Rotary was started over 100 years ago in Chicago by an attorney by the name of Paul Harris. Little did he know that it would grow to approximately 1.2 million Rotarians, men and women who belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 166 countries.

Currently Rotary International provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary club membership includes a cross section of a given community’s business and professional men and women. The clubs meet weekly and are nonreligious, nonpolitical and are open to all cultures, races and creeds.

Rotary’s main objective is service. Rotary’s motto is SERVICE ABOVE SELF. This includes the workplace, the community and throughout the world. Each club develops community service projects that address some of today’s most pressing issues, such as poverty, hunger, illiteracy, violence, the environment and children at risk. Youth is a big focus of Rotary’s objective. Programs for youth, educational opportunities, and international exchange for students, teachers, and professionals are emphasized.

Although each club can develop its own service programs, all Rotarians have been involved in a world wide campaign for global eradication of polio. During the 1980s’ Rotarians raised over $250 million for immunization of children against the polio virus. To date Rotary has raised over $500 million for this cause. In addition many Rotarians provided volunteer services in assisting in this program. While Rotary has not reached its goal of total eradication, there are fewer than 1000 cases of polio in the world.

As we move into the 21st century, Rotary has expanded its programs to meet the changing need of society. There are many important issues in the world, such as poverty, hunger illiteracy, environmental degradation, and children at risk.

For more information about Rotary International go to www.rotary.org.