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WINNER OF 2008-2009
YEAR`S COMPETIITON:
First Place Winner: $ 150.00
Kathy Rodogiannis
Rotary Club of Blue Island
Second Place Winner: $ 100.00
Celine Baticados
Rotary Club of Woodridge
Third Place Winner: $ 50.00
Alex Jacobs
Rotary Club of Naperville Downtown
The judges that served this year included a Governor, Club President and a member at large.
For six decades Rotarians have been using The Four-Way Test as a practical yardstick in their business, community, and personal affairs. 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 the theme of countless essay contests and addresses.
History of The Four-Way Test
Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago Rotarian and president of Rotary International conceived the Four-Way Test. In 1932, the creditors of the company assigned Taylor the task of rescuing an all-but-bankrupt aluminum cookware company.
Looking at the situation of the company and its competitors, Taylor decided that the only avenue in which the company could compete with them was in the character, dependability, and service-mindedness of company personnel. He felt the company needed a simple measuring stick of ethics, which everyone in the company could use.
In July, 1932, after careful consideration, Taylor penned, “The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do” as follows:
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?
After a long, faithful, constant effort to live up to The Four-Way Test, he decided to apply the test company-wide. The employees of the company were asked to memorize the test and apply it in every facet of company operations, from advertising to dealing with its customers and creditors, to relations with its own employees. Before an employee of the company could proceed on any course of action, the honest answer to all four questions had to be, “yes.”
The result is a legend of Rotary. Slowly but surely, the company began to succeed and, within twenty years had become very successful and profitable.
In January 1943, Rotary decided to make The Four-Way Test a part of the Vocational Service ideal and, in 1954, Taylor turned over all rights to the test to Rotary.
Rotarians have always shown a deep interest in young people, the future of the world. Since 1952 there have been a number of Rotary programs to introduce The Four-Way Test to schoolchildren.
The Invitation
Rotary District 6450 and your local Rotary Club invite students in grades 6 through 8 to participate in our Four-Way Test Essay Contest. Rotarians around the world use the Four-Way Test to help guide us in the decisions we make, both personally and professionally.
This project has proven to be a valuable exercise for the Middle School students who participate. Students are asked to write a short essay on “How Can I Apply the Four-Way Test in My Life.” This contest serves several purposes including:
- Promoting good citizenship in the Middle Grades.
- Giving students an opportunity to excel in their school.
- Helping instill the Rotary philosophy of service and ethics into your school.
Rotarians feel that these essay contests are a valuable tool in the effort to stress ethical behavior in young people and would be “Beneficial to all concerned.”
As the twig is bent,
so grows the tree.
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Thomas Drake - Lockport
815-838-5000 (W)
The 4-Way Test
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?
08-09 DOWLOAD PACKETS:
4-Way Test Contest Packet (zip) --these are word docs.
4-Way Test Contest Packet (zip) --all are pdf docs.
Story applying the Four-Way Test written by a Dwight Rotarian..
Don`t forget to download the information and adapt it to your Rotary Club`s needs.
These documents require Adobe Reader Version 6 or 7.
Winners of the 2007-2008 Contest -
First Place - Amanda Crombie
sponsored by the Rotary Club of Channahon Minooka.
Secnd Place - Jacqueline Barsas sponsored by the Rotary Club of LaGrange
Third Place - Erica Arnold
sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hinsdale.
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