It was started in 1905 in Chicago. The International headquarters is based in Evanston, Illinois. There are branch offices in nine countries on five continents. This association of business and professional leaders conduct humanitarian projects, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and work toward world understanding and peace. There are well over one million Rotarians in more than 180 countries who belong to over 26,000 clubs.
Membership is by invitation.
Rotarians meet weekly to enjoy each other's company and to discuss ways to serve others. Rotary Clubs conduct over 50,000 service projects each year world-wide. It was Rotary that sponsored the Polio Plus campaign to eradicate polio. To date, over one million innoculations have been given globally. Rotary funds Ambassadorial scholarships for college students - one year of study in a country not one's own.