How do you describe the organization called Rotary?

There are so many characteristics of a Rotary club as well as the activities of a million Rotarians, that it is difficult to find a simple definition.

In 1976, Rotary International attempted to define the Rotary ethos with a concise definition.

After numerous attempts they decided on the following phrase: "Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world."

But what does it all mean?

The word Rotary is actually short for Rotary International - a worldwide association of local clubs for men and women in business or the professions.

The Rotary movement will celebrate its 100th birthday on the 23rd of February, 2005. Founded by American Paul Harris, the service is dedicated to serving the needs of communities worldwide. The organization today has over 1.2 million members in over 30,000 clubs in all continents of the world.

Clubs now exist in cities such as Moscow, Bucharest and Vladivostock. Altogether, Rotary clubs can now be found in 164 countries. Each club operates independently within a common constitution or district.

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.

Rotary's motto is 'Service above Self'.

INFORMATION about Rotary and The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Club:

Below, and at the bottom of this page and the other pages of this section, are links to other INFORMATION pages.

Club Info: Information about today's Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch.

Club History: A short history of the club since chartering on November 30, 1960.

Community: Involvement in the communities of Carrollton and Farmers Branch.

Presidents: The Charter Members, officers and directors and Presidents of the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch.

History: Paul Harris and the founding of Rotary International.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch.

Membership: Become a member of the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch.

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