If you’ve been around Rotary long enough, you’ve probably seen it, that heavy gold chain draped ceremoniously around the neck of a Club President or District Governor, complete with a medallion that screams, “This person is Important.”
Known as the “Chain of Office,” this ornate accessory is one of Rotary’s more visible traditions. Presidents don it at changeovers, District Governors wear it at conferences, and occasionally someone forgets they have it on and tries to go through airport security with it.
But what is it really about?
The Chain Gang
The tradition of a ceremonial chain isn’t unique to Rotary, it harks back centuries to royalty, nobility, and civic leaders in the UK. Lord Mayors still wear elaborate chains during official duties, and the Rotary version is a respectful nod to that heritage. It’s a symbol of office, responsibility, and continuity.
But here’s the thing: when we, in our volunteer-run, service-before-self, “we make the world better with barbecues” organisation, break out the bling, are we still honouring tradition? Or just looking a little…… extra?
Hip-Hop Mayor Vibes?
Let’s be honest, to the uninitiated, a Rotary Chain of Office can look a lot like rapper bling. We’re just one gold tooth away from DJ Rotary spinning community service tracks. And when that medallion swings in the light, it does shimmer with a kind of “respect my authority” energy.
So is it elitist? Outdated? Silly?
Depends who you ask.
Commonwealth Quirk or Global Statement?
In many Commonwealth countries — Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Canada — the Chain of Office is fairly common. It’s steeped in local government traditions and carries a sense of formal respect. In other parts of the world, though, it can raise a few eyebrows.
Some Rotarians in Europe and the US, for example, might see the chain and think, “Is that for a coronation or a karaoke night?” Others might never have seen one at all.
Is It Time to Retire the Chain?
That’s the question. Some say yes, that it’s too hierarchical, that it makes Rotary look stuffy, or worse, like a private club from another era. Others see it as a fun and respectful way to mark leadership transitions.
There’s definitely a generational shift happening. Some younger clubs are forgoing the chain altogether. Others are giving it a modern twist, think sustainable materials, minimalist designs, or passing it around during meetings for a laugh.
So... Do You Wear the Bling?
Let’s open it up. Does your club President wear the chain with pride? Do you dust it off once a year, or is it permanently on display like an ancient relic? Is it time to update the tradition, or just embrace it for what it is: a quirky, shiny part of Rotary’s colourful history?
I’d love to hear from you, Are you team “Keep the Chain” or team “Leave it in the Museum”? Or maybe you’ve got a photo of your President looking like the Mayor of Rotaryville? Share it and I promise not to photoshop it.
As for me, if I wear it? Well I wear the chain in my role as District Governor when the need calls for it!
Article by Evan Burrell