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 Four-Way Test
The Four-Way Test is a neutral and open ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships.
The Rotary Four-Way Test is recited at our club meetings and functions. The Four-Way Test is an adaptive process. It takes into account everyone's point-of-view and concerns, as well as their needs and wants.
The process is designed to build goodwill and earn trust so a particular end result is mutually beneficial, sustainable, and has scalable outcomes.
Is it the TRUTH? TRUST.
From the Rotarian Code of Conduct, act with integrity and high ethical standards. Acknowledge and define the problem including the root causes. Collect information and apply critical thinking by asking questions to identify the difference between facts, beliefs, assumptions, and opinions. Moreover, be a trusted problem solver.
Is it FAIR to all concerned? ACCOUNTABILITY.
Keep in mind both the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule. Identify and include all interested and affected parties. Try to understand the other point-of-views in the context of conflict and reaching shared goals.
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? FELLOWSHIP.
Rotarians are known for being sociable and building relationships. Ensure the process is civil and there’s a feeling of respect and openness to ask questions that can lead to creative and innovative solutions. Discuss and agree on desired outcomes.
Will it BENEFICIAL to all concerned? EMPATHY.
Have an open mind and a curiosity for new ideas, novel applications, and different point-of-views. Consider many options and build on different ideas. Come to mutually beneficial solutions that are sustainable and scalable.
Avenues of Service
We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.
Club Service
Focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
Vocational Service
Calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society.
Community Service
Encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
International Service
Exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
Youth Service
Recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
Rotary Monthly Themes & AREAS OF FOCUS
JULY - Start of the New Rotary Year
AUGUST - Membership and New Club Development Month
SEPTEMBER - Basic Education and Literacy Month
OCTOBER - Economic and Community Development Month
NOVEMBER - Rotary Foundation Month
DECEMBER - Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
JANUARY - Vocational Service Month
FEBRUARY - Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month
MARCH - Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month
APRIL - Maternal and Child Health Month
MAY - Youth Service Month
JUNE - Rotary Fellowships Month
