Paul Harris, founder of Rotary International — From the intimate to the universal

PAUL HARRIS

From the intimate to the universal

A man who proved that a sound idea, rooted in reality, can transform the world.

Paul Harris's work grows naturally because its DNA was clearly defined from the very outset.

1
A very simple insight

Unhappy experiences within other associations.

Observations from the field: a lack of morality, with everyone living within their own professional circle.

He knew that the better human beings know one another, the more they wish to do things together.

First do business together; then bring your own contribution to the world in which we live.

2
The local before the global

Paul starts from the local — his club, his city — in touch with reality.

The four founders of the first Rotary club in Chicago
Gustavus Loehr Paul Harris Sylvester Schiele Hiram Shorey

The very first action of the first club was to create public conveniences in the city of Chicago.

3
DNA before growth

From the very outset he defined the DNA of Rotary through its mode of governance (the wheel), which makes it possible:

To ease the relational difficulties so common within associations.

To bring out the very best in each of its members.

To remain, ever since, true to its purpose.

4
An organic growth
Tree symbolising the organic growth of Rotary

Its DNA is respected and upheld throughout its development.

Its work spreads through a contagious closeness and embraces the changes of every era.

Its fields of action gradually extend to every domain of the planet and of Humanity.

5
Paul and Pierre: two paths, one shared destiny

PAUL

starts from the intimate

The club
The city
The world

The two
come together

A bridge between two legacies, in the service of humanity.

PIERRE

starts from the universal

A vision
The institution
The field
6
What OSE takes from Paul Harris

Friendship

Everything begins with getting to know one another and building trust between people.

Service

Serve those around you and your city first, then contribute to the global common good.

Local roots

Act where you live, meeting real and concrete needs.

Governance

A simple, fair structure that releases energy and gives value to everyone.

Faithfulness to its DNA

Staying true to its purpose allows the work to endure and to grow.

7
A thought for today
Silhouettes united against the sunset, a symbol of humanity brought together

The intimate meets the universal.

From the small room of a club in Chicago to a worldwide network serving humanity, Paul Harris reminds us that a sound idea, lived together, can change the world.