The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world.

RLI is not an official program of Rotary International and is not under its control.

RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in its member districts identify those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills so important in voluntary organizations.

Clubs and districts looking to train Rotarians as leaders at local levels can now access online a wide array of resources developed by the RLI. The institute offers a training program in three full-day sessions, followed by graduate seminars. Faculty are carefully selected from among Rotarians with outstanding leadership abilities, prepared to conduct innovative participatory course sessions. 

The mission of The Rotary Leadership Institute is to provide an educational opportunity for Rotarians identified as potential leaders by their club presidents. Each club president is asked annually to nominate club members as potential club leaders (not necessarily future presidents) in the years ahead. Courses will be given for the nominees to foster Rotary knowledge and leadership skills.

It is hoped that these courses will also motivate the participants to be enthusiastic, creative and dedicated Rotarians. Those attending the three course days for their full duration will receive recognition of completion. Course methods will reflect the most innovative and participatory methods possible. Methods will include discussion groups, role-playing, problem solving workshops, group planning exercises, etc. Lectures are limited.