CHAPTER I

Rotary Code of Policies 236
January 2013
The following constitute improper usage:
a) As a trademark or special brand of merchandise
b) When used in combination with any other emblem or name, except in accordance with
RI’s sponsorship and cooperative relationship policies and under the provisions of RI’s
licensing system
c) On business stationery or business cards of individual Rotarians
d) When used for any commercial purposes
The following use of the emblem, while not authorized, is permissible: On articles for
personal use of or greetings from Rotarians and their families.
The following use is discouraged: On doors or windows of Rotarians' business premises.
(November 2007 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 32)
Source: COL 80-102, Art. I, Sec. 2; June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 381 Amended by November 2007 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 32. Affirmed by
February 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 172
33.030.3. Use of Name and Emblem on Personal Cards and Stationery of Rotarians
Rotarians are encouraged to use the Rotary name and emblem on personal cards and
stationery. (June 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 245)
Source: February 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 172
33.030.4.. Use of Name and Emblem on Business Cards and Stationery of Rotarians
The Rotary emblem may not be included on the business stationery or business cards of
individual Rotarians. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)
Source: COL 80-102; November 1996 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 69
33.030.5. Use of Distinctive Regalia to Indicate Position in Rotary
The use by Rotarians of distinctive badges, jewels, ribbons, etc., indicative of official
position in Rotary is not in harmony with an organization of business and professional
people and community leaders. Accordingly, the use of such regalia is disapproved
except in those countries where local custom dictates otherwise, with the understanding
that the simple and temporary nameplates and ribbon badges used at Rotary conventions
and conferences are not included in this disapproval. (June 2007 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 226)
Source: April 1929 Mtg., Bd. Dec. IV(q); Amended by January 1956 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 98, June 2007 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 226
33.030.6. Use of the Rotary Emblem or other Rotary Marks by Rotary Entities
When used by itself, the word “Rotary” or the Rotary Emblem normally refers to the
entire organization, Rotary International. It also means the ideals and principles of the
organization. As a general rule, all club, district, multidistrict and other Rotary Entity
activities must include identifiers of the club, district, multidistrict group or other Rotary
Entity when using the Rotary Emblem or other Rotary Marks. Such identifier must be in
close proximity to and in equal prominence with the Rotary Emblem or other of the