HISTORY

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Rotary International (RI)

 Rotary is an international membership organization made up of 1.2 mn people who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. Rotary clubs exist in almost every country. Our members change lives locally and connect with other clubs to work on international projects that address today’s most pressing challenges. Being a member is an opportunity to take action and make a difference, and it brings personal rewards and lifelong friendships in the process.

It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members. This movement started spreading in USA with 16 clubs by 1910. The first Rotary convention was held in Chicago in August 1910 and The National Association of Rotary Clubs was formed with Paul Harris as first president. The National Association of Rotary Clubs, became the International Association of Rotary Clubs in 1912 with spread of clubs outside USA, adopted the name Rotary International (RI) in 1922.

Our mission: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders

Who are we: We are,

• Community Builders: We collaborate with community leaders who want to get to work on projects that have a real, lasting impact on people’s lives.

• People of Action: We connect passionate people with diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, forge lifelong friendships, and, above all, take action to change the world.

• Problem Solvers: Together, we apply our professional experience and personal commitment to tackle our communities’ most persistent problems, finding new & effective ways to enhance health, stability, and prosperity across the globe.