Learn about Rotary

Formation and history


Rotary formation

Our organisation started when Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, had an idea of forming a club where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the early practice of rotating meetings between the offices of each member.

The first club was founded in 1905 and since then Rotary has grown internationally to more than 1.2 million members across 200 countries.

“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves”
    - Paul Harris

In 1914 the organisation moved across the Atlantic and the British Association of Rotary Clubs was established. The association was renamed Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland in 1924.

Learn more about Rotary's history

Every minute

It is said that every minute of every day Rotary will touch the lives of millions somewhere in the world.

By combining their skills and resources, members of Rotary are able to make a real contribution to the lives of others.

In local communities alone, each club raises tens of thousands of pounds for community projects and local charities, often more. Members also volunteer their time – supervising community events, running a host of projects aimed at promoting the achievements of young people, coordinating educational programmes, and supporting local businesses.

Because Rotary is found in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, we are in the unique position of being able to reach people in need all over the planet, from running life-changing projects in developing countries to making an immediate response to disaster-hit regions.

In addition, Rotary also has its own charity – The Rotary Foundation – which funds the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty throughout the world.


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