Service Above Self
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.
Paul Harris
Rotary founder
Still Making History
With every project, we’re changing the world for the better.
History | Rotary International
Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best, Rotary’s official mottoes, can be traced back to the early days of the organization.
- Adoption: It was adopted as the official motto of Rotary International in 1911.
- Evolution: The phrase was updated over the years to be more inclusive, shifting to “They Profit Most Who Serve Best” in 2004, and finally to “One Profits Most Who Serves Best” in 2010.
- Current Status: It remains a core secondary motto for the organization, sitting alongside their principal motto, “Service Above Self”.
Rotary mottoes | Rotary International
Four Way Test
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotary International adopted the Four Way Test in 1943. It serves as a moral and business compass how to conduct yourself, rather than a tool to judge others.
Rotary and Peace the World Over.
Peace has always been one of the founding causes of the Rotary Family.
The 7 priority causes of Rotary under pin the work done local, regionally, nationally and Internationally by Rotary Members, Project Volunteers, Helpers and community groups.
Our Causes – Walsall Rotary Club
- GPEI – The ultimate aim of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, as it aims to achieve a lasting world free of all forms of poliovirus, is to reach and vaccinate every single child, multiple times, with polio vaccines. Whether through routine immunization or supplementary immunization activities.
Eradicate Polio Now | Global Polio Eradication | GPEI Home
7 Priority Causes of Rotary
