Definition of Rotary

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians, members of 31,936 Rotary clubs in 166 countries.

Rotary is not a political organization, but all Rotarians are vitally concerned with everything pertaining to good citizenship and the election of good men and women to public office.

Rotary is not a charitable organization, yet its activities exemplify the charity and the sacrifices that one should expect from people who believe that they have a responsibility to help others.

Rotary is not a religious organization, but it is built on those eternal principles that have served as the moral compass for people throughout the ages.

Rotary Motto

"Service Above Self"

Object of Rotary

The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.  The ideal of service is fostered; through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; through service in one's personal, business, and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.

Benefits of Rotary

Making the acquaintance of people you ought to know.
Genuine, wholesome good fellowship.
Developing true and helpful friends.
Enlightenment as to other people's work, problems and successes.
Education in methods that increase efficiency.
Stimulation of your desire to be of service to your fellow men, women and society in general.

Obligations of Rotary

To attend meetings regularly.
To pay membership dues.
To serve your club and community when called upon.
To be a big-hearted, broad-minded person - a person of energy and action - a Rotarian.

Four Way Test

One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary 4-Way Test. It was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company mired in depression-caused financial difficulties. He drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. The 4-Way Test 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.

The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International in 1954-55.

Of the things we think, say or do:
Is it the Truth?
Is it fair to all Concerned?
Will it build good will and better Friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all Concerned?

RI Mission Statement

The mission of Rotary International is to support its member clubs in fulfilling the Object of Rotary by:

• Fostering unity among member clubs;
• Strengthening and expanding Rotary around the world;
• Communicating worldwide the work of Rotary; and
• Providing a system of international administration.

Rotary History