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Turtle Island Connects with Rotary Communities Around the World
A Global Network for Lasting Change
Rotary is a global network of people who come together to take action in their communities and around the world. Through Rotary and Rotaract clubs, members work on projects addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including protecting the environment, improving health, supporting education, providing clean water, promoting peace, and strengthening communities.
Today, Rotary and Rotaract include approximately 1.2 million members across more than 200 countries and geographical areas, connected through approximately 45,000 Rotary clubs around the world. Together, Rotary members contribute millions of hours of volunteer service each year and support projects ranging from local community initiatives to international conservation and humanitarian efforts. Rotary’s global reach is one of the organization’s greatest strengths. A project that begins in one community can connect with people, expertise, and resources far beyond that community’s borders.
To learn more about Rotary, visit their website.
Turtle Island and Rotary
Turtle Island is proud to be developing connections with Rotary clubs and members in the United States, Europe, and beyond. Through these connections, Turtle Island has had opportunities to share our conservation work with Rotary members and clubs in different communities.
Our involvement with Rotary has included presentations, conservation education, networking, and opportunities to share Turtle Island’s projects with Rotary members. We are grateful to the Rotary clubs and members who have welcomed us, asked questions, shared our work, and helped introduce turtle and tortoise conservation to new audiences. Our connection with Rotary is also personal. Dr. Shannon DiRuzzo, founder of Turtle Island USA, is a member of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach, CA, the Global Service Club, whose primary focus is the environment. Her membership brings Turtle Island’s conservation mission even closer to Rotary’s worldwide community of service-minded individuals and places it alongside fellow Rotarians who share a deep commitment to protecting the natural world. Shannon is next scheduled to speak and give presentations to Rotary clubs in Newport, Rhode Island, and Tampa, Florida.
As Rotary enters its 2026–27 year under the message “Create Lasting Impact,” we are especially excited to continue sharing Turtle Island’s conservation work with Rotary members and clubs interested in environmental stewardship. Rotary describes its vision as people uniting and taking action to create lasting change across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves.
Recognized as a Grand Prize Champion
One of the highlights of Turtle Island’s involvement with Rotary has been receiving a Certificate of Distinction recognizing Turtle Island as the Grand Prize Champion – Austria in the 100 Projects in 100 Countries program. The program is organized by the Rotary Club of Newport Beach Global Service Committee and presented in partnership with The Environmental Xperience at EarthX and CNN’s Call to Earth. It highlights environmental projects from around the world and connects participating organizations with Rotary’s global network.
Turtle Island was selected for its work as an international conservation organization protecting endangered turtles and tortoises. Through the competition, Turtle Island shared information about some of our conservation projects and the work taking place across multiple countries. The recognition reflects the connection between Turtle Island’s conservation work and Rotary’s commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change through service.
Turtle Island was also included among the program’s Top 10 projects in the world for the 100 Projects in 100 Countries global competition program for the year 2026. The program’s official project library describes Turtle Island’s Austria project as conservation infrastructure supporting some of the world’s most endangered turtle species.
Connecting Through RAGES
In August 2026, Turtle Island also had the opportunity to share our work through the Rotary Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES).
RAGES brings together members of the Rotary family who are interested in protecting endangered species and habitats. The group works to build awareness, connect people and organizations, and help Rotary clubs become involved in endangered-species conservation projects. Rotary’s Action Groups are designed to connect members with shared interests and expertise so that they can support service projects around the world.
Turtle Island gave a RAGES presentation focused on endangered turtles and tortoises and the conservation work being carried out through our projects around the world. The presentation provided an opportunity to introduce Rotary members to the unique challenges facing turtles and tortoises, while highlighting ways that conservation organizations and service-minded communities can work together. We are excited to continue building this connection with RAGES and with Rotary members who share a passion for protecting endangered species.
Sharing Turtle Conservation with Rotary Clubs
Our connection with Rotary continues to grow. Turtle Island has given, and has additional presentations planned with, Rotary clubs and groups in both the United States and Europe. Turtle Island has also presented to the Rotary Club of Völkermarkt in Carinthia, Austria and as a result, a regional Rotary meeting in Austria is now under discussion. These presentations give us an opportunity to introduce Rotary members to the challenges facing endangered turtles and tortoises and share the conservation projects taking place around the world.
We are grateful to the Rotary clubs and members who have welcomed Turtle Island into their communities and taken an interest in our work. Their support helps us reach new audiences, build meaningful connections, and bring greater attention to turtle and tortoise conservation.
We have been following the Rotary Club Rose 2027 Parade and are excited to see that the parade float will feature a turtle. It is wonderful to see turtles and tortoises receiving attention through such a large community event, particularly as these animals are often overlooked in conversations about conservation.
Why Rotary Matters to Turtle Island
Conservation requires people and organizations working together, often across countries and continents. Rotary’s global network provides an incredible opportunity to connect Turtle Island with people who share a commitment to service and creating positive change in their communities.
We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to connect with Rotary clubs and members and to share the importance of turtle and tortoise conservation with new audiences. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building connections with individuals and clubs interested in endangered species and environmental conservation.
Together, we can create lasting impact for turtles, tortoises, and the ecosystems they call home.
