Rotary International

Rotary International is a global network of community service clubs, often referred to as Rotary Clubs, which are part of a non-political and non-religious organization dedicated to fostering unity, goodwill, and peace. With over 1.2 million members worldwide, Rotary International is one of the largest and most influential service organizations globally.

History

Rotary International was founded in 1905 by Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey in Chicago, Illinois. The first Rotary Club was established in Chicago on February 23, 1905, focusing on the principle of "service above self." Since then, Rotary has grown into a worldwide organization with clubs in nearly every country.

Overview

Rotary International aims to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. This is reflected in its Object of Rotary, which emphasizes building acquaintance as an opportunity for service, upholding high ethical standards, applying the service ideal in personal and professional life, and advancing international understanding and peace.

Rotary's core values are encapsulated in the Four-Way Test, a code of ethics used in personal and professional relations that considers truthfulness, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to all concerned. Rotary members channel their commitment through five avenues of service:

• Club Service: Enhancing the local Rotary Club environment.
• Vocational Service: Encouraging high ethical standards in business.
• Community Service: Addressing local needs through community projects.
• International Service: Promoting peace and cooperation internationally.
• Youth Service: Supporting young people through mentorship and development programs.

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary International, was established in 1917 by Arch C. Klumph. It supports Rotary's humanitarian projects globally, focusing on improving health, providing education, promoting peace, and fighting poverty. The foundation is renowned for its financial management and efficiency, having received top charity ratings for many years.

Programs and Initiatives

Rotary International is best known for its global campaign to eradicate polio, launched as PolioPlus in 1985. Since then, Rotary has contributed significantly to immunizing nearly 3 billion children against polio, reducing the disease's incidence by over 99%. Other initiatives include scholarships, educational exchanges, disaster recovery efforts, and environmental projects.

Governance

Rotary International is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. The organization is structured into districts, each led by a District Governor, and is further divided into regional zones. The Rotary Foundation is managed by a separate Board of Trustees.

Financials and Impact

Rotary International awards millions of dollars annually for service projects around the world. In recent years, it has funded over $291 million for global initiatives. With millions of volunteer hours contributed each year, Rotary transforms communities and addresses pressing global issues.

Overall, Rotary International is a powerful force for good, leveraging its network of members and charitable resources to make lasting changes across the globe.