Celebrating Rotary’s 110th anniversary and 30 years of PolioPlus

This year marks both the 110th anniversary of Rotary and 30 years of our campaign to rid the world of polio.

This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched its campaign to rid the world of polio:

During a speech at Rotary’s annual training event for leaders in February 1985, then President Carlos Canseco announced what he called “the biggest news in Rotary,” an organized campaign to eradicate polio by working alongside the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Prior to that, Rotary Foundation grants had supported immunization activities in individual countries.

This February 23rd 2015 will mark 110 years since the first Rotary meeting:

Paul P. Harris, an attorney, wanted to create a professional group with the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth. On Feb. 23, 1905, Harris, along with Gustavus Loehr, Silvestre Schiele and Hiram Shorey, gathered at Loehr's office in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary Club meeting. They decided to call the new club "Rotary" after the practice of rotating meeting locations among the members' offices.

From that one historic meeting, Rotary has grown to a worldwide organization of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in 200 countries and territories. From those four visionary members, there are now over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. There is also The Rotary Foundation which since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion. Among thousands of successful projects funded, Rotary has spearheaded the ongoing world-wide effort to eradicate Polio.

Each Rotary club is different in size and activities, though all share in certain similar characteristics: the club has weekly meetings, generally built around fellowship and networking, a meal and a program; it looks for local and international service opportunities; it is made up of a diverse group of men and women of all ages who share a certain degree of professional recognition in the business or the non-profit worlds; and all members share a dedication to the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

Rotary's "Four-Way-Test" is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use in their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and it is recited at club meetings: "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

During February, visit a Rotary Club. See what grew from that first meeting in Chicago so long ago. Learn about the varied community and international projects that clubs are sponsoring and supporting, and the fellowship among Rotarians. Rotary clubs' meeting locations and times can be found by going to rotary.org and clicking on the "Club Finder" button at the top.

See you at Rotary.