What Is Rotary?

Rotary is an international service organization comprised of over 1.4 million members, known as Rotarians, in more than 46,000 clubs worldwide. Founded in Chicago in 1905 by lawyer Paul Harris and three friends, its original name came from the practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.

Core Principles and Mission:

Rotary's overarching mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders." This mission is guided by several key principles:

• Service Above Self: This is Rotary's motto, emphasizing a commitment to helping others and making a positive impact.

• The Four-Way Test: A nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide that Rotarians use for their personal and professional lives. It asks:

  1. Is it the Truth?

  2. Is it Fair to all concerned?

  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

• Fellowship: Rotary fosters strong connections and friendships among its members, creating a global network of like-minded individuals.

• Diversity: Rotary embraces people of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference.

• Leadership: Rotarians are often leaders in their fields, and the organization promotes leadership development.

What Rotarians Do:

Rotary clubs meet regularly to plan and execute service projects both locally and globally. Their work addresses a wide range of pressing issues, including:

• Promoting Peace: Working to build peaceful communities and resolve conflicts.

• Fighting Disease: A significant initiative is the PolioPlus program, which has played a major role in nearly eradicating polio worldwide.

• Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: Implementing projects to ensure access to clean water in underserved communities.

• Saving Mothers and Children: Supporting initiatives that improve maternal and child health.

• Supporting Education: Building schools, providing literacy programs, and offering scholarships.

• Growing Local Economies: Fostering sustainable economic opportunities through vocational training and community-based development.

• Protecting the Environment: A newer area of focus, working to preserve natural resources.

Structure:

Rotary operates through local clubs, which are chartered by Rotary International. Clubs are grouped into districts, and districts into zones, creating a global network that allows for both local action and international collaboration.

In essence, Rotary is a global movement of "people of action" who use their skills, resources, and dedication to create lasting positive change in their communities and around the world.