All Rotary clubs share a key mission: to serve their community and those in need

Chicago attorney Paul Harris organizes first Rotary meeting on 23 February, leading to formation of the Rotary Club of Chicago.

Rotary Club of Chicago helps to organize installation of public toilets, one of the club's first acts of community service.

Paul Harris elected first president of National Association of Rotary Clubs at the first convention.

Clubs formed in Canada, Great Britain, and Ireland; organization name changes to International Association of Rotary Clubs.

Club chartered in Cuba, the first non-English-speaking Rotary country.

President Arch Klumph proposes establishing an endowment fund, precursor of The Rotary Foundation.

Rotary conference in London on education and cultural exchange sets stage for UNESCO.

Forty-nine Rotarians help draft the UN Charter.

Founder Paul Harris dies in Chicago; outpouring of funds from Rotarians used to establish fellowship program.

First 18 Rotary Fellows study abroad, a precursor of Ambassadorial Scholars.