New River Rotary Club

The Rotary Club is an international service organization committed to improving communities and creating a better world. Its roots date back to 1905, when attorney Paul P. Harris founded the first club in Chicago to foster fellowship among local professionals. Over a century later, Rotary Club has become a global network of 1.4 million individuals spread across more than 200 countries and geographic regions.

Membership in the Rotary Club is diverse, drawing from a wide range of professions and backgrounds. It comprises individuals who want to give back to their communities, address societal issues, and promote peace and goodwill. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, fostering a rich environment for collaboration and idea exchange.

Rotary Club operates around a basic premise: “Service Above Self”. This principle guides members’ actions as they work on local and international projects. These projects range from supporting education, improving healthcare, promoting peace, providing clean water, and fighting diseases such as polio. Rotary’s most successful initiative, PolioPlus, has been instrumental in eradicating polio in most parts of the world.

Each Rotary Club is autonomous but aligned with the overall ethos of the international organization. Clubs meet regularly, often weekly, for members to plan service activities, discuss community and international issues, and enjoy fellowship. Important decisions, including leadership appointments, are made democratically.

The Rotary Club also fosters leadership development and ethical responsibility among youths and young adults through its affiliate programs like Rotaract, Interact, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). It also provides one of the world’s largest privately funded international scholarships, Rotary Peace Fellowships, offering professionals the opportunity to pursue a degree in peace and conflict resolution.

Rotary International hosts an annual convention where Rotarians from all around the globe gather to celebrate their accomplishments, share ideas, and plan for the future. The convention showcases the breadth and impact of Rotary’s work, providing inspiration and insight for members to take back to their local clubs.

The Rotary Club, through its dedication to service, personal growth, and ethical conduct, has impacted countless lives. Its longevity and success demonstrate the power of collective action and the enduring appeal of its motto, “Service Above Self.” This is more than just a saying—it is the driving force behind every Rotary project and initiative, making the organization a beacon of hope and action for people worldwide.