What is Rotary?
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Learn more about the structure of Rotary and our foundation and strategic vision of Rotary International.
What we do
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our more than 45,000 clubs work together to:
- Promote peace
- Fight disease
- Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Save mothers and children
- Support education
- Grow local economies
- Protect the environment
Our mission
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Vision statement
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Rotary's 4-Way Test
The Rotary Four-Way Test is an ethical standard of conduct, which asks:
Of the things we think, say, or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
This non-sectarian and non-political guideline is used by Rotarians for their personal and professional lives to promote ethical decision-making and foster positive relationships.
About the Rotary Club of Northfield
Club Facts and Tidbits
Date Chartered: May 19, 1925
Club Number: 2157
Sponsor Club: Faribault
Clubs Sponsored: Lakeville, Cannon Valley Rotaract
Current Members: 146
Charter Members: 24
Charter President: Frank L. Clark
Bulletin: College City Cogwheel
Year Started: 1930
Current Editor: Pete Stegner
District/International Officers:
Rotary Club of Northfield members who have served Rotary at the district or international level
Leal Headley, District Governor, 1932; Barbara Will, Assistant Governor, 1994-95; Mark Cashman, Assistant District Governor, 2007-2010; Rick Esse, Assistant District Governor, 2010-2013; Robert Bierman, Assistant District Governor, 2013-2018; Rick Estenson, North Star Youth Exchange district chair, 2015-2017, Jean Wakely, Assistant District Governor, 2018-2021; Eric Johnsrud, North Star Youth Exchange district chair, 2023-2025.
Rotary Awards:
Several club members have been honored for their service and generosity, such as Robert Will, Jim Pokorney, Brett Reese, Rick Estenson, Charlie Cogan, and others. Read the full list on our Club Awards page.
Historical Highlights:
Our first woman member, Chris Hager, was accepted in 1988. Our first woman president, Barbara Will, held office in 1993-94.