Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly useful tool for Rotary members, offering new ways to streamline communications, generate creative ideas, and support club and district activities. Recognizing both its opportunities and potential risks, Rotary International has released new AI Guidelines for Members (February 2026) to help Rotarians and Rotaractors use these tools responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with Rotary’s mission and values.
The guidelines cover 11 key areas:
Definitions: Explains common AI terminology and establishes a shared understanding of the technology.
Good Use of AI: Identifies appropriate uses, including drafting social media posts, preparing presentations, developing project ideas, and translating public information.
Ethical and Fair AI Practices: Emphasizes using AI to advance Rotary’s mission, promote equity, support human decision-making, and consider environmental and social impacts.
Confidentiality of Rotary Information: Outlines information that should never be entered into AI tools, including donor records, financial information, membership databases, and confidential grant materials.
Data Privacy: Explains how information entered into AI platforms may be stored or used, and offers recommendations for protecting personal information.
Data Security: Provides practical steps for securing AI use, including network safety, privacy settings, strong passwords, and caution with AI integrations.
Protection of Intellectual Property: Clarifies restrictions on using Rotary logos, branded materials, copyrighted content, and individual likenesses with AI.
Photos, Videos, and Likenesses: Addresses consent requirements before uploading or manipulating images of individuals.
Data Accuracy and Bias: Reminds members that AI-generated information can be inaccurate or biased and must be fact-checked.
Disclosure of AI Use: Encourages transparency when AI plays a significant role in creating Rotary content.
Questions: Directs members to Rotary International's Support Center for guidance when they are unsure about appropriate AI use.
AI can be a valuable resource for making our Rotary work more efficient and impactful, but responsible use is essential to maintaining trust and protecting our organization.
Overcoming Challenges
Some of the rules may feel restrictive, especially around use of the brand, but we can adhere to these guidelines with a few simple tips:
- Write your prompts in a way that leaves space for you to add a compliant Rotary logo after the fact
- i.e. “Leave blank space in the lower left corner for adding a logo”
- Tell the AI that you do not want it to try to incorporate the Rotary logo, but do tell it to use the brand colors and provide the link to the colors page: https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us/our-brand/brand-elements/colors
All members are encouraged to download and review the complete guidelines to understand how these recommendations apply to their club and district activities. A little knowledge now can help us make the most of AI while protecting what makes Rotary special!
Click here to download now.