The Object of Rotary was first formulated in 1910 and adapted through the years as Rotary's mission expanded. It provides a succinct definition of the organization's purpose as well as the club member's responsibilities.

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster :

• The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service ;
   
• High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society ;
   
• The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life ;
   
• The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.