About Rotary

Rotary is short for Rotary International, a worldwide association of local clubs for business and professional men and women. Rotary was founded in 1905 and now has 1.2 million members in more than 29,000 clubs in 162 countries.  There are more than 1,800 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland, with a total of 60,000 members. Each club operates independently within a common constitution.

Every Rotarian has the right to attend the meeting of any other club and Rotarians may invite non-Rotarian guests to their own club meetings. Community service is the traditional and best known face of Rotary. Although funds are often raised for charity, this is not Rotary’s first aim. The emphasis is on personal service to the community.

Rotarians are most often seen fund-raising in support of both local and international charities. Following a disaster, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, local Rotarians at the scene ensure that the aid sent – notably Shelterbox survival kits and Aquabox water purification equipment – is channelled directly to where it is needed.  Rotary International has also teamed up with the United Nations to finance the worldwide elimination of polio, with counter-funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.