Rotarians, who have embraced the organization's motto, "Service Above Self," represent a cross section of all types of businesses, vocations and professions. The name "Rotary" came from the practice of the early clubs of "rotating" their meetings from business-to-business each week. Rotary's gearwheel symbolizes the name and represents the "meshing" of Rotary with other organizations for useful purpose. Rotary works to bring together people of all races, faiths and political views.

Rotary has consultative status with UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Health Organization and the UN Economic and Social Council. Rotary maintains representatives at UN headquarters in New York, Geneva and Vienna and with UNESCO in Paris. These representatives provide information to Rotary International on the relevant activities of the United Nations and its affiliated agencies.