Rotary International
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation that brings together professionals, business leaders, and community members to provide service to society, promote ethical standards, and advance goodwill and peace worldwide. Founded in 1905, Rotary has grown into one of the most influential and respected service organisations in the world, uniting over 1.4 million members across more than 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical regions.
Rotary’s guiding principle, encapsulated in its motto “Service Above Self,” reflects its commitment to addressing community needs, fostering international understanding, and promoting social harmony through collective volunteerism.
Historical Background
Rotary International was founded on 23 February 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, by Paul P. Harris, a lawyer, along with three friends — Silvester Schiele (coal dealer), Gustavus Loehr (mining engineer), and Hiram Shorey (tailor).
The name “Rotary” originated from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ places of business. The initial goal was to create a fellowship of business professionals for mutual support and ethical business practices, but it soon evolved into a movement dedicated to community service and humanitarian work.
By 1910, Rotary had expanded beyond Chicago to other American cities, and by 1912, it became an international organisation with the formation of clubs in Canada, Ireland, and England.
Structure and Organisation
Rotary International operates through a decentralised structure:
- Rotary Clubs: The basic unit of the organisation, composed of local members (Rotarians) who meet regularly to plan and carry out service projects.
- Districts: Multiple clubs in a region form a Rotary District, each headed by a District Governor.
- Rotary International (RI): The global headquarters, located in Evanston, Illinois, USA, oversees international coordination, policies, and programs.
- President: Rotary International is led annually by an elected President.
- Board of Directors: Comprising representatives from different regions, it guides the strategic direction of the organisation.
Rotary also has youth and professional branches such as:
- Rotaract: For young adults aged 18–30.
- Interact: For school students aged 12–18.
- Inner Wheel Clubs: Comprising spouses of Rotarians, focusing on social welfare and women’s empowerment.
Ideals and Principles
Rotary’s philosophy is built around high ethical standards, service to humanity, and fostering peace. Its principles are reflected in:
1. The Four-Way Test: A moral guideline for personal and professional conduct, asking four questions:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
2. Object of Rotary: To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise through:
- Development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
- High ethical standards in business and professions.
- Application of service in personal, business, and community life.
- Advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Areas of Focus
Rotary International’s projects and initiatives cover seven key areas of focus defined by its humanitarian agenda:
- Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
- Promoting dialogue, education, and leadership training to prevent conflicts and build peaceful societies.
- Disease Prevention and Treatment
- Fighting diseases like polio, malaria, and HIV/AIDS through immunisation, awareness, and healthcare projects.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
- Providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Maternal and Child Health
- Ensuring safe childbirth, nutrition, and healthcare for mothers and children.
- Basic Education and Literacy
- Promoting literacy and education by supporting schools, scholarships, and teacher training.
- Economic and Community Development
- Supporting small businesses, vocational training, and sustainable livelihoods to reduce poverty.
- Environmental Protection
- Initiatives for afforestation, waste management, climate change awareness, and ecological sustainability.
Major Global Initiatives
1. Polio Eradication (PolioPlus Programme): Rotary International’s most notable global initiative is its campaign to eradicate polio.
- Launched in 1985, the PolioPlus programme became one of the largest private-sector public health initiatives in history.
- In 1988, Rotary became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) along with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Since its inception, Rotary has contributed over US$2.5 billion and countless volunteer hours.
- The number of polio-endemic countries has fallen from 125 in 1988 to just two (Afghanistan and Pakistan) today.
2. Rotary Peace Fellowships: Established in 2002, Rotary offers fully funded fellowships for individuals to study peace and conflict resolution at leading universities worldwide.
3. Global Grants and District Grants: Rotary provides financial support for sustainable humanitarian projects, scholarships, and vocational training through its Rotary Foundation.
4. Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid: Rotary clubs mobilise resources for relief operations during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and pandemics, offering shelter, medical aid, and food supplies.
The Rotary Foundation
Founded in 1917, the Rotary Foundation is the financial and charitable arm of Rotary International. Its mission is “to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.”
- The Foundation provides funding for local and global projects through donations and endowments.
- It operates programmes like Global Grants, District Grants, and Endowment Funds to support Rotary’s seven areas of focus.
- It has been consistently rated among the most trustworthy charitable organisations globally for financial transparency and impact.
Rotary in India
India has one of the largest networks of Rotary clubs in the world, playing a crucial role in social and humanitarian development.
- Rotary India has been at the forefront of the Polio Eradication Campaign, helping India achieve polio-free certification in 2014.
- Other major initiatives include:
- Rotary Blood Banks in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Literacy Mission (T-E-A-C-H) to make India fully literate.
- Eye and Heart Care Projects, Rural Sanitation Programmes, and Skill Development Initiatives.
Rotary India’s projects have impacted millions of lives in health, education, and environmental sustainability.
Achievements and Recognition
- Polio Eradication: Contribution to eradicating 99% of global polio cases.
- Global Humanitarian Work: Involvement in clean water, disaster relief, and literacy initiatives worldwide.
- Peace Promotion: Training over 1,500 peace fellows across 100 countries.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with global agencies such as WHO, UNESCO, and the United Nations for humanitarian causes.
- Awards and Recognition: Rotary International has received numerous accolades for service to humanity, including recognition by the United Nations.
Symbol and Motto
- Rotary Emblem: The Rotary wheel symbolises civilisation, movement, and service. It has evolved from a simple gear wheel to a 24-cog wheel with six spokes, representing the organisation’s continuous action and outreach.
- Motto:
- “Service Above Self” — the principal motto of Rotary.
- “One Profits Most Who Serves Best” — the secondary motto, emphasising mutual benefit through service.
Contemporary Relevance
In the twenty-first century, Rotary continues to address emerging global challenges:
- Advocating climate action and environmental sustainability.
- Supporting global vaccination efforts during pandemics.
- Promoting digital literacy and equitable education.
- Engaging youth in leadership and entrepreneurship programmes through Rotaract and Interact.