Classification Principle

"Rotary is so simple that many people do not understand it,
and some even misunderstand it.
Rotary is not a philosophy...
not an all-embracing world point of view which answers every question...
and satisfies all the dictates of the heart and mind.
Rotary is merely an association of business
and professional men united in the ideal of service."
– 1937-38 R.I. President Maurice Duperrey

When a lawyer named Paul Harris, a coal dealer, a mining engineer, and a merchant tailor first met in l905 in Chicago, they gave birth to Rotary and, by the nature of their diverse occupations, to the association’s most distinctive feature – the classification principle.

Last Monday, the new members had their Classification Talk during the weekly RCDE meeting. It was such an animated and interesting episode in which the new members presented to the club their personal profile, business and professional service, who sponsored them, why they joined the Rotary, what can they offer to the club and what do they expect in joining RCDE.

What is exactly is the Classification for?

According to the ABC’s of Rotary, virtually all membership in Rotary is based upon a "classification." Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognized business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society.
The principle of Rotary classification is somewhat more specific and precise. In determining the classification of a Rotarian it is necessary to look at the "principal or recognized business or professional activity of the firm, company or institution" with which an active member is connected or "that which covers his principal and recognized business or professional activity."

It should be clearly understood that classifications are determined by activities or services to society rather than by the position held by a particular individual. In other words, if a person is the manager of a bank, he or she is not classified as "bank manager" but under the classification "banking."

The goal is professional diversity, which enlivens the club’s social atmosphere and provides a rich resource of occupational expertise to carry out service projects and provide club leadership.