The 4-Way Test Speech Contest
From the earliest days of the organization Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers. The survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than one hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four 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 and Better Friendships?
4. Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned? "
For over sixty years Rotarians have been using The 4-Way Test as a practical yardstick in their business, community, and personal affairs. You will note that The 4-Way Test does not provide answers. It asks questions which the user must answer. Thousands of Rotarians have used it and shared it with others. Millions of copies have been distributed to students and business associates. The Test has been carved into granite monuments, displayed on billboards, written into labor contracts, printed on wrapping paper and umbrellas, and has been the theme of countless essay and speech contests.
The District 5340 Vocational Service Committee sponsors a district-wide speech contest for high school students on the Rotary-4 Way Test.
The 4-Way Test is key to being a Rotarian. It reminds us that we daily practice high ethical standards in our everyday lives. If we can promote the 4-Way Test in a younger generation it will be to the community’s benefit. We feel that a speech contest will help spread the word to our communities about what Rotary stands for.
It is envisioned that clubs will have a local contest and provide prizes to first, second and third place winners. The Rotary Club of Poway winners are given prizes in the magnitude of $150, $100 and $50. Participating D5340 clubs will recruit students from their local areas, bear the cost (if any) of promotion, execution and prizes at the club level.
The club winner will advance to the Rotary Area semi-finals. The area winners will advance to the finals to be held at the District Conference. The District winners will be awarded prizes in the magnitude of $1,000, $500 and $250.