About Rotary - International Service

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A foundation for peace is built of many small efforts to advance understanding and goodwill among people of different nations and to improve the quality of life.  Rotary International regards the building blocks of international service as special international observances and events, international meetings, international education and cultural activity, Rotary Foundation, and world community service.

Rotary International’s formal commitment to international service began in 1921 when it was incorporated into the object of Rotary.  The Fourth Avenue of Service had begun officially in 1914, when clubs in England and Ireland housed Belgium refugees fleeing the war.  Today, Rotarians are still helping refugees, one of a huge range of activities that transcend national boundaries. 

International Service Committees:

• Group Study Exchange (GSE)          
• Polio Plus
• Rotary Foundation              
• Youth Exchange
• World Community Service