About Rotary

One man's vision

Rotary 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 and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.

In 1907, The Rotary Club of Chicago met with civic organisations to discuss the need for comfort stations (public toilets) to improve sanitation in the city - Rotary's very first service project.

Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.

Today, Rotary is one of the world's largest and most successful global membership and humanitarian service organisations, with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries.

We are People of Action

We have a unique position of being rooted within our own communities, but with a global outlook.

Rotary’s 40,000 members in over 1,500 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland are volunteering their time and talents to tackle challenges at home and abroad in our cause areas:

• Promoting Peace
• Fighting Disease
• Providing Clean Water
• Supporting Education
• Saving Mothers and Children
• Growing Local Economies
• Supporting the Environment

We are People of Action, ready to turn our ideas and vision into lasting change, by creating opportunities, supporting those who need it most and transforming their lives.

Where others see problems, we see solutions: tapping into our professional skills, expertise and knowledge to make a difference. People of Action use their time, energy and passion to mobilise their communities to get the job done.

There are so many projects and activities for you to get involved in as part of Rotary. Our impact starts with you.

Further information about Rotary in general can be found at https://www.rotarygbi.org