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History of Rotary International
Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, was born in Wisconsin in 1868. Experiencing serious financial problems and losing their home, the family separated and Paul went to his paternal grand-parents in New England. He enjoyed life in the small community with strong Puritan origins, but missed his parents and siblings dreadfully. Historian Owen Parnaby suggests that this void in his early years "led him in later life to stress friendship as the primary object of Rotary". However, his grandparents' ideals and values, love and devotion became his own life's guiding principles. In 1891, after graduating in law, he spent five years wandering; working across the United States as a reporter, labourer, fruit picker, actor, cowboy, hotel night clerk in and salesman. He travelled to England, working ships in shocking conditions; an experience of a labourer's life that he would never forget. On his return to America, he worked in New York. After five years, Paul Harris returned to Chicago in 1896 and began his own law practice. A new city, profession, and business meant little time to form friendships. Thinking there must be others in the city missing old friendships, he organized a meeting with some business acquaintances on 23rd February 1905 to discuss his idea of a 'businessman's club' with an aim of fostering friendships. These men soon found another purpose, that of helping others in the community and encouraging high ethical standards in business. Their numbers grew, and so the 'Rotary' movement was born. The name reflects the rules which required rotation of meeting place, chairmanship and membership based on occupation. In 1923, the current emblem was adopted and a keyway was added to signify that the wheel was a 'worker not an idler'. The six spokes represent the six working days of the week, with the 24 cogs representing the twenty-four hours in a day. The emblem, worn as a lapel button, now identifies the millions of Rotarians around the world. Rotarian philosophy promotes high ethical standards in members' professional lives. The four-way test developed by Rotarian Herbert Taylor in 1932 was embraced by Rotary as its fundamental code of ethics. Of the things we think, say or do: Is it truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all?" Using these principles, Rotary aims to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise, particularly developing acquaintance as an opportunity of service, applying high ethical standards in business, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society. Rotary seeks international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. The world has changed since Paul Harris originally established Rotary, but the principles it was founded on are even more relevant today. Humanity has achieved so much, in so many fields, but has failed to solve the problems of maintaining 'decent, peaceful and friendly' relations between fellow human beings. We cannot legislate compassion, this quality can only come from individuals. As the world becomes more complex, we need to remain simple in our ideals, so the clubs can adapt to an ever-changing world. Currently, Rotary works to meet the changing needs of our society, expanding its service effort to address pressing issues such as environmental degradation, illiteracy and world health. The Club stays relevant in a changing community by helping and assisting in cases of need, as well as supporting its fellow Rotarians. Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to some 31,000 Rotary clubs in 166 countries. Many thanks to Vicky Ryan for her work on the history: "The Rotary Club of Prahran" Return to top |
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