Rotary is the world’s first service club organization founded by Paul Harris in 1905 to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to establish a code of ethics, exchange ideas, foster friendships and give back to their communities. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.
Today, it is a global network of 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 is made up of three parts: our clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation. Together, we work to make lasting change in our communities and around the world.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. Volunteers work locally, regionally, and internationally to:
- Promote peace
- Fight disease
- Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Save mothers and children
- Support education
- Grow local economies