Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life—and increasingly part of how we communicate, plan projects, and support our clubs and districts. Rotary International encourages the responsible use of AI, recognizing its potential to help volunteers work more efficiently while protecting our members, our data, and Rotary's reputation.
Rotary International has published new AI Guidelines for Members [PDF]. The guidelines are designed to help Rotarians use AI with confidence—and with care. While AI can be an excellent tool for brainstorming ideas, drafting communications, summarizing information, and improving productivity, it also introduces risks if used without appropriate oversight.
Before using AI in your Rotary work, remember these five guiding principles:
- Verify everything. AI can produce inaccurate or fabricated information. Always fact-check content before sharing or publishing it.
- Protect confidential information. Never enter member, donor, youth, financial, or other sensitive information into public AI tools.
- Reflect Rotary's voice and values. AI can help draft content, but the final message should always be reviewed and edited by a Rotarian.
- Respect copyright, privacy, and Rotary's brand. Use AI in ways that honor intellectual property, individual privacy, and Rotary's identity. When it doubt, source logos and images from the Rotary Brand Center.
- Keep people in charge. AI can inform decisions, but it should never replace human judgment, accountability, or leadership.
The bottom line is simple: AI is a tool—not an authority. Like any tool, its value depends on how thoughtfully it is used. Every Rotarian is responsible for ensuring that information shared on behalf of Rotary is accurate, appropriate, and consistent with our values.
Before incorporating AI into your Rotary work, take a few minutes to review Rotary's AI Guidelines for Members [PDF]. They provide practical guidance to help you use these emerging tools responsibly while protecting the trust our members and communities place in Rotary.
When using AI, remember...
Review it. Refine it. Take responsibility for it.
AI can help create the first draft, but every Rotarian remains responsible for the final product.
Meet ARCHIE: Your Rotary Leadership Advisor
Once you've reviewed Rotary International's AI Guidelines for Members [PDF], consider using ARCHIE: an AI-powered Rotary Leadership Advisor designed to help leaders quickly navigate Rotary information, draft communications and templates, and find guidance on topics such as policy, governance, Foundation, membership, and public image.
ARCHIE consults official Rotary resources—including the Manual of Procedure, Rotary Code of Policies, and RI governing documents—to provide RI-aligned guidance, while recognizing that Rotary International’s Club and District Support remains the authoritative source for legal, financial, youth protection, governance, crisis, or other issues requiring official interpretation.
Most importantly, ARCHIE is designed to support—not replace—human leadership and judgment. Leaders should continue to verify AI-generated information, protect confidential data, and use AI to handle reference work and routine tasks so they can spend more time on what matters most: people, relationships, and service.
How to access ARCHIE:
To access ARCHIE, you’ll need an active ChatGPT Plus or Team subscription through OpenAI, as ARCHIE operates securely within the ChatGPT environment. ARCHIE runs on GPT-5 technology, which is available only to subscribed or enterprise users.
No software installation is required — ARCHIE is accessed through your web browser. For best performance, use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari with a stable internet connection. Mobile and tablet access are supported, though desktop provides the optimal experience. Please ensure browser cookies and JavaScript are enabled, and that your organization’s firewall permits access to OpenAI’s site.