But Rotary also operates on a worldwide basis … big time!

Rotary is one of the most effective humanitarian organizations in the world with 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs in 200 countries. Its motto for individual members is “service above self.” And wherever there is suffering or misery or just people in need, Rotary is usually there.

Rotary’s worldwide efforts promote health and literacy, reduce poverty and hunger, fight pollution, assist in disaster situations, and attempt to build peace and goodwill internationally.

The global impact of Rotary has been and continues to be staggering.

Most people are unaware that as recently as 1985, more than 1,000 persons were being victimized by polio each day. Since that time, Rotary has expended $757 million worldwide to immunize two billion children through grass roots fundraising, resulting in 210 countries/territories/areas are now polio free.

Indeed, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention have become Rotary partners and have urged Rotary to finish this job in the four remaining countries where polio is still active. And Bill Gates has also joined this battle with more than $300 million of his own money given to this Rotary cause.

With regard to education, Rotary conducts the largest independently funded scholarship program in the world. With the idea of building goodwill internationally, 673 Ambassador Scholars from 72 countries received Rotary scholarships last year at a cost of $14 million. Since 1947, 39,000 of these scholars from 115 countries have been subsidized with more than $500 million.

Rotary is also educating Peace Fellows with a master’s degree program to create highly competent individuals in the art of mediation and compromise. Since 2002-2003, 339 Peace Fellows from 75 countries have received fully paid scholarships at a cost of $23 million. Most of those completing the Peace Fellowship program are now working in real world jobs that promote peace and understanding.

In addition to all of this, since 1978, Rotary International’s Health, Hunger and Human Development grants have launched 324 humanitarian outreach projects in 77 countries at a cost of more than $6 million.

And in the area of cultural exchange, since 1965, Rotary has sponsored 13,541 teams of four-six different individuals on goodwill visits to 106 countries to exchange vocational, professional and cultural information.

In summary, Rotary is “good people doing good things for good people in need,” something to feel good about in a world with far too much violence and despair. Thinking about doing something meaningful? Join your local Rotary Club and make a difference!

Joseph Batory, Rotary District 7450
(Representing 54 Rotary clubs in Greater Philadelphia)
or call 610 459 4183. You will be contacted by someone promptly.
To learn more about Rotary, please explore our website > www.Rotary7450.org