About Rotary

Rotary is an organisation of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build peace and goodwill in the world.

History

2005 was our centenary year: Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer, with three friends formed a Club in 1905 to kindle fellowship in the business community. As others joined, a meeting rota was formed - thus Rotary - and the cogwheel emblem was adopted. New Clubs were established elsewhere in US, then in Canada in 1910.

By 1921 the organisation was represented on every Continent and became Rotary International in 1922.

Nowadays

There are around 1.2 million members in 32,000 Clubs in 160 countries. In UK there are more than 1800 Clubs in 29 Districts. Hoddesdon is one of 50 Clubs in District 1260.

What Drives Us

Rotary is not an exclusive organisation - it draws its membership from men and women of all races faiths and cultures who share a common interest in helping both local community and international charitable causes. Members can visit other clubs - here and abroad - they will always receive a warm welcome.

Rotary is non-political and non-governmental. Rotary clubs are autonomous and always seek creative solutions to the needs of the community at home and further afield. Rotary members dedicate their time, skills, expertise, and other resources toward improving the human condition.

Rotary promotes cultural understanding and brings people together, even when they live worlds apart. Rotary exchange programmes foster the free flow of ideas and opportunities across national borders.

Did You Know?

Rotary's worldwide Polio Plus programme raised $500 million by 2005 - the target date for certification of a polio free world. More than one billion children under five have been immunised since 1985.