THE ROTARY CLUB OF WATERLOOVILLE
ROTARY - SERVICE BEFORE SELF
WHAT IS ROTARY?
Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris in Chicago, the name "Rotary" was derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among member's offices. From that small idea in the USA the organisation has expanded worldwide. Today, the term Rotary is short for Rotary International, a worldwide association of local clubs that is the largest service organisation of business and professional people in the world with some 1.2 million members, operating in 187 countries and geographical regions. In Great Britain and Ireland there are over 63,000 members in 1819 clubs.
The organisation exists for men and women to provide service in the community al local, national and international level, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations and work for goodwill and peace in the world.
Rotary serving the Community
Rotary is an international humanitarian service organisation. The men and women of Rotary volunteer their time and resources to help others in their local communities and throughout the world.
Each Rotary club carries out a variety of service projects that address critical issues including poverty, hunger, illiteracy, substance abuse, natural disasters and pollution. Service to youth, especially children at risk, is a major emphasis. Rotary sponsors service clubs for youth and young adults and offers career development and mentoring programmes.
Rotary Foundation
The Foundation is Rotary's own charity; it is dedicated to furthering international understanding, goodwill and peace. The Foundation administers the 3-H fund, which seeks to alleviate the problems of the disadvantaged throughout the world under the headings of Health, Hunger and Humanity. The projects supported under the programme are usually beyond the capability of a single club or group of clubs to support.
