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.
