Rotary 101
What is Rotary?
For over 110 years, Rotary International—leaders and aspiring leaders of diverse professions—come together in communities to exchange ideas, embolden and empower neighbors, make the meaningful changes that will better their neighborhoods, their cities, the larger world.
As challenges emerge, they are ready to take them on—sometimes within their circles, sometimes outward and beyond, as appropriate, or as necessary. Some of these challenges include diversity and inclusion, bigotry and xenophobia, mounting effects of climate change down to the neighborhood level, among others.
Rotary members educate themselves on how best to help, bringing in experts to show them how, and help inform others. They lead by example. They come together to create or join projects that in turn become action.
How was it founded?
Rotary International was founded by Chicago attorney Paul Harris when he formed the “Rotary Club of Chicago” on February 23, 1905. The name was chosen because its members would rotate their meetings at their members’ workplaces.
Originally, the club was a fraternal gathering to develop friendships. When Harris became president of his chapter, he introduced a larger mission and vision.
As of 2021, there are 1.22 million members in 530 districts across over 200 countries. It meets in convention in different parts of the world.
The Rotary International headquarters is in Evanston, Illinois.
The organization’s motto is “Service Above Self.”
Global projects
Rotary International’s most famous global project is now called PolioPlus—a commitment to do what it can within its power to eradicate polio. It is designated by the United Nations as its most important private partner in this endeavor.
Part of this commitment has been engaging with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to raise money for the effort. Together they have raised hundreds of millions of dollars.
Literacy programs include purchasing books for school and public libraries, installing little libraries on neighborhood streets, reading one-on-one in schools.
Membership
Commitment to engagement and commitment to action are the hallmarks of membership. Members meet regularly to discuss their communities and their needs, follow through on previous exchanges, and just as essential—make lasting friendships.
Commitment to giving time is also of great importance. Regular engagement of the issues means regular engagement with each other at meetings and events.
Because the organization is networked on an international scale and some of their work costs money, each Rotary chapter collects dues—many times broken down into two payments for the year.
Membership is open to anyone without regard for gender, race and ethnicity, ancestry, faith tradition or absence of one, gender identity and sexual orientation, abilities, and disabilities, among others.
Clubs are expected to address any issues of discrimination within their circle, to provide a safe and welcoming space for all its members and guests.
Famous Members
Some of the more colorful members in Rotary history include Native Hawaiian surfing legend and record-breaking Olympian Duke Kahanamoku (image), North and South Pole explorer Richard Byrd, Death in Venice author and Nobel laureate Thomas Mann, AIDS scientist Jean-Claude Chermann, Pakistani education advocate Malala, Pope Francis.
Of course, there is a long list of national presidents, United Nations leaders, prime ministers (including Winston Churchill), other sportsmen and artists, other Nobel laureates, business leaders and philanthropists, who are members.
We would like to see a more diverse list of members, especially women and other gender identities, and people of color.
Will you add to this list by joining?
