What is Rotary?
Rotary’s founder, Paul P. Harris gathered several business associates to form an organization for local professionals. Their first Rotary Club meeting was held on February 23, 1905 in downtown Chicago. Members are business and professional leaders that make up a global network of community volunteers. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 34,000 Rotary Clubs located in 200 countries.
The object of Rotary is “to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.” The statement then lists four areas by which this “ideal of service” is fostered: through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; through service in one’s personal, business, and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
The object of Rotary is “to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.” The statement then lists four areas by which this “ideal of service” is fostered: through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; through service in one’s personal, business, and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
