Rotary International About Rotary  |  Rotary International What is Rotary? Rotary is short for Rotary International a worldwide association of local clubs for men and women in business or the professions who: provide humanitarian service to the community at local, national and international level; encourage high ethical standards in all vocations; and work for goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary was founded in 1905 and now has over 1.2 million members in more than 31,000 clubs in 166 countries and 35 geographical regions. There are 1,800 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland with over 61,000 members. Rotary Clubs & Membership Each club operates independently within a common constitution. Membership, drawn from the business and professional community, is by invitation. To ensure the club represents the community there are limitations on membership from each profession or type of business. Meetings Meetings are held weekly and Rotarians must attend at least 60% to remain as members. Clubs meet for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Business often includes a talk on a subject of general interest by an outside speaker. 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. Weekly meetings promote acquaintance and fellowship. Through this fellowship, Rotarians find the inspiration to serve the community. Service to the community requires Rotarians to devote their time, energy and professional skills to particular projects. Although funds are often raised for charity, this is not a Rotary club's first aim. The emphasis is on personal service. Service Community service is the traditional and well-known face of Rotary. It covers help and advice to the aged, the disabled, the infirm, young people and all those in need, either directly or through local charitable organisations. Environmental projects are part of community service. As jobs are key elements in determining Rotary membership, vocational service draws on the ethical standards, experience and expertise that Rotarians apply to their work. Vocational projects support training and job development, provide mock interviews, encourage the development of skills in employment and foster the highest standards in business and the professions. International service promotes worldwide goodwill. It includes emergency boxes, eye camps, vocational training schools, text books, tools, water filtration units and many other items for areas of need. Rotarians of different race, creed and custom, when bought together in fellowship, play an important part in breaking down prejudice and developing true international understanding. Object of Rotary The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business and community life. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.