A Rotary-inspired framework to design, rate, and grow high-impact projects—grounded in truth, fairness, peace, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The 4-7-8-17 Global Success Program

The 4-7-8-17 Global Success Program helps Rotary clubs, schools, and community partners design projects that pass the Four-Way Test, align with Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus, advance the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace, and support the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Is it the TRUTH?

The Four-Way Test at the Heart of 4-7-8-17

In 1932, businessman and Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor inherited a bankrupt cookware company and decided to rebuild it on one simple idea: “In right there is might.” He wrote four short questions to test every decision—about products, advertising, and relationships. Over time, those questions rescued the company and became one of the world’s best-known statements of business ethics: the Rotary Four-Way Test.

Decades later, Rotarians like Steve Bender have adopted the Four-Way Test not just for business, but for everyday life—welcoming partners and clients into a culture built on trust, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit.

What is 4-7-8-17?

4 – The Four-Way Test

Every 4-7-8-17 project must pass the Four-Way Test—our ethical compass for everything we think, say, or do.

7 – Rotary Areas of Focus

We align projects with at least one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus—from peace and conflict prevention to clean water and education.

8 – Pillars of Positive Peace

We look at the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace—like good governance, equitable distribution of resources, and free flow of information—to strengthen long-term stability.

17 – UN Sustainable Development Goals

We map each project to one or more of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to measure global impact.

The Panama Project – Our First Living 4-7-8-17 Showcase

The Panama Project in Bocas del Toro is our first full 4-7-8-17 “living laboratory.” Built as part of the 7 Seas Initiative, it demonstrates how one integrated model can deliver environmental, educational, health, and economic benefits for coastal communities.

This project uses the 4-7-8-17 banner to light up every way it creates impact—from Rotary Areas of Focus to the UN SDGs.

Coral and mangrove reforestation
Turtle protection and marine conservation
Solar innovation and clean energy pilots
Education & health programs for local families
Local business and community development

Democracy in a Box – Conversations for Peace & Sustainability

Democracy in a Box uses Rotarian principles and the 4-7-8-17 framework to improve quality of life by helping people have better conversations about democracy, peace, and sustainability.

Use AI to See Which Boxes Your Project Checks

Our 4-7-8-17 AI Navigator helps you quickly map your project to the Four-Way Test, Rotary’s Areas of Focus, the Pillars of Positive Peace, and the UN SDGs. Just describe your idea and see which “boxes” light up—then use human wisdom and the Four-Way Test to refine it.