Back in 1905, an attorney named Paul P. Harris formed the Rotary Club of Chicago - the world's first service club. Harris, who was originally from Racine, wanted to create a professional club that captured the same friendly spirit he remembered from the small towns of his youth.

Within a decade, that spirit had spread beyond the Midwest to both coasts and Canada, with Rotary clubs chartered in cities across the nation. And, by 1921, there were Rotarians on six continents, leading the organization to change its name to Rotary International the following year.

Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 Rotary clubs around the world, and here in Harris' birthplace, there are three Rotary clubs keeping the founder's vision alive. They are The Rotary Club of Downtown Racine (92 years old); Racine Rotary West (chartered in 1968); and Racine Founders Rotary Club (chartered in 1985).

What is it that not only draws people to join a Rotary club, but often keeps them there for many years?

For Julie Craig, it is the code of ethics found in the Rotary motto, which speaks of truth, fairness and goodwill. Craig, who has been a Rotarian for eight years and recently took over as president of the Rotary Club of Downtown Racine, said she feels the clubs' motto is still relevant today.

The country's recent financial crisis sparked some discussion among Rotarians about whether or not the 66-year-old motto fit in today's world, said Craig, a local certified public accountant.

"The consensus was that, yes, it is very relevant today," she said.

Meeting needs

While its motto and mission of service have held strong, Rotary International has gone through some changes in its 104-year history. A little more than 20 years ago, for example, Craig would not have been able to be a Rotarian, let alone serve as club president, as women were not allowed in Rotary clubs until 1989. Today, the organization claims more than 145,000 female members worldwide and all of its members represent a wide range of occupations.

The Rotary mission has always been to provide service to others and develop understanding and peace through fellowship. And its focus in doing so has adapted to the changing needs of the nation and world through the years. During World War II, for example, clubs increased their efforts to provide emergency relief to war victims. And, looking ahead to the war's end, Rotarians called for a conference to promote international education and cultural exchanges - an event which inspired the founding of UNESCO, according to information from

Rotary International.

As it approached the 21st century, Rotary International's efforts expanded to address needs such as environmental degradation, illiteracy, world hunger and children at risk. One of its most recent projects focuses on eradicating polio throughout the world, through a vaccination campaign.

"We've set a goal to raise $5,000 locally toward the polio initiative," said Craig. "And we plan on doing it 25 cents at a time."

In addition to the polio effort, Racine's Rotary clubs support many projects both world wide and closer to home. Through the years, they have contributed to numerous charitable organizations from the American Cancer Society Relay for Life to the AIDS Africa multimedia project, and the Salvation Army's relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. In Racine County, they have worked to support dozens of organizations and efforts, a few of which are the Racine County Food Bank, Racine Jail Chaplaincy, Root Pike WIN, Racine Youth Leadership Academy, Careers Industries, Family Service of Racine, San Juan Diego Middle School, Racine Public Library Bookmobile, Racine Zoo and various arts organizations.

In Harris' hometown

Last weekend's Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival is one of the ways that local Rotary groups work together to raise funds for their many projects. The festival, which was initiated by the Racine Rotary West club, is now a joint effort of all three clubs, as is Racine's Post Prom celebration, which provides safe, prom-night entertainment for students from all of Racine's high schools.

Each of the three clubs also have their own fundraising means, such as the Racine Founders Club's "Vegas Night." Money is also raised through club membership dues, which vary from club to club.

Being a Rotarian also means being willing to devote time to the cause, and that commitment can be however much time you can give, Craig said. Some people attend every weekly meeting and devote much of their free time to various projects, while others attend when they can and focus on one particular project.

In return, local Rotarians say they receive many benefits both personally and professionally.

"For me, its a good way to network with people in the community who I might not associate with in my regular professional or social circles," said the Rev. Patrick Faulk, pastor at Calvary Memorial Church and president of Racine Rotary West. "It gives you the opportunity to interact with people from a cross section of the community."

Because the organization's focus is on bettering the community both locally and internationally, being a Rotarian also gives you the sense of being involved in something much bigger than yourself, Faulk said. For example, Rotary clubs all over the world are working together toward the same goal of eradicating polio, he said.

Knowing other Rotarians also gives you a level of resources that can help you be the best you can be, Craig said.

Racine's Rotary Clubs

Rotary Club of Downtown Racine: Meets at noon on Wednesdays at the YMCA, 725 Lake Ave., go to http://www.rotaryracine.org or call (262) 634-7108.

Racine Rotary West: Meets at noon on Mondays at Infusino's Banquet Hall, 3225 Rapids Drive, call (262) 902-6529 or go to http://www.racinerotarywest.org

Racine Founders Rotary Club: Meets at 7 a.m. on Fridays at Meadowbrook Country Club, 2149 N. Green Bay Road, http://www.racinefounders.org

Rotary Code of Ethics

In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics adopted by Rotary 11 years later. Translated into more than 100 languages, it asks:

Of the things we think, say or do …

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?