Rotary International

Rotary International is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through community service and humanitarian projects. It is supported by The Rotary Foundation, which is its charitable arm.

Mission and Vision

Rotary International's mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace. The organization's vision is to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in local communities, and within individuals.

History

Rotary International was formed in 1905 by Paul P. Harris. The organization has grown to become one of the largest service club organizations in the world, with over 1.2 million members in more than 45,000 clubs.

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 by Arch C. Klumph. It supports Rotary's philanthropic efforts, including projects focused on health, education, environment, and poverty alleviation. The foundation is known for its efficient financial management and has spent over $4 billion on life-changing projects.

Programs and Initiatives

Rotary International focuses on several key areas:

• Promoting Peace: Rotary supports peace-building initiatives and offers peace fellowships.
• Fighting Disease: Rotary is known for its extensive work in eradicating polio, having contributed over $2 billion to the effort.
• Providing Clean Water: Projects aim to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
• Supporting Education: Rotary provides scholarships and supports educational infrastructure.
• Growing Local Economies: Members work to build sustainable local economies.

Governance and Structure

Rotary International is governed by a Board of Directors, while The Rotary Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees. The organization has a diverse structure, with clubs and districts working together globally.

Impact

Rotary International has made significant contributions worldwide. From disaster relief to educational programs, its members volunteer millions of hours annually and fund numerous sustainable projects.

[1] https://rotarydistrict7030.org/stories/an-introduction-to-overview-of-the-rotary-foundation [2] https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary [3] https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rotary_Foundation [5] https://www.rotary.org