Rotary began with an idea from one Chicago attorney, Paul Harris. This man formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in February of 1905, with the vision that professionals from all backgrounds could come together and form meaningful and lifelong friendships. Now, Rotary is one of the longest running and largest service organization in the world. Rotary’s mission is to provides service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace throughout their fellowship of business, professional, or community leaders. They believe that together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

“As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity,” says Rotary’s website For more than a century, Rotary has continued to make an impact on not just the surrounding areas, or even just for our country, but nationally. Now, the Greater Ponca City Provisional Rotary Club is looking to the surrounding area for members and support as they build their new chapter. Rotary feels that they are deeply connected to the history in the region and with the new chapter they seek to continue that legacy for another 100 years of service.

Greater Ponca City Provisional Rotary Club focuses on peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community and economic development, and the environment. They have helped people all across the world in these areas and continue to do so.

“Locally our future vision is service projects addressing youth and education, community, and economic development. As a charter member, you can help shape this vision through collaboration and leveraging our collective skill and resources. At a district level, we will benefit from projects such as summer leadership camps, foreign exchanges, and even grant opportunities. Globally, Rotary International’s largest and proudest effort is our work to eradicate polio. There are 16 million people walking today who would have otherwise been paralyzed.”

If you are interested in the program or are looking for more information, email them at greaterpcrotary@ gmail.com. This is an extremely rewarding organization and gives people in the community the opportunity to make connections and do good for their communities.