Lessons in Ethics

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KIHEI - Rotarians in Kihei are using an activity book developed by a Mainland Rotarian to teach Kihei 2nd-graders about the tenets of Rotary ethics - truth, fairness, friendship and community good.

"Ethics is nowhere in a curriculum" in the public school system, said Joanne Laird, president of the Kihei Sunrise Rotary Club, which offers the ethics and character lessons. "We felt that it was an opportunity."

Kihei Sunrise Rotarians are conveying Rotary's universal values through the "Andy and Elmer Apple Dumpling Adventure" activity and coloring book written by Andrew J. Shoup of the Fairborn Rotary Club in Ohio. The Maui club purchased and distributed 360 copies of the book, which cost the club about $800, to 2nd-graders at Kamalii and Kihei elementary schools.

Two club members with educational backgrounds have developed lesson plans for the three visits planned by Rotarians to the 2nd-grade classrooms. The first visit was held earlier this month at both schools.

Shoup wrote the children's book as a way to share the Rotary Four-Way Test with children. In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics adopted by Rotary 11 years later, according to the Rotary International Web site.

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks, "Of the things we think, say or do:

* "Is it the truth?"

* "Is it fair to all concerned?"

* "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?"

* "Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

Rotarians plan to go into the classrooms and use the activity/coloring book as an instructional tool in lessons on how to use the Rotary Four-Way Test to make positive decisions. Students watch a video of the "Andy and Elmer Apple Dumpling Adventure" as well.

Five Rotary Club of Kihei Sunrise members served as "teachers" to present the first 30-minute interactive lesson to the 2nd-graders at both schools earlier this month. Laird wrote the first lesson. Youth Service Chairwoman Joanne Doell wrote the next two lessons to be presented Nov. 4 and Dec. 16 at Kamalii, and Nov. 5 and Dec. 17 at Kihei. Both Laird and Doell are retired educators.

"Our club listed the keiki of Kihei as one of our leading priorities for this Rotary year," said Laird in a news release. "Offering this activity makes a positive connection between these children and the Rotarians from our Kihei community."

She indicated society could use a dose of proper ethics.

"You look at television . . . movies; things are not right," said Laird, adding that as Rotarians "we need to model" proper ethical behavior.

The Rotarians were welcome at both schools. Club members have been donating dictionaries to 4th-graders for several years and have volunteered in programs such as Read Aloud America.

"They know us. We are known entities," said Laird. "We are like their aunties and uncles."

The Rotary Club of Kihei Sunrise, one of nine clubs on Maui, meets Wednesday mornings at 7:30 at the Five Palms Restaurant in the Mana Kai Maui Resort. For more club information, call Laird at 757-0981 or see Web site www.kiheirotary.org.

* Lee Imada can be reached at leeimada@mauinews.com.