241 with a 60%+ transition rate to Interact.
- HISTORY 15 previously rejected resolutions demonstrating sustained global demand.
6. In what ways does this resolution support Rotary's Action Plan?
Increase our impact: Introduces Service Above Self during the most formative years.
Expand our reach: Estimated 25,000+ members with no substantial financial impact on RI.
Enhance participant engagement: The Gear of Service creates a visible, engaging progression.
Increase our ability to adapt: The District-Led model allows local adaptation without RI administrative burden.
8. How are you changing the proposal to create success?
Previous resolutions failed due to liability concerns and lack of standardization. The 2026 resolution resolves both:
- Liability: Explicitly assigned to the sponsoring Club and District.
- Standardization: A complete governance framework is provided (Doc 01-07).
- Precedent: Follows the "Light Recognition" model of Rotarian Action Groups (RAGs).
11. How do you expect this resolution to be implemented?
Following adoption, the RI Board would authorize the brand, incorporate the Statement of Policy into the Code of Policies, and determine stewardship for the digital assets. A three-year pilot evaluation is proposed to monitor Safeguarding and growth.
Final Summary Recommendation
"Officially recognize RotaKids as an authorized district-led program to secure the youth service pipeline with no financial impact on RI and significant long-term benefit to the Rotary family."