About Rotary
Rotary International is a global network of service
volunteers. It is the world's largest service organisation for business
and professional people, with some 1,210,905 members operating in 168
countries world-wide. Rotary
has a long history, having been established in
1905 by Chicago lawyer Paul Harris, who was looking to kindle
friendship amongst members of the business community.
Today, there are over 1.2 million Rotarians around the world, and some 58,000 in Great Britain and Ireland in 1,845 clubs, helping those in need and working towards world understanding and peace. Clubs meet on a regular basis, which allows members to build firm friendships. Every Rotarian has a right to attend any club meeting anywhere in the world, so there is always somewhere to go, and people to meet, wherever business or leisure travel may take you.
Various clubs have different emphases, which can reflect differences in size. A small market town may have a club of perhaps 20 members, whereas in large centres the number can be closer to 100. Some concentrate on local community or vocational projects. Others link up with a sister club in another country to undertake an international project. Each club decides how it wants to use the resources it has available.
Each club operates independently within a common constitution. Membership is drawn from the business and professional community. Weekly meetings promote acquaintance and fellowship. Through this fellowship Rotarians find the inspiration to serve the community. Service to the community requires Rotarians to devote their time, energy and professional skills to particular projects. Although funds are often raised for charity this is not a Rotary club's first aim. The emphasis is on service by each individual Rotarian.