Service Above Self. Rotary’s motto is a century old and it still does the work of a much longer mission statement.
The Four-Way Test
Written in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor to rescue a failing company, and adopted by Rotary International in 1943. Members are asked to apply it to the things they think, say and do — in business as much as in service.
It asks whether a thing is truthful; whether it is fair to everyone concerned; whether it will build goodwill and better friendships; and whether it will be beneficial to all concerned.
Four questions, and a decision that fails any one of them is not a decision Rotary makes.
Rotary’s values
Service
Putting time, skills and networks behind work that helps others.
Fellowship
Friendship and connection as the foundation everything else is built on.
Diversity
A club drawn from many occupations and backgrounds solves problems a uniform one cannot.
Integrity
Keeping our commitments and holding to high ethical standards.
Leadership
Members are leaders in their fields, and Rotary develops the next generation of them.
Non-political and non-sectarian
Rotary takes no position on party politics and does not favour any religion. Clubs bring together people who disagree on a great deal and who work together anyway. In a country as varied as ours that is not a limitation — it is the reason the work gets done.
Accountability
Club funds are managed by an elected board and accounted for to the membership. Project spending is reported to the club and, where district or Foundation grants are involved, audited to Rotary International’s requirements.