A Brief Overview of the History and Programs of

Rotary International

by Michael Keefe Gorman

Rotary International

The service club Rotary International focuses on four guiding principles. They include bringing service- and community-minded individuals and organizations together; establishing solid ethical standards in the business and professional worlds; supporting and developing well-rounded personal, professional, and community lives among members; and advancing global goodwill and peace. Founded in Chicago in the early years of the 20th century, Rotary International started out as a networking group for area workingmen. Within a decade, the organization grew internationally, establishing chartered clubs in major cities throughout the United States and Europe.

Rotary International

Today, Rotary International consists of 1.2 million people active in more than 34,000 clubs. Another approximately 700,000 individuals take part in affiliated organizations, such as Rotaract, for men and women ages 18 to 30; the Rotary Community Corps, which consists of non-Rotarians engaged in volunteer and community work; and Interact, a service club for youth younger than 18 years of age. Rotary members and affiliated individuals alike work in conjunction with numerous government and nonprofit entities, such as the World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to eradicate polio and provide other assistance to those in need.

About the Author

Michael Keefe Gorman sits on the Board of Directors of the Ithaca Sunrise Rotary Club in his hometown of Ithaca, New York. Mr. Keefe Gorman also maintains an active presence in several other regional charity and community groups.