Vocational Service Corner
Vocational Service is the Second Avenue of Service and focuses on:
- Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
- The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians.
- The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Discussions on vocational service can lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents within their communities. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotary discussions to awards for community projects.
The following are some suggested activities to undertake during Vocational Service Month:
- Devote a meeting in January to examine the second Avenue of Service, including The Four-Way Test and The Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions. After expanding members' awareness, solicit their input in planning projects for the remainder of the year.
- Introduce a "mini-classifications talk" series in which each member gives a five-minute talk on his or her vocation. Schedule one speaker for the beginning of each meeting until everyone has made a presentation. The purpose of these talks is to promote vocational awareness among Rotarians and help them recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations.
- Present a vocational award to someone in the community who has exemplified outstanding professional achievement while maintaining very high ethical standards. Promote the presentation within the community, and consider making it an annual event.
- Invite experts to give a presentation on the vocational needs of the community and develop a project in response to those needs. Possible projects could focus on developing character, providing career information to youth, mentoring small businesses, or organizing workshops that provide employees with new skills.
- Encourage club members to put their vocational skills to work as a Rotary Volunteer.
Additional information:
Rotary International provides the following resource material and is available directly from the RI website at rotary.org
- The Vocational Service in Action Brochure provides an excellent overview (hyperlink to RI Brochure)
- You can also sign up for a regular email newsletter on vocational service topics at rotary.org/newsletter or read the Rotary Service blog at rotaryserviceblog.org
Tony Sheard former District Vocational Chair coordinated the production of the original ideas list of potential vocational service activities for District 6330 and this has been recently updated by Tony ready for the 2018 District Training Assembly.
If anyone has any queries or would like further information, contact Tony at tony.sheard@gmail.com