The fastest way to start using Archie is through the Custom GPT on ChatGPT. This is the recommended starting point for all Rotarians, regardless of technical experience.
The Custom GPT is Archie running inside ChatGPT's interface. You click a link, it opens, and you start typing questions. There are no files to upload, no projects to configure, and no technical setup of any kind. If you have a ChatGPT account (free or paid), you can use Archie right now.
The GPT version was developed first because most Rotarians are not yet familiar with AI tools. This format provides the lowest possible barrier to entry while still delivering structured, source-cited answers grounded in RI policy.
A ChatGPT account (free tier works, paid tier recommended for longer conversations). That is all.
Open the Archie GPT link (provided by your Zone coordinator or district leadership), and begin a conversation. Try something like:
"I have a club that's dropped to eight members and hasn't reported membership changes in two quarters. Walk me through my options."
For more detailed guidance on using the GPT, including examples & prompt templates see the full wiki below.
The Custom GPT works well for most questions, but it has limits. Because it relies on ChatGPT's pre-trained knowledge rather than reading the full text of RI documents directly, it may occasionally miss nuance or cite sections less precisely. If you find yourself needing deeper document grounding, more reliable citations, or the ability to add your own district policies, the project-based versions in Tier 2 offer those capabilities.