Rotary International
About rotary International
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:
Promote peace
Fight disease
Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Save mothers and children
Support education
Grow local economies
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL’S MISSION:
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL’S VISION STATEMENT:
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
ROTARY's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We believe that exemplifying and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion should be a part of everything we do at Rotary. Visit this link to read about Rotary’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The rotary foundation of rotary International
At the 1917 convention, outgoing Rotary International president Arch Klumph proposed setting up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That one idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, set in motion a powerful force that has transformed millions of lives around the globe. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Its signature project, “Polio Plus,” has worked to eradicate the threat of polio around the world. Birmingham Rotarian Dr. Leslie Wright served as the international fundraising chair for Polio Plus and raised $240,000,000 for the effort. The headquarters of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation are in Evanston, Illinois. Birmingham Rotarians continue to give significant contributions to the Foundation on a quarterly basis.