What is Rotary
1.4 million people. One idea.
Rotary brings together people from every continent, culture and profession to serve their communities and to build understanding across borders.
PlaceholderSince four friends founded the first club in Chicago more than a hundred years ago, Rotary has grown into a worldwide network of women and men who share one aim: to stand by those who cannot help themselves, in their own neighbourhood and in international humanitarian projects.
Rotary was founded on 23 February 1905 by the lawyer Paul P. Harris in Chicago.
Rotary in numbers
1905Founded by Paul P. Harris in Chicago
46.000Rotary clubs worldwide
1,4 MioMembers worldwide
1.138Clubs in Germany with 58,058 members
Source: Rotary International, as of 2023.