Rotary is a global network of more than 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.
What we do
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our more than 45,000 clubs work together to:
- Promote peace
- Fight disease
- Provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene
- Save mothers and children
- Support education
- Grow local economies
- Protect the environment
Our mission
We provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
The history of Rotary
Rotary started with the vision of one man – Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on Feb. 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
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.
“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves” – Paul Harris.
That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize six million children in the Philippines. James L. Bomar Jr., then the Rotary International president, put the first drops of vaccine into a child’s mouth, launching the poliomyelitis immunization effort. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan – down from 125 in 1988.
Rotary’s motto
Service Above Self is the primary Rotary motto. It conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service. The motto grew out of a conversation between two Rotarians at the second Rotary convention, held in Portland, Oregon, in 1911.
Creating an environment of peace
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.
By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education and unequal distribution of resources.
Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: How we can make the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change. We are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved.
Rotary creates environments where peace can happen.
Rotary on the mountain
There are three Rotary clubs in the Rim communities: Crestline-Lake Gregory, Lake Arrowhead and Mountain Sunrise. They are part of District 5330, which includes 60 clubs and 1,790 members.
To learn more about these local clubs, visit their websites:
In future columns we will look at each club’s projects and passions.
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