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

The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings:

Of the things we think, say or do

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 

Avenues of Service

We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.

  • Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
  • Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. Learn more in An Introduction to Vocational Service and the Code of Conduct.
  • Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest. Learn more in Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects and this Community Service presentation (PPT).
  • International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
  • Youth Service recognises the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
 

The Guide to Daily Living

Before doing the things, we want to do, consider first, the precept of the guide. Ask ourselves 4 questions and act upon them:

First : Have I spent some time in self-examination?

Second : Have I spent quality time with my family?

Third : Have I given my best to my work?

Fourth : Have I given some time to someone near and far?

The first question prompts us to evaluate ourselves and our ability to serve.

The second question reinforces our commitment to the family – our “Intimate Community of Life and Love”.

The third person requests us to commit ourselves to work excellence and the practice of high ethical standards.

The fourth question reminds us of our duty to Lend a Hand, rendering compassionate service and world peace.

The Guide, in fact encompasses the 4 parts of the Object of Rotary.