January is Vocational Service month for Rotary. Vocational Service is one of the five Avenues of Service identified by Rotary International but is seldom discussed or acted on.
Vocational Service has its roots in The Object of Rotary. Here are some excerpts from a Rotary document on Vocational Service that explains how there is the connection between the two.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
- First – The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
- Second – High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
- Third – The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
- Fourth – The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Concept Of Vocational Service
The Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the second object, which calls on Rotarians to encourage and foster:
- High ethical standards in business and professions
- The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
- The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society
As a Rotarian, how can you put these ideals into action? Consider these suggestions:
- Talk about your profession in your club and take time to learn about fellow members’ occupations.
- Use your skills and expertise to serve a community.
- Practice your profession with integrity and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions.
- Help young people achieve their career goals.
- Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
By undertaking these activities, you bring vocational service to life. Vocational service is the essence of Rotary and serves as the foundation from which we serve our communities around the world.”Vocational Service can involve many aspects of what we as Rotarians can do to make positive changes within our communities, in our clubs and in ourselves. What are you going to do to weave Vocational Service not only into January but throughout the year?
