WHEREAS, Rotary International, founded on February 23, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, is the world's first and one of the largest nonprofit service organizations; and
     WHEREAS, There are over 1.2 million Rotary club members comprised of professional and business leaders in over 31,000 clubs in more than 165 countries; and
     WHEREAS, The Rotary motto "Service Above Self" inspires members to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace in the world; and
     WHEREAS, Rotary funds club projects and sponsors volunteers with community expertise to provide medical supplies, health care, clean water, food production, job training, and education to millions in need, particularly in developing countries; and
     WHEREAS, Rotary in 1985 launched Polio Plus and spearheaded efforts with the World Health Organization, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF to immunize the children of the world against polio; and
     WHEREAS, Polio cases have dropped by 99 percent since 1988 and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease; and
     WHEREAS, Rotary is the world's largest privately funded source of international scholarships and promotes international understanding through scholarships, exchange programs, and humanitarian grants; and
     WHEREAS, More than 35,000 students from 110 countries have studied abroad since 1947 as Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars; and
     WHEREAS, Rotary's Group Study Exchange Program has helped more than 46,000 young professionals explore their career fields in other countries; and
     WHEREAS, 8,000 secondary-school students each year experience life in another country through Rotary's Youth Exchange Program; and
     WHEREAS, There are over 12,000 Rotary club members in more than 190 clubs throughout this state sponsoring service projects to address such critical issues as poverty, health, hunger, illiteracy, and the environment in their local communities and abroad;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives encourage all citizens to join in recognizing Rotary International for 100 years of service to improving the human condition in local communities around the world.