Q:  What is Rotary?

A:  Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a young Chicago, IL attorney.

The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of "service" as a basis of worthy enterprise.  Our motto is "Service Above Self."  

We also promote:

*  The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.

*  High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying, by each Rotarian, of his or her occupations as an opportunity to serve society.

*  The application of the ideal of service, by every Rotarian, to his or her personal, business and community life.

*  The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace, through a world fellowship of business and professional men and women in the idea of service.

As of July 2009, Rotary consisted of 1,206, 482 Rotarians in over 200+ countries and geographic areas.  There are 33,575 Rotary Clubs in 534 Rotary Regional Districts.

Q:  How is the Minneapolis South Rotary Club unique?

A:  Our club was chartered in 1996 as a special project by the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club with the support of the Edina Rotary Club.  It's the first Rotary club in the nation to be established in an inner city neighborhood.  We're located in the "Phillips" neighborhood and celebrate the cultural diversity of our area.  Our unique position as an urban club provides other Rotarians the opportunity to share in our vitality, diversity and growth.


Q:  What special projects does this Rotary club take an interest in?

A:  Our community projects from last year include:

    *  Playground project

    *  Solar Ovens

    *  Warm Hands, Warm Heads, Warm Hearts

    *  Backpacks with school supplies for kids

 
    *  Taste of Lake Street

    *  Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    *  Aliveness Project - Delivering Holiday baskets

    *  Dictionary Project - Providing students with their own dictionary

 
    *  Literacy Month - Reading contest with Friendship Academy

    *  Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) - Sponsored 2 students to attend training

Q:  Who have been the past Presidents of Minneapolis South?

A:  

Diane McGowan, 1996-1997                              Jesse Lee, 2004-2005

Debra Rogers, 1997-1999                                  Belainish Tekle, 2005-2006

Todd Carlson, 1999-2001                                  Harrison Nelson, 2006-2007

Larry Knudsen, 2001-2002                                Michael Cavitt, 2007-2008

Frank Taylor, 2002-2003                                     Karin Treiber, 2008-2010

Tie Oei, 2003-2004