The first Rotary Club in the wold was organized in Chicago, USA, on 23 February 1905, by a young lawer, Paul P Harris who gathered together in a spirit of friendship and understanding a group of men, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public. The basis for membership - one person from each business and profession in the community. Af first, the members of the new club
met in rotation at their various places of business, and this suggested the name "Rotary". Since 1905, the ideas of Paul Harris and his friends have become ideals, which have been accepted by people of practically all nationalities, and of many political and religious beliefs. Today there are Rotary clubs in over 210 countries and 34 geographical regions. The universal acceptance of Rotary principles has been so great that there are now more than 33700 Rotary clubs, which have a membership of about 1.3 million. The general objectives of Rotary clubs in every country are the same - the development of fellowship and understanding among the business and professional leaders in the community, the promotion of the community - betterment endeavors and of high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. Rotary clubs everywhere have one basic ideal - the ideal of Service"which is thoughtfulness and helpfulness to others.
