SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Rotary started with the vision of one man, Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Starting with the first club meeting in 1905, our founding years focus on building an organization that encourages community connections based on friendship and service.
During the next few decades, Rotary’s presence expands to new lands. The creation of The Rotary Foundation encourages members to think about Rotary’s role in serving the needs of communities in the present and in the future.
As Rotary clubs continue to spread around the world, we establish ourselves as leaders in international cooperation. Within the organization, we change our governance structure to give members a greater voice in leading Rotary.
We create programs that emphasize leadership through local and global service.
We establish some of our most ambitious programs and partnerships. Building peace and fighting polio take on increased importance as we look for ways to make a lasting impact.
As we look to the future, we continue to build on Rotary’s core values and develop dynamic partnerships to create lasting, positive change in communities worldwide. A cause-driven approach to Foundation grants increases our impact.
Rotary’s Areas of Focus are seven priority categories that guide all Rotary service projects worldwide. These areas represent the most urgent and persistent issues facing communities, and they help clubs like ours create structured, meaningful and measurable impact.
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings
