What is Rotary
“Rotary? What is Rotary?” Perhaps this is one of the most frequently asked questions that a Rotarian has to answer. On this page I have provided links to various resources that can help you understand and learn more about Rotary, and its various aspects.
However, if you would rather hear it from a real person, then please attend our club meeting and ask as many questions as you feel necessary. We have the honour to have some very senior and expereinced Rotarians in our club.
- Education and orientation of New Members
- “Welcome to Rotary” new membership video
- Why Join Your Local Rotary Club?
- What’s Rotary
- The Rotary Foundation
- History of Rotary
- Rotary’s Guiding Principles
- Rotary is Humanity in Motion
More links will be added from time to time. And now, back to the question: What’s Rotary? To copy verbatim from Rotary’s own pdf:
“Rotary is a volunteer organization of 1.2 million business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace. About 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas conduct projects to address today’s challenges — including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water, and environmental concerns — while encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations.
As the world’s largest private provider of international scholarships, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International helps more than 1,000 students annually to study abroad and serve as cultural ambassadors. Rotary also partners with seven prestigious universities around the world, providing opportunities to earn a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution.
PolioPlus is Rotary’s flagship program. By the time polio is eradicated, Rotary club members will have contributed US$850 million and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries. Rotary is a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, along with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Founded in Chicago in 1905 as the world’s first volunteer service organization, Rotary quickly expanded around the globe. Today, club members meet weekly to plan service projects, discuss community and international issues, and enjoy fellowship. Clubs are nonpolitical and open to every race, culture, and creed.”