Rotary
The History of Rotary
Rotary
More than a century bringing cultures together and serving, from Chicago all the way to Paris.
1905
Born in Chicago
Paul Harris founds the first Rotary club with three friends, around a simple idea: meet to serve.
1921
Rotary arrives in France
The very first French club is created in Paris. The movement becomes international.
1985
The fight against polio
PolioPlus is launched to eradicate poliomyelitis. More than 2.5 billion children vaccinated since.
1989
'Service Above Self'
The official motto is adopted. The same decade, Rotary fully opens its membership to women.
2019
Environment, the 7th focus
Rotary makes protecting the environment a full area of focus.
Does this spirit speak to you?