What would it take to change the world?
Rotary’s 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to “Service Above Self”. In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, members volunteer to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.
The World of Rotary
Rotary International is the most territorial organisation in the world. It exists in 184 different countries and territories and cuts across dozens of languages, political and social structures, customs, religions and traditions.
The Rotary Foundation is supported solely by volunteer contributions. Since 1947, Rotarians have contributed almost US$2.9 billion to The Rotary Foundation to help Rotary do good in the world.
Rotary’s initiatives in polio eradication underpinned the largest coordinated public health operations in the world leveraging the use of 1.7 billion doses of OPV [oral polio vaccine] to vaccinate 400 million children in 183 campaigns in 47 countries providing almost US$40 million since October 2010.
The world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on 23 February 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney. The Rotary name is derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices.
By 1921, Rotary clubs had been formed on six continents. As Rotary International, as it was now called grew, its mission expanded beyond serving club members’ professional and social interests. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve communities in need.
- 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, good-will and peace.
The Four-Way Test
It is a code of ethics adopted by Rotary in 1943. The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotary Projects
The Rotary Foundation has developed the Future Vision Plan, a new model for club and district humanitarian and educational activities.
The area of focus are:
- Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
- Disease prevention and treatment.
- Water and sanitation
- Maternal and child health
- Basic education and literacy
- Economic and community development