Object of Rotary, The Four-Way Test, and the Six Areas of Focus

Object of Rotary

First formulated in 1910 and adapted through the years as Rotary’s mission expanded, the object of Rotary provides a succinct definition of the organization’s purpose as well as the club member’s responsibilities.

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

Four-Way Test

In 1932, Rotarian Herbert. J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, as code of ethics adopted by Rotary 11 years later. The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

Of the things we think, say, or do:

FIRST:

Is it the TRUTH?

SECOND:

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

THIRD:

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

FOURTH:

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Seven Areas of Focus

Peace and conflict prevention/resolution

Disease prevention and treatment

Water and sanitation

Basic education and literacy

Maternal and child health

Economic and community development

Environment