To the editor,
After my first letter was published (“What is Rotary?” – Jan. 20, 2022) appeared there were a few people who asked some questions regarding Rotary, especially about the Four-Way Test and was it a secret code/ritual that we had.
Sorry, no secrets here!
The Four Way Test was first devised in the middle of the Great Depression in 1930 by a U.S. Rotarian, Hubert J Taylor. It was to be a simple four-part ethical guideline to save a company from being closed due to bankruptcy and it worked
In 1940, when Mr. Taylor was the International Director of Rotary, he offered the Four-Way Test to the organization. With no change to the wording, it was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and still stands as one of the organizations hallmarks throughout the world. It is held as a standard by which behaviour should be measured. Mr. Taylor gave up the copyrights to the test in 1954 to Rotary International.
The Four Way Test is international, transcending national and language barriers. It has no politics, dogma (set of beliefs) or creed and can be used in everyday life.
So what does the Four-Way Test say?
This is it below:
“The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.
First – Is it the truth?
Second – Is it fair to all concerned?
Third – Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Fourth – Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
The other question I received was, “What does the club do for the community?”
One has to remember that although many of these activities may be similar in each club, there are also other activities or projects that each individual club will take on in their own community.
The Rotary Club of Walkerton helps with the Santa Claus Parade and The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles. We have provided money and some maintenance, along with the municipality, for the Saugeen Rotary Trails and this year purchased a trail groomer for them. We have helped build and fund the Rain Garden in Centennial Park, and along with the municipality take care of Cunningham Park. In the past we supported the tennis courts as well. Pre-COVID we helped with the Canada Day picnic at Centennial Park as well.
We donate to the hospital, hospice, Victoria Jubilee Hall, the food bank, Legion and Horticultural Society, and we sponsor the Midwestern Ontario Music Festival to name a few. We also assist with the TV bingo and sponsor ham dinners, one of which is coming up in May.
The Garage Tour is also coming back this year, as is our youth exchange. We are presently looking for host homes and if you are interested in being a host please write to walkertonrotary@gmail.com and we will forward your information to the person in charge.
The club thanks you for taking the time to read these letters and ask questions. If you have any more questions or are interested in joining a Rotary Club near you please contact a Rotarian and found out how you can help your community.
Bonnelyne Noble
Rotary Club of Walkerton
