District Governor’s Newsletter

Josephson Institute is in the midst of a major project with Rotary International to enhance the character-building and ethical decision-making aspects of its high school leadership program called the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA.

Rotary is not the only fine service organization that positively influences society, but one program feature I especially admire is its rigorous and vigorous commitment to high ethical standards and service above self.

Rotarians are encouraged to use a decision-making guide called The Four-Way Test that directs them to think, speak, and act in a manner that promotes truthfulness, fairness, goodwill and strong friendships, and making decisions that benefit all concerned.

The universal appeal of this moral foundation is demonstrated by Rotary’s growth from a small club in Chicago to a huge global enterprise with more than a million members.

Membership in an organization with lofty deals won’t assure consistent adherence to stated values, however. Noble rhetoric and good intentions aren’t always enough to overcome the fears, temptations, and rationalizations that can divert us from the path of virtue.

Still, The Four-Way Test is a powerful foundation for a better society, and it’s impressive that Rotary’s ardent advocacy of service and ethics has resonated around the world with so many men and women in business and the professions. Most people really do want to live a worthy life of virtue.

As we struggle to cope with the horrendous results of a less honorable approach to business by far too many executives and politicians, it may be helpful to teach and advocate Rotary’s simple prescription: Be honest, fair, and concerned with the well-being of all concerned.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.