It started with the vision of one man — Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on Feb. 23, 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member. Rotary has taken on some of the world's toughest challenges and helped a wide range of international and service organizations. Rotary is the only Non-Governmental Organization represented at UN. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more.
Who is a Rotarian? We are your neighbors, friends, community leaders and global citizens uniting for the common good and taking on some of the world's most pressing challenges. We come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.
What’s the Rotary Belief? We believe that each one of us has a capacity to make a difference in this world. Rotarians serve humanity with varied contributions of time, talent and treasure and so can you.
How does Rotary work? Its impact starts with its members — people who work tirelessly with their clubs to solve some of our communities' toughest challenges. Their efforts are supported by Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, which turns generous donations into grants that fund the work of our members and partners around the world. Rotary is led by its members — responsible leaders who help to carry forward the organization's mission and values in their elected roles and an army of volunteers.
How much does Rotary cost? As a member of the club it’s roughly a $2/day commitment which includes dollar a day for charitable giving. Though Rotarians are often extremely generous in giving their time, talent and treasure; anything beyond that is voluntary.
How do we use our funds? Responsible leadership means more than just doing good work — it means making the most out of every donation we receive. The key to the Rotary Foundation's success is that each grant is initiated by a Rotary Club usually in partnership with a Rotary Club in the local or international community receiving the benefit of the grant. The grants require both the commitment of Rotarian time, work and financial contributions of the partner clubs. This results in a very low overhead for the actual project delivery and a high level of transparency.
What causes do we support? We identify specific causes to target and maximize our local and global impact. Each community has its own unique needs and concerns. Through our network of resources and partners; clubs focus their service efforts in promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. As a member, anyone can suggest a project or cause close to their heart.
How to get involved? The Rotary Club of Potomac is the oldest club in our area started in 1960. It’s a club with a very deeply enriched membership with Dr. John Sever, known as the father of Rotary’s flagship project of world polio eradication as well as Sara Torrence, one of the first female members in Rotary and many past district governors. Avenel resident Vijay Khetarpal is a past president of the Rotary Club of Potomac and Membership chair. To answer any questions about Rotary involvement; Vijay can be reached via cell 301-785-7100 or email Khetarpalvijay@gmail.com. Chris Good is the current president of the Potomac Rotary and Invites you to join him for breakfast on Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 a.m. at Founding Farmers, 12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac. Please go to www.Rotary.org and learn more about Rotary International and its magical contributions to our world.
Rotary is a great way to meet likeminded people with shared interests, make lifelong friends around the globe, and have a lot of fun while doing good in this world. The yearlong celebration of The Rotary Foundation and its 100 years of Doing Good in the World culminates at the Atlanta convention this summer. You are welcome to join us Atlanta from June 9-14, to celebrate our successes and remember our history of making peace a priority.