Celebrate Service!

On February 23, 1905, Chicago attorney Paul Harris invited three friends to an evening meeting to discuss the potential for a club that would celebrate not just one profession, but the tapestry of professions and passions that make a community whole. Though Webster's says that networking was not used to describe information exchange until 1966, it is clear that Paul Harris saw the power of the concept on that winter evening a century ago.

Rotary grew in that first century from a gathering of four men to 1.2 million men and women around the world today. There are more than 33,000 clubs meeting -- and serving -- in 168 countries.

Rotary grew for many reasons. Fellowship is a lot of fun. Networking helps advance businesses and careers. But most of all, teaming with exceptional peers allows otherwise unimaginable projects to get done. For Rotarians and for the world, those projects are service.

Bottom Line: Service is what we do -- and who we are. Feel the power and satisfaction of joining 1.2 million people of diverse talents, but common purpose: to make the world a better place!