A Global Network of Community Volunteers
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.
www.rotary.org
