What is Rotary?

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

Of things we think, say or do

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Four Avenues of Service

The term "Four Avenues of Service" is frequently used in Rotary. The "Avenues" refer to the four elements of the Object of Rotary: club, community, international, and vocational service. They describe the primary areas of Rotary activity.

CLUB SERVICE involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to make their club function successfully.

COMMUNITY SERVICE pertains to those activities which Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. It frequently involves assistance to youth, the aged, the handicapped and others who look to Rotary as a source of hope for a better life.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE describes the many programs and activities which Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace. International service projects are designed to meet humanitarian needs of people in many lands. VOCATIONAL SERVICE is a description of the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's own vocation to other members of the club.