What Is Rotary?
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who envision a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and within ourselves.
For more than 115 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and expertise to tackle sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to clean water and health care, Rotary members are dedicated to making a difference — and staying committed until the job is done.
Rotary members believe we share a responsibility to take action on the world’s most persistent issues. With more than 46,000 clubs worldwide, we work together to:
- Promote peace
- Fight disease
- Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Save mothers and children
- Support education
- Grow local economies
- Protect the environment
We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. Rotary began its fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Thanks to Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.
In 2019, the Rotary Club of Aspen joined forces with other Rotary clubs and members worldwide to initiate efforts to help eradicate malaria — a disease that still kills more than 600,000 people every year.
“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”
— Paul Harris, Rotary Founder
The Rotary Club of Aspen is also known for its annual Ducky Derby Fundraiser, which supports global humanitarian projects, local high school scholarships, and youth organizations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.