February 23, 1905
О Ротари
Lawyer Paul Harris invited three friends to dinner in Chicago. They wanted a club where professionals could be friends and serve the community. Today — 1.2M people in 200+ countries.
Paul Harris (1868–1947)
Founder of Rotary International, Chicago
Motto
"Service Above Self"
Rotary unites people ready to give their knowledge, time, and professional skills to solve real social problems.
"There is no greater occupation in life than helping people — sharing what you have for those who need it."
Focus Areas
6 Rotary Focus Areas
Peacebuilding
Peace fellowships, exchanges, and intercultural dialogue
Fighting Disease
End Polio Now — $2.9B invested, 99.9% reduction
Clean Water
Clean water access in developing countries
Maternal & Child Health
Health support programs worldwide
Education
Scholarships, mentorship, projects in 200+ countries
Community Development
Economic development and initiative support
History
First Club in Free Russia
In 1990, the first Rotary club was founded in Moscow with the participation of Mikhail Gorbachev, Yuri Luzhkov, and Anatoly Sobchak. Today, District 2223 has 67 clubs from Kaliningrad to Magadan.
Founders
Rotary Founders in Russia
People who brought Rotary to Russia and laid the foundation.
🇷🇺Mikhail Gorbachev
President of USSR, Nobel Peace Prize
Rotary Club Moscow (honorary)
🇷🇺Yuri Luzhkov
Mayor of Moscow 1992–2010
Rotary Club Moscow
🇷🇺Anatoly Sobchak
First Mayor of St. Petersburg
Rotary Club St. Petersburg
🇷🇺Vladimir Mozolin
First Rotary District Governor in Russia
Rotary Club Moscow
Rotary Life
What Does Life in Rotary Look Like?
Meetings, projects, trips, conferences — and real friendship. Rotary is not just a club, but a way of life.
Myths & Facts
Rotary Is Not Freemasonry
Debunking the most common misconceptions about Rotary.
Rotary is a Masonic organization
Rotary is an open humanitarian organization. No secret rituals, no hierarchies, no secrets.
Rotary is a closed club for elites
Any professional with a good reputation can join. Doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs.
Rotary is a religious organization
Rotary is non-partisan and non-religious. Open to people of any faith and worldview.
Rotary is for the wealthy
Dues are moderate and set by each club. The key is a desire to serve, not wealth.
We Are Close to Ending Polio
Since 1988, Rotary has led one of the most successful humanitarian campaigns in history. The finish line is near.
Timeline of Victory
First vaccination in Philippines
125 countries, 1000 children/day
India declared polio-free
Africa free of wild poliovirus
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation doubles every Rotary dollar — up to $450M/year for polio eradication
What Rotary membership gives you
Rotary is not just a club. It's a lifestyle, a network of opportunities and a way to change the world.
121 years of trust
International history since 1905, 35 years in Russia. Millions of volunteers worldwide.
World community
1.2 million people in 200+ countries — business contacts and partners for any project.
High ethics
Code of professionalism and integrity. Reputation matters more than money.
Real impact
Changes across 12 time zones — from orphanages to international programs.
Networking
Over 80 clubs from Kaliningrad to Magadan. Leaders in business, culture and science.
Community service
Humanitarian projects with real results — not words, but concrete actions.
Prestige & recognition
Annual international awards from Rotary International. Global recognition for your contribution.
PolioPlus
Billions of dollars fighting polio. Gates Foundation doubles every dollar you give.
Join us — make the world better together!
First meeting is free, as a guest.
Interesting Facts
Rotary in Culture and History
Neil Armstrong
First man on the Moon
Rotary Club of Wapakoneta, Ohio
Thomas Edison
1,093 patents, inventor of the light bulb
Rotary Club of Orange, NJ
Harland Sanders
Founded KFC at age 62
Rotary Club of Jeffersonville
Sam Walton
Founder of Walmart
Rotary Club of Bentonville, Arkansas
Edmund Hillary
First to summit Everest (1953)
Rotary Club of Auckland
Desmond Tutu
Nobel Peace Prize
Rotary programs ambassador in Africa
Bill Gates
Gates Foundation doubles every Rotary dollar — up to $450M/year
Rotary polio eradication partner
Three US Presidents
Roosevelt, Harding, and Ford were all Rotarians
Members of clubs across America
Seoul Convention
45,000 participants from 200 countries
Larger than most international forums
Two Paths — One Goal
No matter your age — there is a place for everyone in Rotary
Join Rotary
For professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs who want to serve society and build meaningful connections
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For young people who want to develop as leaders, travel, help others and build a career with smart people
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