Our 1.4 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."

           —Paul P. Harris 

Our 1.4 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

International Involvement

Along with its Youth Exchange programs, the Rotary Club of York has been active on the international scene, reflecting Rotary's goals of World Understanding. In 1987-88, the Rotary Club of York raised more than $320,000 to help eradicate polio around the world during Rotary's Polio Plus campaign.

Club member donations to the Rotary Foundation helps fund Rotary's work on an international scale and the club has been an active participant in Group Study Exchanges, which send local business people overseas and brings foreign business people to our area.

A Welcoming Atmosphere 

In 1988 a major change took place in the Rotary Club of York when Rotary International expanded membership opportunities to women and the first women were admitted to the previously all male membership.

At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

Now the largest Rotary Club in Pennsylvania, the membership is made up of top business and community leaders in York. As success breeds success, the club has sponsored other local Rotary clubs: York-North, York-East, and Uptown.

Ready to make history with us? Get involved.