Rotary is the world’s first service organization, defined as "an organization of business and professional men and women united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help guild goodwill and peace in the world. the individual Rotarian — the heart and soul of Rotary — is a member of his or her local club; all clubs are members of Rotary International. “Service Above Self” is the Rotary Motto — the common thread that weaves all Rotarians together, all around the world. For more information on Rotary International, visit www.rotary.org.

World Wide Projects

In addition to local community projects, our Rotary club members are involved in one or more projects like these:

Polio Eradication — In 1985, Rotary's members vowed to free the world of the crippling disease polio. Rotary has already committed over $1.2 billion, plus countless hours of volunteer work to help immunize nearly 2 billion children throughout the world. Rotary is a spearheading partner, along with UNICEF, WHO and the CDC -- in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has provided grants totalling $355 million to help eradicate polio.

Humanitarian Projects — Rotary clubs initiate thousands of humanitarian projects each year, addressing problems that create instability and trigger conflicts -- hunger, poverty, poor health, childhood mortality and illiteracy.

Water Management — Recognizing the importance of clean water, many Rotary clubs help to install wells and develop water treatment and distribution systems to increase access to fresh drinking water for communities in need, especially in developing countries.

Peace — Rotary funds fellowships for two peace-related educational programs in an effort to educate current and future peacemakers and ambassadors. The Rotary Centers for International Studies provide master’s degrees and professional development certificates in conflict resolution at seven prestigious universities worldwide for up to 100 Rotary World Peace Fellows chosen annually.

For a list of 49er Rotary Projects, click here.