Get Rotary 102-EN 2013-2023

It is a non-political and non-religious organization. Membership is by invitation and based on various social factors. There are over 46,000 member clubs worldwide, with a membership of 1.4 million individuals, known as Rotary members.

The meeting is held in the club's three story building, built in 1986 in downtown Birmingham (population 200,000).

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

The world's first service club was founded on 23 February 1905 when lawyer Paul Harris and three friends met in a small office in downtown Chicago. They named their new club "Rotary" to describe the practice of meeting in rotation at the members' various places of business.

Like many groups, Rotary Club asks its members to pay annual dues. You will be expected to pay local group dues, district dues and Rotary International dues [source: RI].

But a recent analysis of membership proved revealing for the organisation. It found Rotary gained, and lost, 1.2 million members in eight years. “Over an eight-year period, we lost our entire organisation – a 14 per cent attrition rate.”