Rotary International

Overview

Rotary International is one of the world's largest service organizations, with a significant presence in the United States and globally. While the specific focus of this article might relate to U.S. aspects, Rotary International operates as a global entity headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. It is a non-political and non-religious organization that promotes service to others, integrity, and international understanding.

Background

Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris. Today, it comprises more than 1.4 million members across over 46,000 clubs worldwide, including the United States. Members, known as Rotarians, engage in various community and international service projects.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Rotary International is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship. Rotary focuses on seven key areas:

• Promoting Peace: Encouraging peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
• Fighting Disease: Combating major diseases such as polio through vaccination efforts.
• Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: Improving health outcomes through better access to clean water.
• Saving Mothers and Children: Enhancing maternal and child health.
• Supporting Education: Promoting literacy and educational opportunities.
• Growing Local Economies: Encouraging sustainable economic development.
• Protecting the Environment: Promoting environmental sustainability.

The Rotary Foundation

Rotary International's charitable arm is The Rotary Foundation (TRF), which was established in 1917. TRF supports projects worldwide by providing grants to Rotary clubs, focusing on the seven areas of service. The Foundation has spent over $4 billion on sustainable projects, including significant contributions to the global polio eradication effort, reaching over 2 billion children with vaccinations.

Structure

Rotary International is governed by a Board of Directors and The Rotary Foundation is managed by a Board of Trustees. Clubs operate autonomously but follow the policies of Rotary International. Rotary's structure includes clubs, districts, and zones, ensuring a local and global reach.

Recognition

The Rotary Foundation is known for its efficient use of donations, consistently receiving high charity ratings. This transparency and financial accountability make it a trusted charity globally.

Diversity and Inclusion

Rotary values diversity and inclusivity, aiming to build a world where everyone can contribute and participate in service projects.

Ethical Framework

Rotarians adhere to the Four-Way Test, an ethical guide used in personal and professional lives to foster honesty, fairness, goodwill, and benefit for all. This framework supports Rotary's mission of promoting service and ethical standards.

Programs and Initiatives

Rotary members engage in vast service projects, from local community initiatives to international collaborations. These projects often involve partnerships with other organizations to maximize impact.

Financial Information

As a non-profit organization (EIN: 237228470), Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation rely on donations to fund their charitable activities. The organization is recognized for its financial management and efficiency in utilizing donations for impactful projects worldwide.

[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/Rotary_International [5] https://rotarydistrict9920.org/page/rotary-briefly-explained