Rotary International

Rotary International is a global network of community clubs known for their humanitarian service and commitment to advancing goodwill and peace worldwide. While the specific details regarding the EIN 264142649 and the website palisades-rotary.org are not provided, the focus here will be on Rotary International's broader mission and activities.

Overview

Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world, founded in 1905 by Paul P. Harris in Chicago, Illinois. It consists of more than 46,000 Rotary Clubs globally, with a membership of approximately 1.4 million individuals, known as Rotarians[5].

Mission and Activities

The organization's 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. Rotary is a non-political and non-religious organization, with membership based on various social factors. Members engage in a wide range of service activities, including community development, education, health, and environmental projects[5].

Organizational Structure

Rotary Clubs are organized at the local level and are part of larger districts and zones. This structure allows for both local and international projects to be executed effectively. Each club enjoys considerable autonomy, with its own president and officers elected annually[5].

The Rotary Foundation

A central component of Rotary International is The Rotary Foundation, which supports efforts to advance world understanding and peace through humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. The Foundation was established in 1917 with an initial contribution of $26.50 and has since grown to support projects globally, including disaster recovery, health initiatives, and education programs[2][3].

Impact

Rotary International's impact is substantial, with millions of volunteer hours contributed annually and hundreds of millions of dollars invested in global service initiatives. The organization is known for its efforts in eradicating diseases like polio through its PolioPlus program and for promoting peace through programs like the Rotary Peace Fellowships[4].