Bold Goals

(1985-2004)

We establish some of our most ambitious programs and partnerships. Building peace and fighting polio take on increased importance as we look for ways to make a lasting impact.

1985: Rotary launches PolioPlus

PolioPlus supports the commitment Rotary made a few years earlier to "eliminate polio though immunization." Today, that commitment remains a top priority and the PolioPlus program coordinates the efforts of Rotary and its partners.

A healthcare worker administers oral vaccine drops to a child held by an adult at an outdoor immunization post.

A volunteer administers a vaccine to a child held by an adult against a brick wall outdoors.

A volunteer immunizes a child against polio in Bolivia. 1989. The WHO's America region is certified polio-free in 1994.

Poster reads “KICK POLIO OUT OF AFRICA” over a map of Africa, with logos for WHO, UNICEF, USAID, CDC, DANIDA, and Rotary International.

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Magazine cover reads “THE ROTARIAN,” showing a person in formal attire with a Rotary pin. — About a year after women join Rotary worldwide, The Rotarian magazine runs a feature story looking at the impact of Rotary's expanded membership.

1987: Women join Rotary

Women join Rotary clubs throughout the U.S. following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1989, women join clubs worldwide.

1988: Peace Forums and advocacy

The Foundation holds its first Peace Forum in Evanston, Illinois, USA, as part of a pilot program. The program is later broadened and peace-focused events continue under many names.

Five people sit around a table reviewing documents and a map during a meeting in an office setting. — Ending polio requires close coordination with our partners. A Rotary member from India meets with members of the WHO India National Polio Surveillance Project at the WHO country office in New Delhi, India, in 2019.

1988: Partners in the fight against polio

Inspired by Rotary's immunization work in the Philippines and global fundraising success, the World Health Assembly sets a goal of worldwide polio eradication. Rotary is a founding member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

1999: Peace Centers empower leaders

Foundation Trustees approve the creation of the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution, now known as Peace Centers. An inaugural class of Rotary Peace Fellows begins studies in 2002.

Three people stand outdoors on a campus lawn, talking together near trees and buildings.

Two people sit at a table in a classroom, one gesturing while speaking as the other listens with papers and a phone on the table.

Rotary Peace Fellows at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, in 2022.

Four people sit around a table in a classroom, one gesturing while others listen.

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Bronze lapel pin with embossed portrait, text reads “ARCH C. KLUMPH SOCIETY” around the edge. — Arch Klumph Society lapel pin

2004: Arch Klumph Society recognizes donors

Rotary creates the Arch Klumph Society to recognize individuals, couples, and organizations that have contributed $250,000 or more to the Foundation. The first annual dinner is held at the 2005 convention in Chicago.

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