Guiding Principles of Rotary

The Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal
of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular,
to encourage and foster:

FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an
opportunity for service;

SECOND. High ethical standards in business and
professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful
occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s
occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each
Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

FOURTH. The advancement of international
understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world
fellowship of business and professional persons united in
the ideal of service.

The Five Avenues of Service

Based on the Object of Rotary, Rotary’s Philosophical
cornerstone and foundation of a club’s activities:

Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and
ensuring the effective functioning of the club.

Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others
through their vocations and to practice high ethical
standards.

Community Service covers the projects and activities that the
Club undertakes to improve life in its community.

International Service encompasses actions taken to
expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe
and to promote world understanding and peace.

Youth Service recognizes the positive change by youth &
young adults via leadership and involvement.

The Four-Way Test

From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians
were concerned with promoting high ethical standards
in their professional lives. One of the world’s most
widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics
is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by
Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI
president) when he was asked to take charge of a
company that was facing bankruptcy.
This 24-word test for employees to follow in their
business and professional lives became the guide for
sales, production, advertising, and all relations with
dealers and customers, and the survival of the company
is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary
in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into
more than a hundred languages and published in
thousands of ways. It asks the following four questions:

“Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER
FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

Rotary Code of Conduct

As a Rotarian, I will:

1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my
personal and professional life.

2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their
occupations with respect.

3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor
young people, help those with special needs, and
improve people’s quality of life in my community and in
the world.

4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or
other Rotarians.

5. Not seek special business or professional advantages
from other Rotarians.