Avenues of Service - Vocational Service
Vocational Service 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.
Be sure to check out the sample Vocational Services projects listed at the link on the left.
New Vocational Service publication now available
An Introduction to Vocational Service is a new publication that provides information on vocational service, focusing on the importance of classification and ethics. It includes recommended project ideas and resources to help Rotarians promote vocational service in their club or district. Download it here, or purchase hard copies at shop.rotary.org.
October is Rotary Vocational Service Month
During October, 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 to community projects. Here are some ideas how your club can promote Vocational Services not only in October, but throughout the year:
- Devote the first meeting in October to examining 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 October 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. Volunteer opportunities are available on ProjectLINK, a valuable resource that lists many vocational projects that clubs and districts can also choose to support financially or with donated goods. ProjectLINK also includes examples of successful vocational service projects that Rotary clubs can model as they plan their own activities (www.rotary.org/projectlink )
Goodwill Industries International® and Rotary International are working together to help people find and keep good jobs
Rotary clubs across North America have already partnered with Goodwill® organizations to support job training and placement programs for people with disabilities and those having a difficult time finding employment. Leveraging the vocational skills and abilities of Rotarians, these programs have opened job opportunities for thousands of people. You can help support these efforts by sharing the attached fact sheet with Rotary clubs in your district and encouraging them to work with Goodwill organizations in their communities.
We appreciate your assistance and support for efforts to eliminate challenges to employment worldwide. For more information, visit www.rotary.org or contact RI staff at vocationalservice@rotary.org.
This Vocational Service Tool Kit, created by District 5230, is designed to assist you in the important task of guiding Rotarians to appreciate the link between the ideals of Rotay and their professions or trades.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE CHAIR
Marshall Rudolph
Rotary Club of Bishop Sunrise