The History of Rotary

Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so that professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
 

Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to providing humanitarian services, with members who remain committed to addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.​

That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international, with clubs on six continents, and more than 1.4 million members worldwide.

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In 1979 Rotary International began its fight against polio with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries, down from 125 in 1988.

These days, the mission of Rotary revolves around Seven Areas of Focus: Basic Education & Literacy; Maternal & Child Health; Peace & Conflict Resolution; Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene, Supporting the Environment, Disease Prevention & Treatment, and Economic & Community Development.

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We invite you to experience the Magic of Rotary. To learn more​​ please visit www.rotary.org