The Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions was adopted by the Rotary International Council on Legislation in 1989 to provide more specific guidelines for the high ethical standards called for in the Object of Rotary.

As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to:

Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve;

Be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country, and to the moral standards of my community;

Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation;

Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public, and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship;

Recognize the honor and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;

Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community;

Adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to the public concerning my business or profession;

Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.

What is the list of Rotary classifications?

Due to the ever-changing landscape of professional work and the unique commercial environments in which Rotary clubs are located , Rotary no longer keeps a standard list of classifications on file. Clubs are encouraged to create their own classification lists by using their local Yellow Pages, chamber of commerce, or other business directories. Classifications aren’t rigid and can reflect the many different types of professions and positions that exist in industries. One example would be the classification of lawyer/barrister; this standard classification can be broken down into criminal law, tax law, or intellectual property law.

What Classifications apply to someone in public office?

Potential members currently in public office may be allowed to join a Rotary club if they hold a classification unrelated to their office.

According to the RI Constitution, Section 7: “Persons elected or appointed to public office for a specified time shall not be eligible to active membership in this club under the classification of such office. This restriction shall not apply to persons holding positions or offices in schools, colleges, or other institutions of learning or to persons who are elected or appointed to the judiciary. Members who are elected or appointed to public office for a specified period may continue as such members in their existing classifications during the period in which they hold such office.”

The occupational codes, and how they differ from classifications

The occupational codes were created some years ago in the event that Rotary found reason to research the industries represented in its membership. These industries are also used when determining the makeup of RI committees. These broad industry titles should in no way be confused with classifications. Rotary International no longer tracks occupational codes.