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.
Avenues of Service
Based on the Object of Rotary, the
Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone
and the foundation on which club activity is based:
Club Service
focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the
effective functioning of the club.
Vocational Service
encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations
and to practice high ethical standards.
Community Service
covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to
improve life in its community.
International Service
encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s
humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world
understanding and peace.
The Four-Way Test
The test, which has been translated into
more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the 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?
Mission
The mission of Rotary International, a
worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to
others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world
understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of
business, professional, and community leaders.
Diversity and Rotary
Rotary International recognizes the
value of diversity within individual clubs. Rotary encourages
clubs to assess those in their communities who are eligible for
membership, under existing membership guidelines, and to
endeavor to include the appropriate range of individuals in
their clubs. A club that reflects its community with regard to
professional and business classification, gender, age, religion,
and ethnicity is a club with the key to its future.
Moving toward the future
In 2001-02, Rotary International began
developing a strategic plan to guide the organization as it
entered its second century of service. In June 2007, the Board
of Directors approved the RI Strategic Plan 2007-10, which
identifies seven priorities:
Eradicate polio.
Advance the internal and external
recognition and public image of Rotary.
Increase Rotary’s capacity to
provide service to others.
Expand membership globally in both
numbers and quality.
Emphasize Rotary’s unique
vocational service commitment.
Optimize the use and development of
leadership talents within RI.
Fully implement the strategic
planning process to ensure continuity and consistency
throughout the organization.