The English language is a global language, with non-native speakers far outnumbering native speakers. Thus there is a natural linguistic union of about one fourth of the world's population who use English at some level of competence. The English-Speaking Union is an international educational charity founded in 1918 to promote "international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language." Native speakers often assert their priority in terms of the official status of English and with regard to "proper" usage, but it is now clear that the fate of English is primarily in the habits of those who speak English as a second or foreign language.

The aims of the Rochester Branch of the ESU are to continue to present a broad range of activities designed to encourage affection for the English language and all things English, but to dispel the atmosphere of a private and exclusive club.