What is Rotary?
 
Who We Are
Rotary is a world wide network of individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives and make lasting improvements in our communities around the world.
We Are People of Action
We are a global network of volunteers made up of people who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. 

The Rotary Family

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and different age groups including those from high school, young adults, to working professionals to senior citizens. These are broken down into three different groups.
Rotary International is the mother organisation -  all Interactors and Rotaractors are Rotarians.

There are over 1.2 million Rotarians in over 35,000 Rotary clubs in 220 countries and geographical areas
Interact is our service club for young people aged 14 to 18.
 
 
There are over 440,000 Interactors in over 19,000 Interact Clubs in 158 countries and geographical areas.
Rotaract is our service club for young adults and professionals.
 
 
There are over 201,000 Rotaractors in over 8,750 Rotaract Clubs in 171 countries and geographical areas

What We Do

Our members initiate projects to address today's challenges. These consist of running service projects in our seven Areas of Focus and grant giving through our Rotary Foundation.
 

Rotary's Areas of Focus

Grant Giving through the Rotary Foundation

 

The Rotary Foundation's humanitarian grants support club projects that provide health care and medical supplies, clean water, food, job training, youth development, and education to millions of people in need, particularly in the developing world.
 
In addition, The Rotary Foundation provides more than 200 grants each year to fund the work of Rotary volunteers, who travel to parts of the world where their technical expertise and knowledge are most needed to alleviate hardship and solve problems.

How Are We Different ?

In Rotary, leadership is not measured by rank and titles. Instead, using all of our diverse skills, experience and connections, it  is the progress we make in our local, regional and international projects supporting our communities and changing lives.
 
The core essence of Rotary is Service. "Service Above Self" reflects these attitudes and reminds us what the real goal is.
 

History

 
Paul P. Harris formed the world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905. More than a century later, Rotary remains dedicated to improving communities, relations between peoples, and world peace and understanding. Rotary's principal motto is Service Above Self.
 
During World War II, Rotary members became increasingly involved in promoting international understanding. A Rotary conference held in London in 1942 was a precursor to the development of UNESCO, and 49 Rotary members served as delegates and consultants at the founding of the United Nations in 1945.
 
Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status given by the United Nations to non-governmental organizations. In this capacity, Rotary has a voice within the UN system, allowing access to its people and resources worldwide.