Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on February 23, 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT
Rotary International’s ongoing commitment is rooted in its mission and long-standing vision of “Service Above Self” — meaning members dedicate time, energy, and resources to create lasting, positive change in communities around the world.
Here are the core elements of Rotary’s ongoing commitment:
Global Humanitarian Service
Rotary mobilizes more than 1.2 million members in over 46,000 clubs globally to take action on pressing social challenges.
Key Sustained Areas of Focus:
- Promoting peace and conflict resolution through training and dialogue.
- Fighting disease, including a decades-long effort to end polio worldwide.
- Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to underserved communities.
- Improving maternal and child health
- Supporting education and literacy for all ages.
- Growing local economies and empowering local leaders.
- Protecting the environment through sustainable projects and stewardship.
Ending Polio Forever
One of Rotary’s most enduring global commitments is the eradication of polio. Through its PolioPlus program and partnerships (including with WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation), Rotary has helped reduce polio cases by more than 99.9 % and continues to work toward ending the disease in the last endemic countries.
Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities
Rotary pledges to support resilient, healthy, and sustainable communities by applying evidence-based practices, addressing climate impacts, and encouraging community leaders to balance human and environmental needs.
Promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Rotary commits to fostering a culture where every person is welcomed, respected, and able to contribute, advancing equity in membership, leadership, and community partnerships.
Growth and Capacity Building
The organization aims to expand its reach and impact by increasing membership, developing new clubs, and strengthening member engagement so that more communities benefit from Rotary service.
Advancing Understanding and Goodwill
Beyond service projects, Rotary also focuses on world understanding, goodwill, and peace by connecting people across cultures and fostering international cooperation.
In essence, Rotary International remains committed to long-term humanitarian service, eradicating polio, building stronger communities, and creating a more peaceful and equitable world through collaboration and action.