About Rotary International

Why Join?

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Rotary International Emblem

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made in 1905 by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate “Civilization, Movement and Service work in action.”

The Object of Rotary

#ServiceAboveSelf

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 of fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The Four Way Test

The Four–Way Test of the things we think, say or do is a testused by Rotarians world-wide as a moral code for personal and business relationships. The test can be applied to almost any aspect of life.
  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?
Rotarian Code of Conduct

AS A ROTARIAN I WILL:

  1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life
  2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect
  3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to: mentor young people, help those with special needs,
    and improve people’s quality of life in my community and the world
  4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.