--Meeting times and venues

Founded in 1905, Rotary International became the first international service organization. Since then it consists of professional leaders who provide services, promote good ethical standards and foster a nature of goodwill and humanitarianism around the world. The Rotary Club also strives to create peace in a world with many differences by encouraging understanding and tolerance. Rotary members have also gained from the giving of themselves and their resources to others as it has greatly enriched their lives, giving them a sense of fulfillment and responsibility. There are approximately 31,000 Rotary Clubs located in 167 countries worldwide.

The Rotary Club has contributed significantly within local communities through various chapters within the 167 member countries. This worldwide chain of Rotary Clubs allows the organization to make a significant impact on the world’s population one community at a time. Some of the issues which have a great impact on the lives of people are mostly those which are tangible and the Rotary Club offers services to help eradicate these issues or to provide relief, so that those affected can cope in the best and most comfortable way possible.

The Rotary Club also provides services, which require resources of the mind and skill. The Rotary Club provides youth with opportunities to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the world they live in. Sponsorship is given to facilitate some of the world’s largest youth exchange programs, scholarship programs and educational exchange. The Rotary Club provides training opportunities along with mentorship for youth. This is enhanced by the involvement of families within these programs to foster a support system for the youth involved and to also allow family members to offer their resources and time to service within their local community.

Rotary Club is a non- religious, non- governmental organization, open to every race culture and creed.

• Effecting change within local communities
• Developing relationships with community and business leaders
• Developing leadership skills
• Gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues
• Promoting literacy
• Addressing other critical community and world issues
• Providing disaster relief
• Effort to eradicate polio
• Health Care
• Promoting the protection of the environment
• Eradicating hunger
• Alleviating poverty

Jamaica belongs to district 7020 of the Caribbean region and has many Rotary chapters located at various points in the island. This year the Rotary Club of New Kingston celebrates 100 years of service. This chapter of the Rotary Club has contributed significantly to Jamaica and has implemented a large number of service programs within communities, schools, children’s homes etc. More on the Rotary Club of New Kingston and their 100th year celebration can be found at http://www.newkingstonrotary.org.jm

The Jamaica Organization For Youth is a branch of the Rotary Club. The goal of The Jamaica Organization for Youth (J.O.Y.) is to give opportunities to the needy children of Jamaica by providing them with technology and encouraging its use in schools and community centers. http://www.funspot.net/joy/