Branson-Hollister Rotary - About Rotary

Rotarians are members of Rotary Clubs which belong to the global association Rotary International (RI). Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary’s constitution and bylaws. Our club number is 2361.

Did you know at that all clubs are part of a District?

Clubs are grouped into 531 RI districts, each led by a district governor, who is an officer of RI. The district administration, including assistant governors and various committees, guides and supports the clubs. Our district is District 6080.

Did you know that Rotary’s fiscal year begins on July 1?

The new Rotary year for all clubs and Rotary International begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. This is when all of the new officers and boards at all levels (club, district and international) take over their respective rolls. Are you interested in Rotary leadership? Ask a past president or a board member how you can be involved.

Did you know there is an international Board of Directors that establish policy for each Rotary year?

The 19-member RI Board of Directors, which includes the RI president and president-elect, meets quarterly to establish policies. Traditionally, the RI president, who is elected annually, develops a theme and service emphases for the year.

Did you know that Rotary International is headquartered in Illinois?

Rotary international is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, USA, with seven international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The office for RI in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), located in England, serves clubs and districts in that region. The Secretariat’s chief operating officer is the RI general secretary, who heads a 650-member staff working to serve Rotarians worldwide.

Did you know that you receive a copy of the Rotarian every month?

Each member of the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club receives a copy of the Rotarian magazine as part of their membership. It has some great articles about things that Rotarians, like you, are doing both locally and internationally in Service above Self.

Did you know there are several ways to get a “make up” if you miss a meeting?

Rotarians can make up meetings by attending another club’s meeting (anywhere in the world!!), participating in a club service project, attending a Rotaract or Interact club meeting, or attending an online meeting at one of several Rotary e-clubs.

Did you know that Rotary International has attendance requirements?

Rotary policy requires members to attend at least 50 percent of club meetings in each half of the year. If members miss their own club's meeting, they're encouraged to expand their Rotary horizons by attending make-up meetings at any Rotary club in the world — a practice that guarantees Rotarians a warm welcome in communities around the globe. Find meeting places and times in the Official Directory or through the online Club Locator.

Did you know that it is your responsibility as a member to share Rotary with someone you know?

To keep clubs strong, every Rotarian must share the responsibility of bringing new people into Rotary. Even new members can bring guests to meetings or invite them to participate in a service project. The value of Rotary speaks for itself, and the best way to spark the interest of potential members is by letting them experience fellowship and service firsthand.

Did you know that all Rotary Clubs share a key mission?

All Rotary clubs share a key mission: to serve their community and those in need throughout the world. By participating in club service projects, members learn about their club's involvement in local and international projects and can volunteer their time and talents where they are most needed.

Did you know that Rotary has a motto?

Rotary's motto, Service above Self, exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization's more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.

Did you know that North American Rotary Clubs have the largest average club size?

The average club size for a North American Club is 46 members. Latin America has the smallest average club size of 21 members. The worldwide average club size is 29 members.

Did you know that only two of the fifty largest clubs in Rotary International are located outside of the United States?

The largest club in the world is a Seattle, WA club and has 642 members! The two clubs on the list that are not in the United States are located in Bombay (345 members) and Tokyo (325 members). The smallest club in the top 50 is located in Salt Lake City, UT and has 300 members. There is only one club from Missouri in the top 50 and it is in Kansas City with 341 members.

Did you know that our club is part of Rotary District 6080?

District 6080, one of three Districts in Missouri, has 50 Rotary clubs and 5 Rotaract clubs -totaling over 3000 members. It covers Central and Southern Missouri – north of Columbia to West Plains to Branson to Belton near Kansas City.

Did you know that Paul Harris organized the first Rotary meeting?

Chicago attorney Paul Harris organized the first Rotary meeting on February 23, 1905, leading to the formation of the Rotary club of Chicago.

Did you know that toilets were involved in one of the very first Rotary Community projects?

In 1907, the Rotary Club of Chicago helped organize the installation of public toilets in the Chicago area.

Did you know the first international clubs were established in the years 1911-1913?

Between 1911 and 1913 clubs were established in Canada, Great Britain and Ireland and the organizations name was changed to International Association of Rotary Clubs.

Did you know that the first club in Cuba was chartered in 1916?

The first non-English speaking club was chartered in Cuba in 1916.

Did you know that Rotarians were involved in drafting the UN Charter?

In 1945-1946 there were 49 Rotarians involved in drafting the UN Charter.

Did you know that a Rotarian created the idea of the 4-way test?

In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created the 4-way test. It has since been translated into more than 100 languages and is used by organizations and individuals throughout the world.

Did you know there are all types of interests groups available to participate in through Rotary?

Rotary Fellowships (groups geared to vocational and recreational interests) and Rotarian Action Groups (focused on humanitarian service activities) compose Global Networking Groups, which are open to all Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians, and Rotaractors;

Did you know there is an international Rotary convention held each year?

The RI Convention, the largest Rotary meeting, is held in May or June in a different part of the Rotary world each year. This lively, four-day event features speeches by world and

Rotary leaders, spectacular entertainment reflecting the local culture, and unparalleled opportunities to experience the true breadth of Rotary’s international fellowship.

Did you know that Rotarians have established many programs throughout the world?

Rotarians have established a host of organizations dedicated to various humanitarian causes, including ShelterBox, HungerPlus, Gift of Life, and Rotary Doctor Bank. Haven’t heard of some of these programs?? Go to Rotary.org or to google.com and search those to learn more about these great programs….maybe you have the next great idea.

Did you know that RI Representatives work with organizations all over the world?

RI representatives work with many major international organizations, including the UN and several of its agencies, the Organization of American States, the Council of Europe, and the African Union.

Education:

Did you know that Rotary has Ambassadorial Scholarships?

Approximately 1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to university students around the globe to study in another country for three months to two years. These students serve as ambassadors of goodwill.

Did you know that Rotary provides Scholarships?

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships is the world’s largest, privately funded scholarship program.

Did you know that Rotary has a Youth Exchange Program?

Some 8,000 teenage students around the world study in another country and learn about its history, language and culture each year. These students serve as goodwill ambassadors. Do you know a student that could represent our club?

Did you know that Rotary has Rotary Grants for University Teachers?

Grants are awarded to about 20 university faculty members annually, who can teach for up to 10 months at an institution of their choice in developing countries.

Did you know that Rotary has a Group Study Exchange Program?

Another goodwill initiative, this program enables groups of young professionals aged 25-40 to participate in four-to-six-week exchange visits between countries. Do you know someone that would benefit from this program?

Did you know that Rotary offers an opportunity for Friendship Exchange?

Rotarian teams or individuals, who may be accompanied by their families, make reciprocal visits to other countries, staying in each other’s homes and learning about different cultures firsthand.

Did you know that Rotary has a program for youths?

It is called Interact and rotary clubs organize and sponsor this service organization for youth ages 14-18; there are more than 11,800 clubs in 162 countries and geographical areas.

Did you know that Rotary has a program for young adults?

Although young adults are welcome to join a Rotary Club, there are other options available to them, such as Rotaract. Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this leadership, professional development, and service organization for young adults ages 18-30; there are more than 7,100 clubs in 163 countries and geographical areas.

Did you know there are opportunities for non-Rotarians to work with Rotary?

The Rotary Community Corps (RCC) are organized and sponsored by Rotary clubs and they consist of groups of non-Rotarians who work to improve their communities; there are more than 6,500 RCCs in 76 countries and geographical areas.

Water:

Did you know that Rotary has fresh water projects all over the world?

Some 97 percent of the world's water is oceans which contain saline. More than two percent of the remainder is frozen in icebergs and glaciers, leaving less than one percent of all water available for human use. If it were possible to fit all the water on earth into a gallon jug, the relative quantity of water would be about one tablespoon.

Health:

Did you know that Rotary is heavily involved in eradicating polio worldwide?

Since its launch in 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative - spearheaded by the World Health Organization, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF - has reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99 percent. At the time, more than 125 countries were polio-endemic, and more than 350,000 children were paralyzed by the disease each year.

Did you know that Rotary provides grants that promote sustainable development?

Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants fund longterm, self-help, and sustainable development projects that use an integrative approach to address humanitarian needs.

Did you know that Rotary is the largest private sector support of any global health initiative…ever?

Rotary has contributed more than US$620 million and countless hours of volunteer work to help immunize an estimated two billion children throughout the world. This commitment to end polio represents the largest private-sector support of a global health initiative to date.

Did you know only four countries in the world remain that are not polio free?

In 2006, polio was reduced to four countries: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Polio cases worldwide have dropped by 99 percent since 1985.

Did you know that eradicating polio from the world is Rotary’s top priority?

Eradicating polio is the top priority for Rotary International, but Rotary clubs worldwide will continue to address the critical issues of health and hunger, water management, and literacy through local and international projects. Inviting more business, professional, and community leaders to join Rotary and forming new clubs in underserved parts of the world also remain high priorities for the organization. With more than 100 years of experience in providing service to communities worldwide, Rotary stands ready to respond to the needs of an ever-changing world.

Did you know that more than 100 nations have benefited from PolioPlus grants?

To date, 122 nations around the world have benefited from PolioPlus grants for polio immunization and eradication efforts.

Did you know how many polio immunizations were provided in 2008 with Rotary’s assistance?

As part of the global polio eradication effort in 2008, more than 340 million children were vaccinated in 36 countries using 2.4 billion doses of oral polio vaccine.

Did you know that more than 70% the world’s children live in polio-free countries?

In 1988, 10% of the world’s children lived in polio-free countries; as of 1 January 2008, over 70% are living in polio-free countries.

Did you know how much it costs to vaccinate a child from polio?

A child can be protected against polio for as little as US$ .60 worth of vaccine.

Did you know that there is something to the “plus” in Polioplus?

Providing vitamin A supplements during polio National Immunization Days has averted an estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths since 1998 — testimony to the “plus” in PolioPlus.

Foundation:

Did you know there are close to 1.2 million Paul Harris Fellows?

There are close to 1.2 million people that have contributed at least US$1,000 to the Rotary Foundation to become a Paul Harris Fellow. Are you one yet? You may be closer than you think…ask a board member how to become a Paul Harris Fellow.

Did you know that Rotary International provides matching grants for service projects?

Matching Grants provide matching funds for international service projects of Rotary clubs and districts. Since 1965, more than 30,000 Matching Grant projects in 199 countries have been funded at a cost of more than $362 million. Do you have a good idea for an international project?

Did you know that Rotary International provides district matching grants to clubs?

District Simplified Grants support the short-term service activities or humanitarian endeavors of districts in communities locally or internationally. This program began in 2003-04, and more than 2,300 grants have been awarded to 500 districts in 75 countries totaling $35 million.

Did you know that grants are available from Rotary International that specifically fund large scale projects concerning Health, Hunger and Humanity?

Health, Hunger and Humanity Grants fund large-scale, two to four-year projects that enhance health, help alleviate hunger, or improve human development. Since 1978, 340 projects in 78 countries have been funded at a cost of almost $87 million.

Did you know the Rotary Foundation provides program fund?

The Rotary Foundation has contributed more than $2.0 billion in program awards and operations since 1947