Four Avenues of Service - International Service

International Service

     In 1912 the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada became the first club outside the United States.  By 1922 there were Rotary Clubs on six continents and the founding fathers changed the name to Rotary International.  In those early days through the Second World War, Rotary’s main international objective was to promote international understanding and peace.  In 1945, 49 Rotarians helped draft the United Nations Charter in San Francisco and since its inception Rotary is the only service organization that has a seat in the United Nations. 

     In 1985 Rotary undertook its Polio Plus campaign to eradicate polio off the face of the earth.  After a billion dollars and just over 20 years we are very near the completion of that endeavor.  Today Rotary International’s focus has been to provide clean water and sanitation where there is none and to provide education to the illiterate buy sending books and building schools where needed.

     At the local club level there are additional ways for members to feel the international flavor of Rotary. The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40.  Over past 2 years, The Springfield Rotary club has hosted 2 Group Study Exchanges from Argentina and Brazil.  The host Rotary club provides housing and a schedule of cultural and vocational events that give a flavor of what life is like in each others country.  It is a very enriching experience for members who have participated.  Another way for Rotarians to participate on an international level is to be active in the Youth Exchange Program.  Since 1927, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by the generosity of Rotary's Youth Exchange program. Administered by Rotary clubs, districts and multidistrict groups, the program today involves more than 82 countries and over 8,000 students each year. Members who have ability to provide their home to a foreign high school student for a 3 to 9 month period will enjoy a wonderful cultural experience.