ABOUT ROTARY
ABOUT US
THE ROTARY CLUB OF LONDON
The Rotary Club of London, founded in 1911, was the first to be chartered outside North America, and is the premier Club in Great Britain. It held its first meeting at Simpsons in the Strand. Following on from this, a further 108 Clubs were established in London.
Our Mission
Welcome to Rotary Club of London. We work on impactful causes that change lives, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Rotary is a service club and a humanitarian organisation with the moto “Service Above Self”. Through membership of the club, members use their time and talents to make a difference in their communities and around the world, working together to make this world a better place.
Our Vision
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
We Work Differently
- We see differently: Our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.
- We think differently: We apply leadership and expertise to social issues — and find unique solutions.
- We act responsibly: Our passion and perseverance create lasting change.
- We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members can be found in your community and across the globe.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
History of RCL
On 1 August 1912, the Rotary Club of London, Greater London, England, became the first Rotary club in Europe. Although Rotary had already become international in April of that year with the chartering of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the club in the United Kingdom earned Rotary the distinction of being an intercontinental organization.
After the London members organized the club, it took a year to receive its charter. Correspondence between General Secretary Chesley R. Perry and charter member Arthur P. Bigelow reveals some of the club members’ questions about joining and paying dues to what was then the National Association of Rotary Clubs, made up of only U.S. clubs.
Perry encouraged them to “forget that the word ‘national’ is in the name,” noting that if Winnipeg, London, and others were to join, the association would “simply have to change its name to the Inter-National Association.”
Who are we?
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings amongst the offices of its members. The organisation adopted the maxim “Business is the science of human service and a person profits most who serves his fellow best.” Later the adopted motto of the Rotary organisation beame the much simpler “Service above Self.”
What we do
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Our 46,000+ clubs work together to:
- Promote peace
- Fight disease
- Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Save mothers and children
- Support education
- Grow local economies
- Protect the environment
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.
In communities around London
Community
Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
Vocational
Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society.
Youth
Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
Environmental
Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.
Around the world
Promoting peace
Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.
Fighting disease
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. We improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in developing areas.
Providing clean water, sanitation & hygiene
We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term.
Saving mothers & children
Nearly 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.
Supporting education
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
Growing local economies
We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
Protecting the environment
Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.
Disaster response
Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation play a unique role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Working closely with our partner ShelterBox and other organizations that specialize in disaster relief, Rotary members lead projects to support every phase of a community’s recovery.