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In Step with Rotary International
How PAUR brings Rotary’s mission to life in Palo Alto and beyond
Rotary by the Numbers
Rotary International is made up of more than 1.2 million members in over 200 countries and territories, working through 45,000+ clubs. Together, Rotarians contribute more than 47 million volunteer hours each year. Rotary has invested over $5 billion through The Rotary Foundation to fund sustainable, life-changing projects — from global polio eradication to peace fellowships.
Rotary Areas of Focus
All Rotary projects align with seven key areas of focus:​
These priorities guide our work at every level — local, national, and global.
Rotary’s Global Impact
One of Rotary’s most recognized initiatives is PolioPlus, the global campaign to eradicate polio. Since 1985, Rotary and its partners have helped reduce polio cases by 99.9%, immunizing over 2.5 billion children. Rotary also supports disaster response, scholarships for peace and development, and clean water projects that serve entire communities.
Rotary’s Unique Structure
Rotary clubs are autonomous but united under a shared mission. Each club tailors its service projects and meeting culture to the needs of its community. This allows clubs like PAUR to be both locally grounded and globally connected — a model that encourages innovation while honoring Rotary’s values of fellowship, integrity, service, leadership, and inclusion.
How PAUR Fits In
At the Palo Alto/University Rotary Club, we translate these global goals into local action. From youth leadership development and education programs to health initiatives and international service partnerships, PAUR actively participates in Rotary’s mission. We are especially proud of our support for community wellness, youth empowerment, and civic dialogue all aligned with Rotary’s vision of people uniting to create lasting change.
PAUR’s Local and Global Impact
Since our founding in 1988, the Palo Alto/University Rotary Club has contributed meaningfully to both local and international service. From supporting education and youth leadership to advancing public health and environmental sustainability, PAUR has partnered with schools, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations to meet real needs — here in the Bay Area, in El Salvador (our international service focus), and in several other communities around the world, always working alongside trusted local partners.Whether funding scholarships, mentoring young leaders, or delivering aid abroad, our club’s efforts are rooted in Rotary’s belief in people-powered change.