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Rotary International

Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, an attorney in Chicago. Now there are over 1.2 million members in over 30,000 clubs in 162 countries.

Rotary members — Rotarians — are business and professional men and women of all races and ethnic backgrounds, working to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and world peace.

In each Rotary club, Rotarians meet weekly for fellowship and informative programs on topics of local and global interest.

The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International. Rotary Foundation is the largest private source of scholarship funds in the world. Rotary’s Polio Plus is the largest private source of funding for the eradication of polio.

The 4-Way Test

Rotarians promise to adhere to the 4-Way Test, which is —
 
Of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Object of Rotary

The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise, and in particular, to encourage and foster:

1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
2. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and dignifying by each Rotarian of his/her occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
3. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his/her personal, business, and community life;
4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men and women united in the ideal of service.

For more information, please see the Rotary International website.