By Lionel Ruhman
Rotary Club of Santa Monica
Rotary International began humbly in 1905 by a Chicago businessman named Paul Harris. He met weekly for lunch with a small group of fellow professionals. They rotated in each place of business to discuss the needs of the community. Thus the word, “Rotary” evolved, thereby igniting the desire to be of service.
The wearing of a Rotary pin proudly denotes a person who is aware of and willing to address local and international community needs. These needs may be vocational preparation (scholarships), student exchange programs or very serious health issues, such as the eradication of polio worldwide.
The principles of Rotary International is simple. Is it Truthful, Fair, will it build Good Will and Better Friendships and Benefit all concerned?
These principles are proudly represented by approximately 1.2 million Rotarians of every country, sect and opinion. While applying these principles and “Service Above Self,” true friendships have developed and existed among those who might otherwise have remained at a distance.
The established emblem of Rotary International is a gear with cogs or teeth, represented people regarded as an important part of the entire machinery of this very noble activity. Also, not the jeyway in the hub. When keyed it is to connect and transfer this collective energy to the shaft in order to provide an applied force known as Rotary International. Rotarians wear their pins with pride.