Rotary International is a global organization uniting professional men and women. In addition to individual club projects, Rotary organizes large international initiatives, financially supported through its central foundation, the Rotary Foundation. The most renowned project globally is “End Polio Now”, a campaign to eradicate polio.

Rotary also contributes to international understanding and global awareness through its commitment to non-commercial youth exchange programs. As the largest exchange organization worldwide, Rotary enables thousands of students, young professionals, and graduates to engage with different cultures each year.

Rotary by the Numbers

• Founded: February 23, 1905, by attorney Paul P. Harris in Chicago.

• In Germany:

  • 1,062 clubs

  • 55,000 members

• Worldwide:

  • 1.2 million members

  • 35,000 clubs

  • Represented in over 200 countries

Rotary's Principles

When the first Rotary Club was established in 1905, it introduced a new kind of service organization. This private association of professionals met regularly to foster friendship and, as leaders, sought to impact society through various service projects. Following Rotary's success, other service clubs were founded in the United States, including Lions, Kiwanis, Soroptimist (women-only), and Zonta.

Initially, the first Rotary Club aimed to promote ethical principles within the business world in reaction to widespread corruption. The goal was to establish mutual ethical standards, eventually influencing the broader business community. Although the service aspect initially played a secondary role, it soon became a central focus. The emphasis on professional competence among members remains a key feature of Rotary. Until recently, a fundamental rule was that each club could admit only one representative per profession, ensuring broad diversity.

Rotary's principles are enshrined in three key documents that reflect both the spirit of its early days and its dedication to humanitarian projects and fostering international understanding:

The Goal of Rotary

(Article 4 of the Constitution of Rotary International)
The goal of Rotary is service in daily life. Rotary pursues this goal through:

• Promoting friendship as an opportunity to serve others,

• Recognizing high ethical standards in private and professional life and valuing all useful occupations as avenues for service,

• Encouraging the application of service ideals through responsible personal, business, and public conduct,

• Fostering international understanding and peace through a global fellowship of professionals united in the ideal of service.

Five Avenues of Service

Rotary's activities are based on five avenues of service:

1. Club Service: Focusing on camaraderie and ensuring the club functions effectively.

2. Vocational Service: Encouraging members to use their professional skills to benefit others and promote ethical practices.

3. Community Service: Supporting local projects and activities.

4. International Service: Expanding humanitarian efforts globally and promoting peace and understanding.

5. Youth Service: Officially established as the fifth avenue of service in 2010, focusing on the development and empowerment of young people.

The Four-Way Test

In 1932, Herbert J. Taylor, later President of Rotary International, summarized the essence of ethical behavior in four questions. These were developed during his efforts to rescue a failing business through improved customer service policies. Rotary adopted the Four-Way Test in 1943, and it has since been translated into over 100 languages:
“Of the things we think, say, or do:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

The Rotary Code of Conduct

Adopted in 1915 at the Rotary Convention in San Francisco, the Code of Ethics outlines the following principles for Rotarians:

1. I adhere to my moral principles in both private and professional life.

2. I act fairly towards others, respecting them and their professions.

3. I use my professional skills to support youth, help those in need, and improve living conditions locally and globally.

4. I will always conduct myself in a manner that upholds the reputation of Rotary and its members.

5. I will not seek business or personal benefits from other Rotarians.