Rotary is an international service organization with approximately 1.2 million members worldwide. It was founded in Chicago in 1905 by American lawyer Paul Harris with the aim of bringing together people from different professions to work towards making changes needed in society and improving people's quality of life. The organization's founding philosophy of "Service Above Self" is reflected in all its activities.
Rotary has more than 35,000 clubs worldwide, which carry out various service projects in local communities. Rotary clubs also undertake global projects such as international aid and scholarship programs. Rotary also works on various issues such as health, education, water resources, hunger, environment, and peace worldwide.
Rotary's aim is to bring leaders together to make the changes needed in society. These leaders come from different professions and are experts in their respective fields. Rotary members identify the services that the community needs and work to provide them, including education, health, water resources, hunger, environment, and peace.
One of Rotary's most important projects is the Polio Plus program. This program was launched to combat polio worldwide. Rotary has been supporting the Polio Plus program for nearly 35 years, and as a result of this support, cases of polio worldwide have decreased significantly.
Rotary clubs carry out many service projects in local communities. These projects include renovating schools, organizing parks, opening water wells, providing food aid, conducting health screenings, and building facilities for people with disabilities. Rotary clubs raise the necessary funds to carry out these projects and work with their volunteer members to meet the needs of the community. Rotary clubs work not only in their local communities but also in other countries with other Rotary clubs to carry out global projects.
Rotary also offers many opportunities for young people. Rotary offers programs for young people such as Interact and Rotaract. These programs allow young people to develop leadership skills, carry out the changes needed in society, and establish global connections.
One of Rotary's most important philosophies is the "Service Above Self" philosophy. Rotary members embrace this philosophy and do their best to serve the community. This philosophy brings Rotary members around the world together on a common ground.
While working to make the changes needed in society, Rotary also helps its members develop their leadership skills. Rotary members learn from each other by bringing people from different professions together.