ROTARY INTERNATIONAL is a Global Network of more 33,000 Rotary Clubs in 171 countries with more than 1.3 million members worldwide. Rotarians are are business and professional persons who subscribe to the motto “Service Above Self”, volunteer in their communities and promote world understanding and peace. Rotarians encourage high ethical standards and carry out humanitarian projects to address such issues as poverty, health, hunger, education and the environment. Rotary was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA 1905 as the world’s first volunteer service organization. Rotary District 6080 is located in southwest and central Missouri, USA, and includes 50 Rotary Clubs with more than 3,000 members.

The eradication of polio is a special priority for Rotary International, which made a commitment to immunize the world’s children against polio in 1985 and became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative three years later. The other partners are the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF.