Rhondda Rotary
Welcome
Rotary, who are we and what do we do?
History of Rotary
Rotary started with the vision of one man – Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships and give back to their communities.
Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.
Three key traits have remained strong throughout our history.
We’re truly international, today members in nearly every country work to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We persevere in tough times, during World War 2, Rotary clubs in Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain were forced to disband, but despite the risks many met informally and after the war Rotary members came together to rebuild their clubs and countries.
We’re committed to service and we’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. Rotary began its fight against polio in 1979, with a project to immunise 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries – down from 125 in 1985.
Who are we?
Our members are men and women of all ages who are business and professional people or community leaders, keen to use their skills and resources to help others.
With 35,000 clubs in 200 countries and regions across the world, boasting 1.2 million members, Rotary is far reaching. In Great Britain and Ireland alone, there are more than 43,000 Rotarians in over 1700 clubs. Each member enjoys the opportunity to give something back to communities at home and abroad, learn new skills, expand their social network and have some fun in the process.
What do we do?
Rotary runs countless humanitarian projects locally, nationally and internationally, from literacy and peace to water and health. Members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on the world’s most persistent issues, working together to focus efforts on six key areas:
Members volunteer their time to serve their local communities, through activities such as supporting community events, supporting local businesses and organisations.
They organise national competitions in music, public speaking etc. to help young people improve their skills. Clubs raise hundreds and often thousands of pounds for community projects and local charities.
Our Structure
Rotary is made up of three parts: the clubs, Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation.
The Clubs
They unite dedicated people to exchange ideas, build relationships and take action. Clubs have the same values, but no two are the same as each community has its own unique needs. At clubs across the globe, members come together to strengthen connections to friends and neighbours and their commitment to improving lives.
Rotary International
Supports Rotary clubs worldwide by coordinating global programmes and initiatives.
Rotary Foundation
This is Rotary’s own charity over 100 years old, created in 1917. It is a not for profit corporation supported by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends who share its vision of creating a better world. Its mission is to enable Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Projects within the six key areas are funded by a grant system operated between Rotary clubs and the Rotary Foundation.
Partnerships
Rotary is a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication initiative. Rotary’s pledge for a polio free world was made in 1985 when there were 125 polio endemic countries and hundreds of new cases every single day. Today polio remains endemic in only 2 countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, down from the 125 in 1985. Over that period, members have contributed $2.1 billion, countless volunteer hours and also encouraged Governments to contribute $10 billion to the effort. The Bill Gates Foundation matches 2 to 1 any donations raised through Rotary, so his contribution has been massive. Rotary has recently pledged a further £150 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Disaster Relief
Rotary and ShelterBox collaborate to provide emergency shelter and vital supplies to stabilise, protect and support communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. A shelterbox contains a tent, blankets, water purification, cooking equipment, tools etc. and the organisation is established globally to respond to disasters within hours. For example, ShelterBox responded quickly to the devastated Caribbean communities following Hurricanes Maria and Irma and in the Philippines after tropical storms. It is now active in supporting those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and by the Turkey and Syrian earthquakes.
Rhondda Rotary
What we do as a Club
Club membership is currently 20, 13 males and 7 females. We currently meet at the Lakeside Café Bar, Clydach Vale, which provides an easily accessible and comfortable base. Please view the About pages to find out more about the Club.