Paul P. Harris formed the world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on February 23, 1905. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self and, as it celebrates its centennial, Rotary continues to concern itself with truth, fairness, improved relations between peoples, and world peace.

Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status with the United Nations that a non-governmental organization can obtain. In this capacity, Rotary has a voice within the UN system allowing access to its people and resources worldwide.

Belonging to a Rotary club gives men and women an enjoyable and organized way to make a contribution to their community. Rotary members meet weekly to plan club, community, and international service activities. By using their skills and expertise globally, members also enhance their professional network, career development and cross-cultural understanding.

Rotary clubs are nonreligious, nongovernmental, and open to every race, culture, and creed. Members represent a cross section of local business and professional leaders.

To become a Paul Harris Member, donate $1,000 to Rotary Foundation.  You may make numerous donations and have several Paul Harris Awards.  If you pledge $1,000 per year, you have become a Paul Harris Society Member.

To learn more about the Cape West Rotary Club in our community, please visit the information for prospective members section of the Rotary International Web site www.rotary.org or contact Cape West Rotary at P.O. Box 983, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.