Rotary International's  February 2026 Guidelines  for Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 

RESPONSIBLE AI USE IN ROTARY

In February 2026, Rotary International issued TWO important AI Guidelines: "Rotary International - AI Guidelines for Members" and "Rotary International — Member FAQ on AI Use."  Both of these are intended to help Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, plus anyone involved in any program of Rotary International, regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with Rotary’s mission and values.
 
AI is quickly becoming part of everyday life — drafting emails, summarizing reports, creating graphics. Used thoughtfully, it helps clubs save time, communicate better, and put more energy into service. But like any powerful tool, it should be used responsibly, guided by the same values that guide us everywhere: integrity, trust, and the
 
Where AI helps
AI works best as a supporting tool, not a replacement for human judgment. It's useful for:
  • First drafts of newsletters, announcements, and emails
  • Brainstorming service projects or fundraising ideas
  • Summarizing meeting notes or long reports
  • Outlining presentations and speeches
  • Creating visuals for club communications
Best practices
  • Do not upload Rotary’s logos, branded content, or other intellectual property into AI tools without explicit permission from Rotary International. This includes logos, images, photos, videos, articles, and other materials from the Brand Center, Rotary publications, or Rotary websites. It also includes club and district logos.
  • Do not use AI to create Rotary-branded logos, graphics, or other trademarked materials.
  • Review and verify everything. AI can be wrong or outdated — check any text, statistics, or quotes before publishing.
  • Protect sensitive information. Never put confidential club data, member details, financial records, or youth program information into public AI tools.
  • Keep Rotary's voice. AI content should still sound professional, inclusive, and service-oriented.
  • Treat AI as an assistant, not an authority. It can suggest; people decide.

Common pitfalls
AI can produce confident-sounding but false information (often called "hallucinations"), so verify facts before sharing. Avoid over-relying on automated content — Rotary communication should keep the authentic voice of members who know their communities. And watch for copyright and attribution; when in doubt, confirm the content is cleared to use.

Rotary's official guidance
Rotary International has published guidance on responsible AI use — covering ethics, confidentiality, intellectual property, and keeping AI in support of Rotary's mission rather than in place of human leadership. Members are encouraged to review it: 

A thoughtful path forward
AI will keep evolving, and we'll find new ways to use it in projects, communications, and operations. Used well, it helps us reach more people. But Rotary's greatest strength has never been technology — it's the people who serve with compassion, leadership, and integrity. AI may help us work smarter; Rotarians will always be the ones who make the difference.

If you’re unsure whether AI use is appropriate, write to the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter.org.

Our District 5890 Public Image Committee is here to help guide you when you have a question.  Please contact Charlie or Tommie Buscemi at tommie5890@suddenlink.net with questions.