Rotary began with Founder Paul Harris's desire to find in a large
city of Chicago the kind
of friendly spirit and helpfulness that he had known in the small towns where
he had
spent his early years. The formation of the first Rotary club satisfied
that need and it was
perpetuated as the Rotary movement spread from Chicago to other cities and
then
became a principle of the association that linked the early clubs together.
The spirit of
friendship and service evolved into a focus on helping to build goodwill
and peace in the
world.
In a later year, Paul Harris said: "Rotarians respect each other's opinions
and are tolerant
and friendly at all times. Catholics, Protestants, Moslems, Jews, and Buddhists
break
bread together in Rotary."
A statement adopted by Rotary International in 1933 recognized that activities
and
customs that are legal and accepted in some countries may seem strange and
contrary to
the accepted standards in other countries. It urged tolerance of such
differences in these
words: "Rotarians in all countries should recognize these facts (differences)
, and there
should be a thoughtful avoidance of criticism of the laws and customs of
one country by
the Rotarians of another country. " The policy also cautioned against "any
effort on the
part of Rotarians of one country to interfere with the laws or customs of
another country."
The statement is still considered good guidance for Rotarians as they strive
to strengthen
the bonds of understanding, goodwill and friendship around the world.