KNOW
ROTARY
Rotary is a worldwide organization
of
business and professional leaders
that provides humanitarian service, encourages
high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps
build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately
1.2 million Rotarians belong
to more than
31,000 Rotary clubs
located in
166 countries.
The world's first service club was founded
on 23 February 1905 when lawyer
Paul Harris and three friends met in a small
office in downtown Chicago. These men wanted
to rekindle in the turn-of-the-century city
the spirit of friendliness they had known in
their hometowns. World of the club soon spread
and others were invited to join. They named
their new club Rotary to describe the practice
of meeting in rotation at the members' various
places of business.
Originally formed for fellowship, the first
Rotary club quickly evolved to use the talents
and resources of its members to serve the community.
By the end of 1905, the Rotary Club
of Chicago had 30 members. Within a
few years other groups formed service clubs
based on the Rotary model.
The first Rotary convention was held in the
Congress Hotel in Chicago in August
1910. The National Association of Rotary
Clubs was organized at that time with 16 member
clubs. Rotary Founder Paul Harris was elected
the association's first president.
Service
Above Self
The real magic of the Rotary organization is
Service above Self. The formula for activating
an element of human nature that brings immense
satisfaction to an individual is far greater
than monetary rewards. The motive force that
has enabled Rotary to survive and prosper is
dependability and credibility. Our real challenge
lies in retaining these qualities in the midst
of a changing environment. Technology, methodology,
scientific reference and business strategies
are becoming obsolete at a fast rate. Rotary
International, our organization of 103
years repute, serving as a healing
and binding force of immense power, has responded
positively to this changing environment. We
must respond positively too and welcome this
change. Change renews & recharges.
We, as a prominent Club in Rotary District
3140, have several promises yet to
keep. Rotary needs men who can dream of things
that never were. Dreams create future; impossible
dreams are but improbable thoughts. Coupled
with a will to act, they become inevitable actions
& translate into real life situations. Together
we will, together we shall, MAKE DREAMS
REAL.
