Founded in Chicago over a century ago, Rotary International started out as an “almost aristocratic” service club for civic-minded professionals. As cities grew in the mid-20th century, so did Rotary’s networks. The organization’s popularity has since faded in the US as existing members age and as it struggles to attract new recruits.
But the organization’s membership has soared in India, more than doubling since 2005 to 164,000. Members, many in their 40s and 50s, say they’re drawn to the fun and good fellowship — and, in a country where hundreds of millions live in poverty, to the many opportunities for service. Read more from Immanual John Milton today on CityLab: Rotary Clubs Recapture Their Glory Days, Just Not in the US