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?