Rotary International is one of the world's oldest and largest service organizations. Its journey began with a simple idea: bringing people from different professions together to build friendship, exchange ideas, and serve their communities. Over the years, Rotary developed from a small professional club in Chicago into a worldwide humanitarian service organization.
The Birth of Rotary – 1905
Rotary was founded by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer in Chicago, USA. On 23 February 1905, Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey held the first Rotary meeting at Loehr's office in downtown Chicago.
Paul Harris wanted to create an organization where professionals from different backgrounds could meet, develop meaningful friendships, exchange ideas, and support one another.
The name “Rotary” came from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.
Early Growth and Service
Initially, Rotary focused primarily on fellowship and professional relationships. However, the organization gradually developed a strong commitment to community service and humanitarian activities.
In 1907, the Rotary Club of Chicago became involved in addressing the need for public comfort stations in the city. This is recognized as one of Rotary's earliest service initiatives and demonstrated the organization's growing commitment to serving the wider community.
Formation of Rotary International
Rotary expanded rapidly beyond Chicago. By 1910, there were 16 Rotary clubs in the United States. Representatives of these clubs gathered in Chicago and established the National Association of Rotary Clubs.
Paul Harris was unanimously elected as the organization's first president. As Rotary expanded beyond the United States, the organization eventually became known as Rotary International.
By only 16 years after its founding, Rotary had clubs on six continents, demonstrating how quickly the movement became international.
The Rotary Story in Numbers
The National Association of Rotary Clubs was established with 16 Rotary clubs in the United States.
With Rotary clubs appearing in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom, the organization became the International Association of Rotary Clubs.
The name Rotary International was officially adopted.
Rotary brings together approximately 1.4 million members across more than 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas.
One Profits Most Who Serves Best
Rotary's Motto
Rotary's service philosophy is strongly reflected in its motto: “Service Above Self.”
Another traditional Rotary motto is: “One Profits Most Who Serves Best.”
Early versions of these mottos were adopted at the 1911 Rotary convention, and the mottos were officially approved in their modern forms in 1950.
The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation has become one of Rotary's most important instruments for humanitarian service. It supports projects that address major community and global challenges.
After Paul Harris died in 1947, Rotarians established the Paul Harris Memorial Fund in his memory. Contributions grew rapidly, and the Foundation's first major program supported scholarships for graduate study abroad.
Rotary and Polio Eradication
One of Rotary's most significant global initiatives is the fight against polio.
In 1979, Rotary began a project to immunize approximately 6 million children in the Philippines. In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, creating a major global commitment to polio eradication.
Rotary later became a key partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, working with organizations including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, CDC, and others. Rotary's long-term efforts have helped reduce polio dramatically around the world.
Rotary Around the World
Rotary's international expansion continued throughout the 20th century. The first Rotary club in South America was chartered in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 1 February 1919. From there, Rotary continued expanding across continents and cultures.
Today, Rotary brings together approximately 1.4 million members in a worldwide network of community leaders, friends, and partners working to address humanitarian and community challenges.
Rotary's Areas of Service
Over its long history, Rotary has developed service activities covering major areas of human development, including:
- Promoting peace
- Fighting disease
- Clean water, sanitation and hygiene
- Saving mothers and children
- Supporting education and literacy
- Community economic development
- Protecting the environment
- Humanitarian service
Rotary Today
More than 120 years after its founding, Rotary International continues the vision of Paul Harris: people from different professions and backgrounds coming together to create positive and lasting change through service.
From a small meeting in Chicago in 1905, Rotary has grown into a global movement whose central philosophy remains:
“Service Above Self.”
Rotary's history demonstrates that when people unite around friendship, fellowship, and service, they can create meaningful and lasting impact in their communities and throughout the world.