Avenues of Service

Rotary’s ideal of service is based on the Five Avenues of Service – Club, Vocational, Community, International and New Generations – that comprise Rotary International’s philosophical cornerstone. Rotary clubs carry out efforts along each avenue in support of the Object of Rotary.

 

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Rotary Club guiding principles include the Four-way Test (Truth, Fairness, Goodwill, and Friendship). Other principles involve Rotary’s commitment to Service above Self, Rotary’s motto, which is channeled through the Five Avenues of Service: Club, Vocational, Community, International, and New Generations.

 

Club service works to strengthen fellowship of members through training and hospitality. Clubs have serious topics to work toward, so having various social events that bring members and their guests informally and for fun, contributes to genuine fellowship.

 

Vocational Service encourages members to serve other people through their vocations, education, skillsets, which encourages high ethical standards. October is Vocation Service Month when the many club service projects are celebrated.

 

Community Service is exactly what the name implies — projects and activities each club undertakes to improve community life. There are many projects in the Santa Ynez Valley in which all four Rotary Club volunteers have been involved: Sunny Fields Park, Senior Centers, scholarships, and more.

 

International Service volunteers work to expand the Rotarians’ humanitarian work around the world. This important service promotes understanding and peace, sponsors projects in other countries and works with international partners to support projects in their communities.

 

New Generations Service works to engage youths and young adults in leadership roles. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a training program for young people, ages 14 to 30. The award emphasizes leadership and citizenship. Rotaract is an International Youth Program is for ages 18 to 30 while Interact focuses on international service for youths 12 to 18.