Rotary Articles

 Betsy Gunn - Rotary
 January, 2010

If you ever wonder if the youth today understand and care about ethics and morals, come to the Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest and listen to what thoughtful young minds have to teach us.

The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of local Rotary Clubs, is to provide service to others, promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, good will, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

Bennington is fortunate to have two strong Rotary Clubs; the Catamount and Bennington Clubs. The cornerstone of each club is the Four-Way test. This test has been translated into more than 100 languages and asks the following questions:

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?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

This test has never ceased to be relevant.

Developed in 1932 during the great depression by an aluminum cookware businessman Herbert J. Taylor, the Four-Way Test is a short checklist. Today it is used around the world by over a million Rotarians and others to guide decision-making. It is not based on a particular culture or religion, and these questions have transcended generations and national borders.

Herbert J. Taylor developed the Four-Way test as a guideline for his own business practices. When writing the test he consulted four managers – a Roman Catholic, a Christian Scientist, an Orthodox Jew and a Presbyterian to ensure that nothing conflicted with "their religious or moral beliefs". He then had all his door to door salesmen from the cookware company apply the test prior to making each sale. He credits the test for being the key factor in helping his business become profitable through very tough times and included in his business plan the new idea of offering free trials and affordable and fair payment plans. We only have to stop and ask ourselves how this test would have helped many businesses today that are being questioned about their ethical business practices.

For decades, The Four-Way Test has been used around the world in schools and businesses as an effective way to measure ethical conduct and develop respect and understanding among people. Rotary clubs have sponsored essay contests and enlisted the assistance of other civic organizations to introduce the test into their communities. But perhaps more than anything else, the ethical standard represented by the test is the single most important link from Rotarian to Rotarian. Whether you’re American or Japanese, age 30 or 80, the club president or a newly inducted member, it underscores our commitment to business and personal integrity

As Rotarians we can use the Four-Way test ourselves personally and professionally, both locally and globally. It is our responsibility as Rotarians to speak the truth, to be fair and to do our best in all situations to act in ways that benefit each individual.

The Bennington and the Catamount Rotary clubs are helping to keep the Four-Way test alive by sponsoring an annual Four-Way test contest for high school students from Arlington to Pownal. Our goal is to encourage high school students to reflect on their own ethics by making a speech on the importance of ethics in the life they plan to live.

Participants in the Four-Way test have developed poise, self-confidence, and public-speaking skills. Over the years, many students have reflected on their trips to help our sister city Somotillo in Nicaragua or on their experiences as exchange students. Other topics have included current political issues, social trends, and the students own ethical dilemmas that come from the choices they make in their own lives. The competition requires students to give a 5 – 7 minute speech based on the Four-Way test. There are three cash prizes of $100, $200, $300. The first place winner will participate in the District semi-finals with the possibility of presenting his or her speech at the Rotary District Conference.

The speech contest is Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the Bennington Free Library at 7:00 p.m. All high school students are welcome to apply, including home schooled and exchange students. Applications are available on the rotary web sites at www.catamountrotary.com and www.benningtonrotary.com.

By: Betsy Gunn - Bennington Rotary Club Member

Past Articles..

 A few highlights from almost 60 years of the Bennington Rotary Club
Ted Bird - Rotary


Rotary Club Article
Lisa Byer - Rotary


Lisa Byer Talks About PETS Training
Lisa Byer and PETS


Women in Rotary
History of Women in the Rotary Organization


Remembering Rotary’s History with Beth Elwell
Memories from Beth Elwell


Magazine Covers by: Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell


Fundraising And Rotary
Fundraising And Rotary


Remembering Eunice Schleif (1932-2008)
Remembering A Great Rotarian.


Service Above Self
Rotary & Service Above Self


Remembering Rotary with Bob Matteson
Remembering Rotary with Bob Matteson


Rotary Banner Article for Publication on: 8-28-2008
Banner Article from Rotary


The Story Behind The Four-Way Test
Herbert J. Taylor, author of the Test, was a mover, a doer, a consummate salesman and a leader of men. He was a man of action, faith and high moral principle.


A Memorial to Kelton Miller
A Memorial Service for Rotarian - Kelton Miller


A Trip Down Rotary Lane
This is the first of what will hopefully be an ongoing column about Rotary, it’s history, and all the wonderful things Rotarians do; not only around the globe but right here in our own community. We want to share with you, our community, the remarkable people who come to speak to us each week about their ideas, interests, and areas of specialty.


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This (food crisis) threatens not only the hungry but also peace and stability, the head of the United Nations World Food Program (WPF), Josette Sheeran, warned in a recent speech.


Remembering Rotary with Rye Mausert..
Rye joined Rotary in 1972, the same year that Jim Ross came into the club.


Remembering Rotary with Fred Ehrich..
Although he was not a founding member, Fred joined Rotary shortly after it was founded and he has many happy memories.


The Deer Park Project
The Deer Park project was the first project undertaken by the Bennington Rotary Club more than 50 years ago.


Looking Back and Ahead in Rotary With Ted Bird
Looking Back and Ahead in Rotary With Ted Bird


The Bennington Rotary Club History
The Bennington Rotary Club History