All organizations have values -- come call them mission statements, others have visions, while others focus on their outcomes for inspiration.  Rotary is guided by several key principles that speak to our world today while also being timeless.  

 

The Rotary Motto 

At the first convention in 1910, a motto was chosen for the new organization, recognizing its commitment to the idea of service: "He Profits Most Who Serves His Fellows Best."

In 1950, Rotary International adopted two mottos: "He Profits Most Who Serves Best" and "Service Above Self,"

In 1989, the Rotary International Council on Legislation established the organization's principal motto:

One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary 4-Way Test.

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.

The Four Way Test says that 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?

The Rotary emblem started as a wagon wheel representing "civilization and movement". In 1922 (coinciding with the name change to Rotary International) the "gear" with 24 cogs, six spokes, and the "keyway" was adopted. The keyway in a gear indicates that it is a driver gear . . . just as Rotary is a driving force in the community.

 

Yeah, it might be a little heavy for today's sound bite attitude but it has stood the test of time and tide and shows that we all must stand for something -- or we fall for anything.