ABOUT ROTARY - Avenues of Service

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The Rotary "Five Avenues of Service"

The Object of Rotary is to “encourage and foster the ideal of "Service Above Self" as a basis of worthy enterprise.”  Rotary is a service organization.  Since 1910, the Rotary Motto has been “Service Above Self.”

Rotary strives to achieve it’s objective through activities in five primary areas.  These are often referred to as the Five Avenues of Service.

Club Service

This “Avenue” focuses on strengthening and promoting Rotary Club fellowship as an opportunity for service.  It also involves the activities necessary to make the Club function successfully and achieve its goals.

Vocational Service

Vocational Service involves club members serving others through their professions and aspiring to high ethical standards. Rotarians, as business leaders, share skills and expertise through their vocations and they inspire others in the process.

Community Service

This is an opportunity for Rotarians to improve the quality of life in their community.  Particular emphasis is given to helping children, needy families, the aged, the handicapped, and those most in need of assistance. 

International Service

International Service encompasses efforts to expand Rotary's humanitarian reach around the world and to promote world understanding and peace. It includes everything from contributing to PolioPlus to helping Rotary Youth Exchange students adjust to their host countries.

New Generations

The New Generations opportunities for service focus on youth leadership development activities, community and international service by youth Interact Clubs, and Rotary Youth Exchange programs aimed at world peace and cultural understanding.