Rotary is a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in communities and advancing peace and understanding worldwide. Booragoon Rotary Club is part of this world-wide organisation, with more than 1.2 million Rotarians in clubs like ours in every part of the world. Locally, we are one of five Rotary clubs in the Melville and Fremantle area.
Rotary's biggest project is the PolioPlus campaign, which now involves the World Health Organisation, many governments and other supporters such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project was started by Rotary in 1985.
Rotary has contributed more than $2.6 billion dollars as well as millions of hours of volunteers time. As a result, the polio wildvirus has been eliminated in all but two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and we are very close to completing the job forever
That is our greatest world-wide program, but all individual Rotary club have their own projects in their local communities or further afield. In our case, as well as supporting WA Wildlife, we provide annual scholarships to help high school students who would otherwise struggle to achieve their educational dreams.
We also help fund residential and educational support for young people from refugee backgrounds in the far northern area of Thailand and sponsor school students in Ethiopia
We provide donations of food and warm clothing to homeless people right here through the St Patrick’s Community Centre in Fremantle. We help provide emergency shelters and family facilities for the victims of natural disasters, famine and war
We also have two particular programs that may be of interest to you. The first is the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. This is an annual eight-day live-in seminar held close to Perth for 18-28 year olds with leadership potential and a commitment to community service. In an intensive and fun program of workshops, physical activities and team games, you will learn about communication and public speaking, leadership, team work and group dynamics, problem solving and decision making.
The second is the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment. This is a similar program but specifically for people aged 14 to 17. Each seminar is held over a weekend, and it is designed for young people who have not had any experience in leadership positions and would benefit from a structured learning program focused on confidence building and having exposure to introductory leadership training
We offer everyone a chance to nominate yourselves, family members or friends to take part of either RYLA or RYPEN. We will support at least two nominees each year, with our Rotary club providing the participation fees.
Rotary is a global service organization known as Rotary International. It was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram E. Shorey, and Sylvester Schiele. The organization initially began as a small group of professionals from various industries who aimed to create a space for fellowship and mutual support.
The name "Rotary" was derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices. This rotation allowed members to experience different professional environments and fostered a sense of camaraderie and networking. Over time, the organization expanded and developed a strong focus on service and community engagement. In 1917, Rotary International adopted its first official motto, "Service Above Self," reflecting the organization's commitment to addressing societal needs. Rotary's mission expanded to include humanitarian service projects, and the first Rotary Club outside of the United States was established in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1910. Rotary soon spread internationally, with clubs forming in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.Rotary's objectives include:
Promoting peace and resolving conflicts: Rotary aims to foster understanding and goodwill among people from different cultures and backgrounds, and actively works towards preventing and resolving conflicts.
Providing humanitarian service: Rotary members undertake a wide range of projects to address critical issues such as poverty, health, education, water and sanitation, and economic development in communities around the world.
Supporting education: Rotary believes in the power of education to transform lives. The organization supports educational programs and initiatives that provide access to quality education, promote literacy, and develop vocational skills.
Growing local economies: Rotary encourages sustainable development and economic growth by supporting projects that create job opportunities, enhance skills training, and promote entrepreneurship.
Promoting health and well-being: Rotary is committed to improving health and well-being globally. The organization supports initiatives related to disease prevention, access to healthcare, sanitation, and clean water, as well as projects addressing mental health and well-being.
Supporting maternal and child health: Rotary places a special emphasis on initiatives that improve the health and well-being of mothers and children. This includes programs related to maternal and child healthcare, immunizations, nutrition, and access to essential healthcare services.
Enhancing environmental sustainability: Rotary recognizes the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The organization supports projects focused on environmental protection, conservation, and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
Encouraging youth leadership and development: Rotary believes in empowering young people to become leaders and change-makers. The organization provides opportunities for youth leadership development, scholarships, mentoring, and international cultural exchange programs.
