Rotary International

Rotary International is a non-political and non-religious organization that operates globally with the aim of fostering service as a basis for worthy enterprise. It was founded by Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey in 1905.

Overview

Rotary International has a global network of over 1.2 million members from diverse backgrounds who volunteer their skills and resources to address community needs and solve pressing social issues. Members are grouped into local Rotary clubs, which are autonomous but adhere to Rotary International's policies and procedures.

Structure

Rotary clubs are organized into districts, each led by a District Governor who serves for one year. These districts are further grouped into regional zones. Rotary International is administered by a Secretariat based in Evanston, Illinois, USA, and includes seven regional offices worldwide.

Governance

The organization is governed by the Board of Directors of Rotary International and the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary International President is elected annually to preside over the Board of Directors, while Trustees manage The Rotary Foundation's activities.

Object of Rotary

The core mission of Rotary is encapsulated in its Object, which emphasizes:

1. Developing acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
2. Promoting high ethical standards in all professions.
3. Applying the ideal of service in personal, business, and community life.
4. Advancing international understanding, goodwill, and peace.

The Four-Way Test

Rotarians adhere to a nonpartisan ethical guide known as the Four-Way Test, which questions whether actions are truthful, fair, beneficial, and conducive to goodwill.

Avenues of Service

Rotary's service projects are channeled through five Avenues of Service:

• Club Service
• Vocational Service
• Community Service
• International Service
• Youth Service

These avenues guide members in addressing community needs both locally and globally.

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation is Rotary's charitable arm, established in 1917 by Arch C. Klumph. It supports Rotary's efforts through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. The Foundation has spent over $4 billion on sustainable projects worldwide, including polio eradication efforts and educational scholarships.

Impact

Rotary's activities have a profound impact on communities worldwide. Members volunteer millions of hours annually, contributing significantly to global service initiatives. The organization's annual commitments include substantial funding for sustainable projects, underscoring its role as a major force in humanitarian work.

Programs

Rotary's programs include:

• PolioPlus: A global initiative aimed at eradicating polio.
• Rotary Peace Fellowships: Supporting education in peace and conflict studies.
• Scholarships: Offering academic opportunities for study abroad.
• Group Study Exchange: Promoting cultural and educational exchange.

Through these initiatives, Rotary continues to advance its mission of creating positive change through service.