Frequently Asked Questions

Four Avenues of Service

The term "Four Avenues of Service" is frequently used in Rotary literature and information. The "Avenues" refer to the four elements of the Object of Rotary: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service and International Service.

Although the Avenues of Service are not found in any formal part of the constitutional documents of Rotary, the concept has been accepted as a means to describe the primary areas of Rotary activity.

• "Club Service" involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to perform to make their club function successfully.
• "Vocational Service" is a description of the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's vocation to the other members of the club.
• "Community Service" pertains to those activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. It frequently involves assistance to youth, the aged, handicapped and others who look to Rotary as a source of hope for a better life.
• The Fourth Avenue , "International Service," describes the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace. International Service projects are designed to meet humanitarian needs of people in many lands.

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The principles of service, understanding and goodwill are sustained by the fellowship which a Rotarian enjoys with fellow members in a club, and the mutual understanding and relationship which are shared with fellow Rotarians throughout the world. Rotarians are encouraged to serve individually and as members of their clubs through their vocations and by the application of service to their personal, business and community lives.

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