"Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and profess ... ional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a secular organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are 34,282 member clubs worldwide. 1.2 million individuals called Rotarians have joined these clubs." That is what Wikipedia says. Rotary International itself simply says that we are "a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad." When asked "Who Are We?" Madison Rotarians answered with the following: "An organization of friends who provide service to others and around the world" "Family, community, friendship, and service" "Leaders providing service to local, regional, and global communities in a vast, unforeseen way" "Service with friends; One of the best decisions I've ever made" "A civic and social organization that focuses on doing good in the community and the world" "We are family." read more