The mission of Rotary International is to support member clubs in fulfilling the object of Rotary.
Fostering unity among member clubs strengthening and expanding Rotary around the world.
Communicating worldwide the work of Rotary; and Providing a system of international administration.
History of The Rotary Foundation
Arch C. Klumph, founder of The Rotary Foundation, circa 1916 Courtesy of Rotary Images
In 1917, RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed that an endowment be set up “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than US$5,000, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.
Five Trustees, including Klumph, were appointed to “hold, invest, manage, and administer all of its property . . . as a single trust, for the furtherance of the purposes of RI.”
Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into the Easter Seals.
The Great Depression and World War II both impeded the Foundation’s growth, but the need for lasting world peace generated great postwar interest in its development. After Rotary’s founder, Paul P. Harris, died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to build the Foundation.
That year, the first Foundation program – the forerunner of Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships– was established. In 1965-66, three new programs were launched: Group Study Exchange , Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants .
Throughout this time, support of the Foundation grew tremendously. Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, it has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion. More than $70 million was donated in 2003-04 alone. To date, more than one million individuals have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows – people who have given $1,000 to the Annual Programs Fund or have had that amount contributed in their name.
Such strong support, along with Rotarian involvement worldwide, ensures a secure future for The Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.
JANUARY - ROTARY AWARENESS MONTH .o Share information about the relevance of community service to Rotary's mission. .o Ask your district governor about presentation opportunities at the district assembly or district conference. The presentation should focus on the importance of community service and successful projects in your district. o Research the RI projects exhibition at the RI Convention and encourage active clubs to apply for a booth. o When the district chair for the upcoming year has been appointed, update him or her on scheduled activities.
FEBRUARY - WORLD UNDERSTANDING MONTH 23 February - Rotary's Anniversary Family Week - Second week of February The goal of Family Week is for Rotary clubs to connect with families in their communities, particularly those that need extra attention. . Share information on Family Week with club chairs. o Recognize successful projects in your district. Domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, drug and alcohol abuse, and gang activity are just a few of the formidable challenges facing today's family. o Clubs are urged to use this opportunity to promote family projects already underway or think about starting new ones. o Download Celebrating Family Week for more information on Family Week activities.
MARCH - LITERACY MONTH (Changed from July) Highlight successful literacy projects in your district or increase awareness of the area's literacy needs. o World Rotaract Week 13 March (Mon to Sun)
APRIL - MAGAZINE MONTH
MAY
JUNE - ROTARY FELLOWSHIP MONTH
The month of June is considered as Rotary Fellowship Month in the Rotary calendar. There is a misconception among Rotarians on what aspect of the RI programs is being celebrated for this month of June. Let us clarify the issue. When we talk about "Rotary Fellowships", we actually refer to the groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses and Rotaractors who join together to:
Share a common interest in worthwhile recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.);
Further their vocational development through acquaintance with others of the same profession;
Make new friends around the world;
Explore new opportunities for service; and
Have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary.
Examples of Rotary Fellowships include: Rotarians on the Internet (ROTI), International Fellowship of Rotarians of Amateur Radio (ROAR), International Computer Users Fellowship of Rotarians (ICUFR), International Fellowship of Rotary Convention Goers, International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians, International Fellowship of Rotarians Musicians, Rotary Global History Fellowship, etc.
The field is so varied, which includes marathon running, scuba diving, flying, bird watching, chess, doll lovers, environment, Esperanto, go, gourmets, lawyers, magic, nurses, police and law enforcement professionals, recreational vehicles, singles, stockbrokers, venture capitalists, wine and yoga.
Each Rotary Fellowship operates independently of Rotary International, with its own rules, dues requirements and administrative structure. Membership is open to Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians and Rotaractors. It must be international in nature with active members in at least three (3) countries. Each fellowship elects at least three (3) officers to oversee the group's administration. The Rotary Fellowships are expected to facilitate communication among their members and maintain regular communication with RI.
What are the benefits for Rotarians in joining the Rotary Fellowships? Fellowship provide opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside their own Club, District or country. Fellowships contribute to the advancement of world understanding and peace. Also, Fellowships serve as an incentive for attracting new members to Rotary and retaining our existing members. Indeed, Rotary Fellowship, together with the Rotarian Action Groups, serve as an effective tool in promoting membership development and should be actively promoted in our Districts.
Interested Rotarians can join a Rotary Fellowship by clicking http://www.rotary.org/programs/fellowships/index.html or even start a prospective Rotary Fellowship if their recreational or vocational interest is not in the list of approved Rotary Fellowships.
JULY
AUGUST - MEMBERSHIP & EXTENSION MONTH Emphasize the importance of exciting and effective service projects to help attract new members and retain existing ones.
SEPTEMBER - NEW GENERATION MONTH .Work with the district chairs for Interact, Rotaract, and Youth Exchange to bring youth issues to the forefront. Recognize outstanding club projects benefiting youth.
OCTOBER - VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH World Interact week. From Oct 28 for 7 days o This month offers a unique opportunity to promote vocational service activities. Recognize successful projects, award outstanding individuals, and highlight Rotary's vocational service efforts through the district Web site, newsletters, and local media.
NOVEMBER - THE ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH
DECEMBER- FAMILY MONTH December is Family Month o Celebrate Rotary's commitment to family in December! Bring together mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other members of your Rotary family to learn more about the organization. o Consider having a special club event for family members to talk about service opportunities in the community that they and the club can address.
Every month our club is very proud to release our Bulletin “Vision” which showcases activities of our club. It’s also a mirror of our various grand projects done every month. It gives ample scope for Rotarians to contribute by way of articles & serves as a source of information on Rotary & its programs. We distribute our bulletin to many NGO’s, Doctors, Housing Societies & well wishers to speed Awareness of Rotary.
Months after months, Editor Rtn. Sundaram has been putting immense efforts to release the bulletin in time with the help of Rtn. Radhika & Rtn. Trupti who are the backbone of our club. I thank all of them for the wonderful job; they are doing all through out this year.
This month, we celebrate birth anniversary of Founder “Paul Harris” on 19th April. Its just rights time to pay homage by understanding his contribution to Rotary.
Friends, we are doing our on going projects…………………….
We have completed our Dream Project installation of Solar lights at Jambulpada Village, Khardi where our DG Rtn Vijay Jalan joined to witness our work of spreading lights in the Aadivasis. We distributed computers to various schools. Our Rotarians are working round the clock to fulfill our dreams. Let’s follow the words of Paul Harris.
“You have got to keep going. You have to keep walking & working in our world. Salute Rotary
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