What is Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to provide humanitarian service and help build peace and goodwill.

Rotarians throughout the world conduct projects to address today’s challenges—including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water, and environmental concerns—while encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations. 

As the world’s largest private provider of international scholarships, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International helps more than 1,000 students annually to study abroad and serve as cultural ambassadors. Rotary also partners with seven prestigious universities around the world, providing opportunities to earn a master’s degree in peace and conflict resolution.

PolioPlus is Rotary’s flagship program. By the time polio is eradicated, Rotary club members will have contributed US$850 million and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries. Rotary is a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, along with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in our own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

 

Founded in Chicago in 1905 as the world’s first volunteer service organization, Rotary quickly expanded around the globe. Today, club members meet weekly to plan service projects, discuss community and international issues, and enjoy fellowship. Clubs are nonpolitical and open to every race, culture, and creed.

 

There are more than 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

 

Our Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande meets every Thursday at noon at McLintock's, 750 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach. Please feel free to join us for a meeting to learn more about our activities. You can use the Rotary Club Locator to find clubs throughout the world.