Rotary International

Rotary International is a non-political and non-religious service organization known for its vast network of service clubs around the world. It is not directly related to the web domain "oakhurstrotary.org," which might refer to a specific Rotary club.

Formation and Mission

Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris. Its mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through a fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Structure

Rotary operates through a hierarchical structure of clubs, districts, and zones. Over 46,000 Rotary clubs are grouped into 529 districts, which are further organized into 34 zones worldwide. Each club is relatively autonomous but must adhere to Rotary International's policies and procedures.

Activities and Areas of Focus

Rotary members engage in service projects across seven primary areas:

• Promoting Peace: Encouraging peacebuilding efforts and international understanding.
• Fighting Disease: Focuses on disease prevention and treatment.
• Providing Clean Water: Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene globally.
• Saving Mothers and Children: Enhancing healthcare for mothers and children.
• Supporting Education: Promoting literacy and quality education.
• Growing Local Economies: Encouraging economic development.
• Protecting the Environment: Addressing environmental challenges.

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary International, was established in 1917 by Arch Klumph. It supports projects across Rotary's seven areas of focus through grants. The Foundation is renowned for its efficient use of donations and has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator annually since 2008. It has spent over $4 billion on life-changing projects worldwide.

Notable Initiatives

One of Rotary's most notable initiatives is the PolioPlus program, launched in 1985. It has contributed significantly to the global effort to eradicate polio, with over $2 billion raised and nearly 3 billion children immunized as of 2021.

Membership

As of the latest data, Rotary has around 1.4 million members across its clubs worldwide. The organization is inclusive and open to people of all backgrounds.

Governance

Rotary International is governed by a Board of Directors, while The Rotary Foundation is managed by its Board of Trustees. Both boards ensure that Rotary's programs and projects align with its mission and service ideals.