What is Rotary?

Rotary is an organisation of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

The badge of Rotary originated in 1905 as a simple wagon wheel representing "civilisation and movement".

The cogged wheel version was made official by a 1919-1920 decision of the board. A keyway was added in 1929 to signify that the wheel is a worker - not an idler. The energy of the wearer is the key to Rotary activity.

The word Rotary and the Rotary Wheel logo are both protected by Rotary International against wrongful use.