The Magic of Rotary
The magic of Rotary is that it allows ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. For over one hundred years, ordinary people around the world have come together as Rotarians to unite the power of one with the power of many to bring about exceptional change in the world.
A worldwide organisation, Rotary is made up of men and women across all professions and vocations. You can spot them by the little gold and blue badge they wear.
In Australia there are more than 34,000 members in 1,200 Rotary clubs across towns, cities and small communities, all committed to Rotary's ethos of "Service Above Self".
Making a Difference
How can you turn a dream of a better world into tomorrow's reality? Rotary provides a way to put ideas into action.
When Rotary started raising money to eradicate Polio in 1985, there were over 350,000 cases in 125 countries recorded annually.
In 2009, only 1,870 cases of Polio were reported worldwide; Polio is now endemic in just 4 countries.
Working with major organisations such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as governments throughout the world, Rotary is closing in on finishing off Polio for good.
With over US $800 million contributed and more than a billion children immunised worldwide, the volunteer efforts of everyday people through Rotary have changed the world as we know it.
Where Can You Help
Rotarians are involved in numerous projects to help communities both at home and abroad. When you join Rotary, you will be encouraged to turn your passions into a way of helping others – and you are likely to find support from other like-minded individuals. Just some of the areas in which Rotary has active projects running in which you can participate include:
- Disaster relief - Emergency Accommodation
- Youth and Learning Initiatives
- Environment
- Youth Exchange
- Scholarships and Study Exchange
- Community Support
- International Support
- Vocational and Personal Development
- Business Leadership and Mentoring
- Literacy
- Volunteering
- Projects and Programmes to Assist the Disabled
- and many more.