Rotary Community Corps

Rotary Community Corps (RCC)

Since 1985, the Rotary Community Corps program has been spurring economic development and self-sufficiency in communities around the world. Corps can be rural or urban and may comprise an entire village or community or a smaller group within the community. Geographic location has no bearing on the feasibility of an RCC - they are appropriate anywhere Rotarians and non-Rotarians want to work together.

All RCCs share four major goals:

• To encourage individuals to take responsibility for the improvement of their community, village, or neighborhood.
• To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations.
• To mobilize self-help activities and collective work to improve the quality of life.
• To encourage the development of human potential to its fullest, within the context of the local culture and community.

Can a Rotary Community Corps (RCC) be established in a developed country?

One of the wonderful aspects of RCC is its flexibility. Rotary clubs around the world can sponsor a RCC in both urban and rural areas. Projects can be adapted to fit the needs any region.

I've heard about RVC and RCSC, how are they different from RCC?

These are essentially all the same program. When the Rotary Community Corps was proposed under then President-elect Mat Caparas in 1985, the original name was Rotary Village Corps - or RVC. Rotary Community Service Corps (RCSC) became the preferred name of corps in urban areas. In a Board decision in November 1999, it was agreed to call the program Rotary Community Corps (RCC) regardless if the corps was established in a rural or urban community.

Why should our Rotary club sponsor an RCC?

By helping local residents take charge of their community's future, Rotary clubs plant the seeds of community pride, teamwork, and shared responsibility - all qualities that increase the likelihood of success. Furthermore, as community members gain access to educational and vocational training from an RCC project, they can pass along their knowledge and skills to future generations.

How do we make our RCC "official?"

Once an RCC has achieved a strong membership base, it must apply for a charter from Rotary International. Download and complete a RCC Organization Form (which includes signatures from the RCC representative, president of the sponsoring Rotary club, and district governor). Send the form to RI Headquarters. After Rotary International receives the completed form, an official charter certificate will be mailed to the president of the sponsoring Rotary club. RI encourages sponsoring clubs to consider planning a special ceremony or celebration to present the RCC charter certificate.