Rotary International: A Nonprofit Overview

Rotary International is a prominent nonprofit organization headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. Its 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 International is non-political and non-religious, offering membership opportunities through application or invitation based on various social factors.

Formation and Structure

Founded on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris, Rotary International has grown into one of the largest service organizations globally. It is structured at the club, district, and international levels, with over 46,000 member clubs worldwide organized into 529 districts across 34 zones.

Mission and Activities

Rotary's core mission involves various service activities categorized under community service, vocational service, youth service, and international service. Members participate in projects that improve health, provide quality education, enhance the environment, and alleviate poverty. The organization also engages in cultural and educational exchange programs to foster international understanding.

The Rotary Foundation

Rotary International is closely associated with The Rotary Foundation, a nonprofit corporation established in 1917. The Foundation supports Rotary International's humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs, primarily through voluntary contributions. It has one of the largest and most prestigious international fellowship programs, including the Rotary Peace Fellowships and scholarships for global studies.

Membership and Impact

With a membership base of approximately 1.4 million individuals and more than 1.9 million volunteers, including Interactors and Rotaractors, Rotary International has a substantial impact on global volunteer efforts. Members contribute around 47 million volunteer hours annually.

Rotary International has been instrumental in addressing worldwide issues by funding sustainable projects and supporting disaster recovery efforts. It is known for its extensive work in eradicating diseases such as polio and providing clean water.

Leadership

Rotary International is led by a president who serves a one-year term, along with a president-elect, 17 directors, and a general secretary, who also acts as CEO. The current president is Stephanie A. Urchick, and the general secretary is John Hewko.

External Links

• For detailed information about Rotary International and its activities, visit their official page.