Join the Minneapolis Women's RotaryMembership is composed of professional women, including those in administrative or executive positions in business. Our members come from a variety of professions. As a member, your obligations are to:
- Attend monthly meetings
- Participate in service activities of the organization
- Serve on a committee during the membership year
Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to attend one of our monthly membership meetings. Meetings are held at the Women's Club of Minneapolis at 410 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Typically on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Social hour from 5:00-6:00pm, followed by dinner, monthly speaker program, and membership meeting.
Contact us at mplswomensrotary@gmail.com for more information
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MinneapolisWomensRotary
Our History
"The world of 1911 was small in comparison to the complex world of today and work for women in it was somewhat restricted. Nevertheless there was a newspaper woman in Minneapolis by the name of Mrs. Ida May Borrows, who very strongly felt the need of closer association with other business and professional women. She was not only a woman of vision but a woman of action."
In 1910, a small group of women in Duluth and Minneapolis realized the importance of gathering together with like-minded people to discuss the challenges of business, to socialize, and to find ways to help the community. Back then, that place was called the Rotary so they approached the Rotary for membership and received an immediate and resounding "No!"
The women in Minnesota did not give up. After taking their request to state and national conventions, they were consistently denied membership. In fact, the Rotary wouldn't even give chapter status to a "Women Only Rotary". These courageous women took action and established their own Rotary - one in Duluth and one called the Minneapolis Women's Rotary. It was not until 1987 that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Rotary could not discriminate due to gender and with that decision the Rotary International changed its constitution allowing women throughout the world to join the Rotary. But throughout all that time, the Minneapolis Women's Rotary met, networked, and served the community.
We now celebrate over a century of commitment to women helping women succeed! Please join us or support our scholarship fund. Thank you!
The original 11 charter members of 1911:
