rotary four way test essay examples

We are People of Action, Would you like to be?

HOW THE FOUR-WAY TEST CAN IMPACT MY WORLD by: GAVIN STRAUSS

Gavin Strauss, 4-Way Essay Test Winner Bryan Elementary School, Lexington, NE Sponsored by: Lexington Rotary Club

How does a young boy know whether he is doing the right thing or making wise choices when no one is there to give him his answer? Beliefs and actions that support the truth, are fair to others, promote goodwill, and that are beneficial to those concerned are the questions considered within the Four-Way Test. I live on a farm in central Nebraska with my parents and two younger brothers. Though I must admit that I don’t directly ask myself these questions on a daily basis, I do feel that I have a solid personal understanding of the four-way test and how it should influence my life and the lives of other people. The best way to put the Four-Way Test to work is to start at home.

Truth is the first aspect of the Four-Way Test, and probably the most necessary for life. Living my days by telling the truth, according to God and the Bible has been very helpful to me. All kids in a lifetime cause mischief and make a bad choice or two as they learn. In a bad situation, the truth can always help a child ore than it can hurt. Growing up involves a lot of mistakes, and I have learned that telling the truth is the best policy even though I may still have to face consequences. When I am truthful, it sets a good example for my brothers and helps my parents to trust me more. I have always liked to keep a good reputation, so by being truthful, I can maintain a clean record.

Fairness is a familiar idea to kids. They use the term the most when they want to try to get their parent’s or someone’s approval. Living on a farm in the country with two brothers might sound like fun, but at times it is what I consider unfair. While I like our new house and the space I have to run and play, it is in a place too far from town to walk anywhere. I do not get to ride bikes and run around the neighborhood with friends like most of the other kids I know. The aspect of fairness also reminds me of the fact that fair does not always mean equal. My parents spend a lot of time reading with my 2nd grade brother because it is not easy for him. Reading is easy for me, so it is okay for it to be that way, because he needs the help more than I do.

Good will is helping others out when I know I will get nothing in return of it. When it recently snowed a foot, my neighbor who is older, needed help cleaning his driveway. He is not a farmer with all of the tractors and big blades and tools, so out of good will, my Grandpa offered to move the snow out of his way. I can’t drive a tractor, but I have offered good will to him before by walking over to visit or keep him company, or watch the eagles that nest in the trees near his house with him. It might not be much, but it is a way to pay it forward.

I understand that being selfless and making decisions that will benefit as many people as possible is important too. Living and working on a farm is hard work. In the summer, my Dad and Grandparents change water on hundreds of acres of gravity irrigate corn and beans every twelve hours. Now that I am getting older and stronger, I realize that it is my time to pitch in and help out just like my Dad did when he was my age. Even though the temperature may be hotter than blue blazes, and my friends may be at the pool in town, I need to think about how my work will be beneficial to our family and the world. When I help out, the work gets done faster and leaves time for things like going to the lake for a boat ride or going out for ice cream with my family. The benefits that go to our crops help them stay healthy and will pay off at harvest time, making more food for people and putting money in our pockets.

So what if the young boy, who is unsure of what he should do, applies the Four-Way Test as a guide to making his decisions? He will most likely stay out of trouble! He is also sure to set a positive example for others, help someone in need, and benefit the world by making it a better place. The Four-Way Test is a good way to live life in a world of choices. I am one young boy who will put this test to better use.

The second prize winner was Lydia Connell, sponsored by the Arnold Rotary Club. The third prize winner was Linda Kuku, sponsored by the Grand Island Sunrise Rotary Club. Both Lydia and Linda were unable to attend the conference.

Service in Action

Connect, partner, and serve through rotary, a creative look at the four-way test.

By Dennis Wong, Co-Founder of the Rotarian Action Group for Peace and member of the E-Club of World Peace

The Four-Way Test is Rotary’s unique approach and process to address conflicts, solve problems and make decisions to achieve desired outcomes. It can help us be more successful in reaching mutually beneficial, sustainable and scalable solutions.

The Four-Way Test has been a go-to for Rotary members when they have found themselves in difficult situations. With the Rotarian Code of Conduct, it is an ethical and effective guide for Rotary members to use for their personal and professional relationships. Furthermore, the concepts of conflict transformation embrace many of the Rotary principles. The Test is about fellowship, empathy, accountability and trust.

Conflict transformation is the process to transform conflict into constructive change without violence. It differs from conflict resolution and conflict management approaches by recognizing “contemporary conflicts require more than the reframing of positions and identification of win-win outcomes. The very structure of parties and relationships may be embedded in a pattern of conflictual relationships that extend beyond the particular site of conflict. Conflict transformation is a process of engaging with and transforming the relationships, interests, discourses and, if necessary, the very constitution of society that supports the continuation of violent conflict.” *

The Four-Way Test is not a rigid process.  Be creative and consider flipping the order of the four questions.  Below are ideas for using The Four-Way Test and conflict transformation concepts for constructive change without violence.

• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? FELLOWSHIP . Rotarians are known for being sociable and building relationships.   Ensure the process is civil and there’s a feeling of respect and openness to ask questions that can lead to creative and innovative solutions.  Discuss and agree on desired outcomes.
• Will it BENEFICIAL to all concerned? EMPATHY . Have an open mind and a curiosity for new ideas, novel applications and different point-of views. Consider many options and build on different ideas. Come to mutually beneficial solutions that are sustainable and scalable.
• Is it FAIR to all concerned? ACCOUNTABILITY . Keep in mind both the Golden Rule and the Platinum Rule. Identify and include all interested and affected parties. Try to understand the other point-of-views in the context of conflict and reaching shared goals.
• Is it the TRUTH? TRUST . From the Rotarian Code of Conduct, act with integrity and high ethical standards.   Acknowledge and define the problem including the root causes. Collect information and apply critical thinking by asking questions to identify the difference between facts, beliefs, assumptions and opinions. Moreover, be a trusted problem solver.

The Four-Way Test is an adaptive process. It takes into account everyone’s’ point-of-view and concerns, as well as their needs and wants. The process is designed to build goodwill and earn trust so a particular end result is mutually beneficial, sustainable and has scalable outcomes.

I encourage you to consider using The Four-Way Test to address conflicts or work towards conflict transformation in your community. Please contact me for more information, as well as your comments.

* Hugh Miall, Conflict Transformation: A Multi-Dimensional Task

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

12 thoughts on “ A creative look at the Four-Way Test ”

Rotary international bright and build future organization of people’s of community development,,rotary international one platform in the world,to make and support local community development and provided all benefit,poor families and communities

Yes, I agree. Our core principles – The Four-Way Test and Rotarian Code of Conduct – provides Rotary and Rotarians with the agency to help those with special needs and to improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world.

Eye opening and useful approach.

Thank You for your comments. Yes, the Four-Way Test is a useful approach that is flexible and adaptable depending on the participants and situation. In all case the stronger the fellowship and trust, the better the odds for solutions beneficial to all concerned.

This article is thought provoking and sensible. I am a PhD student and my topic is the 21st century service club. I have been looking at ways to make Rotary relevant to younger generations and this is exactly the refreshing approach, flexible and adaptable, which will be helpful in doing that

Great topic I would love to know your hypothesis and your outcomes. I am currently a District Governor Elect of Rotary in Sydney Australia I can be reached on [email protected]

Hello Gil, did you know I retired June 30? Would be very interested to know if you finished your project and read a copy. As most clubs we are struggling to get and keep members – just lost 3 couples, 2 moved south and 1 due to ill health!!! But on a positive note had 2 past members rejoin. Hope you’re well, as we are Jenny Peters

One needs to build a relationship with the other person prior to discussing a possible controversial topic. The first three questions do this with empathy, accountability and I would also add respect. Then when you know each other, you can have a pleasant discussion on “Is it the Truth”?

Great! I would like to know how to apply this when opening an online store.

Amedu. The Four-Way Test can be used for solve problems. Here’s a business adage… A business is one that solves customer problems profitably.. Thus … will your online store provide the products and services beneficial to all concerned, that is your customer and you? For retention and word of mouth … consider how you might build goodwill and better friendships. All the best in your business venture.

This is a very good article and it underscores the importance of the 4-Way Test as an ethical guide. I am concerned about the fact that clubs are adding to the 4-Way Test, with things like “is it fun” or “is it sustainable”? I think these additions dilute the power of the 4-Way Test, which when practiced does not always require “fun” or “sustainability.” These additions are useful when considering fellowship or investments in projects, but I do not think they constitute an ethical basis for thoughts, words, and actions.

The 4way Test is a scientific hypothesis of social wok

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar