Rotary in Ukraine and worldwide: history and key programmes

Rotary International: history, impact and programmes

Rotary International is a global network of leaders and professionals united by the idea of Service Above Self. Rotarians implement humanitarian initiatives, develop leadership, support education and help build peace in communities around the world.

A brief history

Rotary was founded in Chicago in 1905 by attorney Paul Harris. The idea was simple: bring together people from different professions who were ready to act for the benefit of their communities. Rotary expanded beyond the United States during the 1910s, and The Rotary Foundation was created in 1917 to support international projects. It has since become one of the organisation’s key instruments for global impact.

What Rotary is known for

• Large-scale projects in health, education, water and sanitation, community economic development and environmental protection.

• A network of clubs in countries around the world, bringing together volunteers who implement local and international initiatives.

• Ethics and trust, reflected in Rotary’s Four-Way Test: truth, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all concerned.

Major programmes

PolioPlus — the global effort to eradicate polio

Launched in 1985, PolioPlus helped catalyse a global partnership involving the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organisations. Global polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%, while vaccination and disease surveillance have reached even remote communities. More information is available at endpolio.org.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Each year, The Rotary Foundation funds the education of peacebuilding and conflict-prevention professionals at leading universities. Programme alumni work in international missions, public institutions and non-governmental organisations, advancing dialogue and reconciliation.

Water, sanitation and hygiene

Thousands of Rotary projects have helped communities gain access to clean water, build sanitation infrastructure, introduce hygiene programmes in schools and establish long-term maintenance for water systems.

Education and youth leadership

• Interact and Rotaract are communities in which young people learn service through practical projects.

• Rotary Youth Leadership Awards develop leadership skills among young people.

• Rotary Youth Exchange promotes international experience and intercultural understanding.

Emergency assistance

Rotary works with organisations such as ShelterBox to provide emergency supplies, temporary shelter and essential items to families affected by disasters and conflict.

Rotary today

The Rotary Foundation concentrates its work in seven areas of focus: peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and the environment.

Rotary develops partnerships with businesses and foundations, uses digital tools to engage volunteers and improve transparent reporting, and works to strengthen inclusion and diversity across its clubs.

The Ukrainian context

Rotary clubs in Ukraine support communities affected by the war through humanitarian assistance, medical equipment, mental-health support, rehabilitation and veteran reintegration, as well as programmes for defenders’ children and displaced families.

How to learn more and get involved

The official website is rotary.org. To become a Rotary partner or member, contact a club in your city or submit an online enquiry. Together, we can turn ideas into lasting impact.

Service Above Self is more than a motto: it is a way of life for a community changing the world one project at a time.