Object of Rotary
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First.
The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second.
High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third.
The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
Fourth.
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The 4-way Test:
#1. Is it the truth?
#2. Is it fair to all concerned?
#3. Will it build good will and better friendships?
#4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Mission Statement
The mission of Rotary International is to support its member clubs in fulfilling the object of Rotary by:
- Fostering unity among member clubs;
- Strengthening and expanding Rotary around the world;
- Communicating worldwide the work of Rotary; and
- Providing a system of international administration.
A Brief History of Rotary
The first Rotary club in the world was organized in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., on 23 February, 1905, by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer, who gathered together in a spirit of friendship and understanding a group of men, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public. That basis for membership- one person from each business and profession in the community – still exists in Rotary. At first, the members of the new club met in rotation at their various places of business, and this suggested the name “Rotary”.
Since 1905, the ideas of Paul Harris and his friends have become ideals which have been accepted by people of practically all nationalities, and of many political and religious beliefs. Today there are Rotary clubs in Austria and American Samoa, in Brazil and Brunei, in India and Italy, Scotland and South Africa – in 168 countries and 34 geographical regions. The universal acceptance of Rotary principles has been so great that there are now more than 32,000 Rotary clubs, which have a membership of over 1,200,000.
The general objectives of Rotary clubs in every country are the same – the development of fellowship and understanding among the business and professional leaders in the community, the promotion of community betterment endeavors and of high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace. Rotary clubs everywhere have one basic ideal – the “Ideal of Service,” which is thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others.
Special Observances
Literacy Month……………………………………………………………………… July
Membership & Extension Month…………………………………………… August
New Generations Month………………………………………………………. September
Vocational Service Month……………………………………………………..October
The Rotary Foundation Month………………………………………………..November
World Interact Week ……………………………………………………………..1st Week in November
Family Month…………………………………………………………………………December
Rotary Awareness Month………………………………………………………January
World Understanding Month…………………………………………………..February
Rotary’s Anniversary……………………………………………………………..February 23
World Rotaract Week……………………………………………………………3rd Week of March
Magazine Month………………………………………………………………….. April
Rotary Fellowship Month……………………………………………………….June