The Paul Harris Society

A District 5340 Original That Keeps on Giving


The Rotary Foundation is the flagship of Rotary International’s efforts to provide “Service Above Self” to the world through educational and humanitarian projects. The contributions of individual Rotarians support world-wide programs which provide clean water, promote literacy, continue the race to eradicate polio, and fund Global and District Grants.
 

District 5340 pioneered a way for dedicated Rotarians to support this good work, while honoring Rotary founder Paul Harris and celebrating the Rotary Centennial. Those donors who agree to contribute $1,000 each year to the Rotary Foundation, either automatically via Rotary Direct or through one-time donations, will become members of the Paul Harris Society, and will be afforded the personal satisfaction accompanying such selfless acts.

The Paul Harris Society was founded on the premise that, although it is not appropriate for all members, there are many District 5340 Rotarians who are both willing and able to provide this level of support for initiatives that will make both our local communities and the world better places in which to live.


Recognition

Society members will receive District-wide recognition on appropriate occasions and a distinctive blue and gold emblem or “ribbon,” which can be worn with the Paul Harris Fellow pin or the Rotary Member pin. Each PHS member receives an officially-presented recognition certificate signed by the District Governor. They will also qualify for The Rotary Foundation’s Paul Harris Fellow or Multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

 

Impact of Paul Harris Society Membership

By giving from the heart each and every year, Paul Harris Society members support families and change lives. These annual gifts have helped provide:

  • Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
  • Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
  • A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
  • Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
  • Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali


Joining the Paul Harris Society - It's Easy

Rotarians can join the Paul Harris Society online. Joining takes just a couple of minutes, and the membership form is available in several different languages. The form will ask you to enter your contact information, your Rotary club name, and your Rotary membership number on the form. Your request to join the Paul Harris Society can also be done via traditional mail by completing the Paul Harris Society brochure.

Individuals using Rotary Direct to make a single or recurring gift can register for the Paul Harris Society by selecting one checkbox. Learn more about Rotary Direct by clicking here

Not sure of your Rotary member number? Your Rotary member number is visible under the Rotary tab of your online profile (login required). Your membership number is also printed on the mailing label on the front cover of your Rotarian magazine, as well as on the printed Semi-Annual Report (SAR) and Dues Billing Statement received by your Club Secretary or the Club Recognition Summary that is available to your Club Secretary online. Your Club Secretary or Foundation Chair can also assist you in filling out the form.

After you have joined the Society, you can make one-time donations by clicking here. You may also want to consider monthly giving via Rotary Direct for a minimum of $83.33 per month, where you can easily select the recurring gift amount. Download Rotary Direct info by clicking here.

 

Maintaining Your Membership in the Paul Harris Society

Maintaining membership means donating at least $1,000 to the The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, and PolioPlus Partners, or the Humanitarian Grants Program during each successive Rotary year. Donations can be made online through a secure website by clicking here

 

Have questions? We're here to help! If you have questions about the Paul Harris Society, please feel free to contact:

James Morrison
fiddle505@icloud.com
District Paul Harris Society Coordinator, 2023-24