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Rotary began with Founder Paul Harris's
desire to find in a large city of Chicago the kind of friendly spirit and
helpfulness that he had known in the small towns where he had spent his
early years. The formation of the first Rotary club satisfied that need
and it was perpetuated as the Rotary movement spread from Chicago to other
cities and then became a principle of the association that linked the early
clubs together. The spirit of friendship and service evolved into a focus
on helping to build goodwill and peace in the world. In a later year, Paul
Harris said: "Rotarians respect each other's opinions and are tolerant
and friendly at all times. Catholics, Protestants, Moslems, Jews, and Buddhists
break bread together in Rotary." A statement adopted by Rotary International
in 1933 recognized that activities and customs that are legal and accepted
in some countries may seem strange and contrary to the accepted standards
in other countries. It urged tolerance of such differences in these words:
"Rotarians in all countries should recognize these facts (differences)
, and there should be a thoughtful avoidance of criticism of the laws and
customs of one country by the Rotarians of another country. " The policy
also cautioned against "any effort on the part of Rotarians of one country
to interfere with the laws or customs of another country." The statement
is still considered good guidance for Rotarians as they strive to strengthen
the bonds of understanding, goodwill and friendship around the world.
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