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ABOUT ROTARACT
Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.
Paul Harris
Rotary Founder
OUR HISTORY
Rotary links over 1.2 million members to form an organization which addresses challenges from around the world. It all started with the vision of one man - Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney fomed the Rotary Club of Chicago, on February 23, 1905, as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, forming meaningful, life friendships, and give back to their communities.
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Rotary's name cam from the group's early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT
Rotarians have not only been present for major events in history—we’ve been a part of them. From the beginning, three key traits have remained strong throughout Rotary:
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We are international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today we’re working together from around the globe both digitally and in-person to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
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We persevere in tough times. During WWII, Rotary clubs in Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Japan were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many continued to meet informally and following the war’s end, Rotary members joined together to rebuild their clubs and their countries.
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Our commitment to service is ongoing. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. By 2012, only three countries remain polio-endemic—down from 125 in 1988.
4-WayTest
As part of our ongoing commitment, Rotarians and Rotaractors use the FOUR WAY TEST as a guide for their personal and professional relationships. It encompasses everything Rotary and Rotaract strive for and has been translated into more than 100 languages and utilized worldwide.
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The Four Way Test encourages us to consider, of the things we think, say or do is it truthful, fair, builds good will and beneficial to all concerned.
"ROTARY IN ACTION"
Rotaract is short for “Rotary in Action” and was founded with the Rotaract Club of North Charlotte, Carolina on March 13, 1968. Rotary International’s aim was to bring together adults ages 18 to 30 to develop leadership skills, promote professional development, encourage community and international service and have fun.
There is over 9500 Rotaract clubs around the world with more than 290,000 members. These Rotaract clubs emphasize the importance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success and community involvement.
Rotaract Club of Mississauga holds meetings every other Thursday, which feature speakers, special outings, social activities or discussions. Club members also get together for service project work, social events, or professional development workshops.
Rotaractors are true “partners in service” and key members of the Rotary family, who work hand in hand with Rotarians to be a positive change in their communities.
Ready to make history with us?