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History of RIBI
The origins of the administrative body Rotary International and Great Britain and Ireland effectively began in 1914.
At this time, after Rotary had moved across the Atlantic to Great Britain and Ireland, the British Association of Rotary Clubs was formed. During World WarI, there was little contact between the international clubs and the British Association held the small number of Rotary clubs together in Great Britain, Ireland with a few other European communities. Following the war, a new Rotary regulation came into place whereby countries which had more than 25 clubs could apply to be a 'territorial unit' and be represented on the Rotary International board. The clubs in Great Britain were the only ones to apply and Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) was formed.Shortly afterwards, the territorial unit concept was dropped, yet existing units were allowed to keep their rights and privileges. RIBI continues to function as an independent unit of Rotary International.
