More than 160 high school juniors from across Dane County gathered for the Rotary Club of Madison’s 2026 Rotary Ethics Symposium, where students explored real-world ethical dilemmas and learned a practical framework for making thoughtful decisions.
Through interactive performances, small-group discussions, and student-led sessions, participants examined challenging issues and helpful solutions that young people face in every-day life. Read more to discover how this unique program is helping shape the next generation of ethical leaders.
Students in 11th grade from eighteen Dane County high schools participated in the Rotary Club of Madison’s Rotary Ethics Symposium on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The Symposium began with an Opening Session led by three members of the Madison East High School Interact Club, who introduced students to the R-O-T-A-R-Y Framework for Ethical Decision-Making using an “ethical decision-making cube.”
The First Wave Hip Hop Theater Ensemble from UW-Madison presented an ethical dilemma related to “questioning authority” which the high school juniors discussed using the R-O-T-A-R-Y framework. R-O-T-A-R-Y stands for:
- Recognize an ethical issue
- Obtain information about the situation and others interests and perspectives
- Test alternatives actions from various ethical perspectives
- Act consistently with your best judgment
- Reflect on your decision after acting
- Yield to your ethical judgments
During three Small Group Discussion Sessions, students used the R-O-T-A-R-Y framework to discuss ethical issues presented in three case studies. The case studies—“Hostile Messages,” “AI Partner,” and “Summer Youth Employment Proposal”—were created and selected by the Madison East Interact Club and Rotarians.
The Closing Session included an “open mike” during which students reflected on their experience. The students overwhelmingly stated that they believed the R-O-T-A-R-Y would be useful ethical issues in their personal lives as well as in address school, community, national, and world issues.
When asked to share their perspective from the day, here is what some students said:
“It was beneficial to open our perspectives and allow us to analyze situations in a new light.”
“I learned to think outside of the box.”
“This event is something all highschoolers should attend.”
The Symposium concluded with a challenge to put “ethics in action” in their schools and to consider serving as leaders of the next Rotary Ethics Symposium.
More than 60 Rotarians volunteered in planning and implementing the Rotary Ethics Symposium. Greg Zacharsky and Bob Shumaker are Co-Chairs of the Rotary Ethics Symposium Committee.
Bob Shumaker is also Chair of the District 6250 Ethics Initiative Committee is available to assist other clubs with ethics related programs for youth and/or to speak at Rotary Club meetings. His phone number is 606-283-5602 and his email address is res@dewitllp.com