History of Rotary

Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world for over 110 years.  The basic precept motivating and sustaining the Rotary Club of Somerville is contained in the motto of Rotary, "SERVICE ABOVE SELF."

Rotary links 1.4 million members worldwide to form an organization of international scope. It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.

 

"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."


Rotary founder

 

 
The Somerville, MA Rotary Club has a rich history deeply ingrained in the community. It was established in 1924, with a mission to serve the local area through various charitable endeavors, community projects, and international initiatives.
 
From its inception, the Somerville Rotary Club has been dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of residents in Somerville and beyond. A foundation was created early on to provide scholarships for Somerville students.  Over the years, its members have tirelessly worked to address pressing issues such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and more.
 
The club has organized numerous fundraisers, volunteer efforts, and awareness campaigns to support various causes. Whether it's providing scholarships to local students, supporting healthcare initiatives, or participating in global efforts to eradicate diseases like polio, the Somerville Rotary Club has always been at the forefront of community service.
 
 
Through its membership, the club has fostered a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among local professionals, business leaders, and community members. This network has not only facilitated the club's charitable activities but has also served as a platform for personal and professional growth for its members.  Rotarians meet regularly to learn about community issues and concerns.  Also, the membership meets for fellowship throughout the area at restaurants, artist events, and festivals.
 
As the years have passed, the Somerville Rotary Club has evolved and adapted to meet the changing needs of the community. It continues to be a beacon of service, embodying the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in all its endeavors. With a legacy of service spanning decades, the Somerville Rotary Club remains an integral part of the fabric of the community, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.
 

  Our ongoing commitment

Rotary members have not only been present for major events in history — we’ve also been a part of them. Three key traits have remained strong throughout our history:

We’re truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country work to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.

We’re committed to service, and we’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.