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Paul Harris’s childhood shaped his vision for Rotary as much as his early professional experiences.
Raised in Wallingford, Vermont, by his grandparents after his father’s business failed, he grew up in a close-knit rural community that emphasized ethics, solidarity, and mutual support. But then, as a young lawyer in Chicago, he encountered a stark contrast: a fast-growing city where individualism and business competition often led to professional isolation. This lack of camaraderie made him long for the strong community bonds of his youth.
His extensive travels exposed him to various professional clubs in Europe and the U.S., where networking and mutual assistance played a vital role. Inspired by these models, he envisioned a club where professionals from different fields could connect, not just for business but also for service.
In 1905, he gathered three friends and founded Rotary, introducing the idea of rotating meetings to foster equality, friendship, and a shared commitment to ethical leadership and community service.
120 years later and around the world, members of Rotary are staying engaged with friends, focused on service and honoring that vision. Why not bring in a new friend to share your Rotary?!
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