The Rotary International Themes actually started in 1947. Rotary International Themes are displayed below for the years the Rotary International President decided to have a theme for their year of Rotary presidency. The Rotary International Themes are listed as the most current year first and then prior years. Over the years, many theme pins have gone on to be very collectible and increased in value significantly.

In 1951, at the Rotary International Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Rotary President 1949-50, Percy C. Hodgson, is credited with making the Theme program a yearly event for future Rotary Presidents. Therefore, each year in January, the incoming Rotary President, who takes office on July 1, reveals his theme image and theme text.