For more than 110 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world.
Grassroots at the core, Rotary links 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries to form an organization of international scope. It started with the vision of one man – Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on February 23, 1905, so that professionals of diverse backgrounds could share ideas, form meaningful and lifelong relationships, and give back to their communities. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the member’s offices.
Rotary members have not only been present for major events in history, we have also been part of them. Three key traits have remained strong throughout our history:
We are truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country work to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems. Rotary International is recognized around the world as a truly international organization. This allows Rotary groups into places that Americans might not be trusted or welcome.
We persevere in tough times. During World War II, Rotary clubs in Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many continued to meet informally, and after the war, Rotary members came together to rebuild their clubs and their countries.
We are committed to service, and are not afraid to “dream big.” We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize six-million children in the Philippines. In cooperation with the Gates Foundation, Rotary has spent 1.6 billion dollars to eradicate polio in all but three countries; down from 125 in 1988.
Our motto is Service above Self.
Rotarians use the four way test to guide them in every day decisions:
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Rotary Club of Suffield welcomes Observer readers to join us. We meet at Seasons Restaurant, Suffield by the River, 7 Canal Road, in Suffield every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Feel free to be a guest at one of our meetings. Our meetings are informal, fun, and informative. Visit our website at www.suffieldrotary.org.