The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business, and community life;
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The first Rotary club in the world was organized in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1905. Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer, together with a group of men in a spirit of friendship and understanding, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public. That basis for membership, one person from each business and profession in the community, was recently changed. The 2001 RI Council on Legislation agreed that the same classification could be held by up to five members, or 10 percent of members in clubs of 50 or more. At first, the members of the new club met in rotation at their various places of business, and this suggested the name "Rotary."

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