Rebecca MacPherson - District Governor October 2012 Message
Rotary explains this avenue of service this way:
"Through the Avenue of Vocational Service, Rotarians contribute their
professional expertise and skills to address social problems and needs, promote
high ethical standards in the workplace, support career planning and other
vocational activities, and represent the dignity and value of their profession."
Through vocational service, Rotarians are expected
to adhere to and promote high ethical standards in all their business dealings,
recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations, and contribute their
professional expertise and skills to make a difference in our world.
In 1905, our founder, Paul Harris, was lonely for friends
in the big city of
Rotary was a place where business was discussed,
where ideas were shared and where Rotarians helped one another to have
profitable and successful ventures. Vocational Service was really one of the
most important aspects of Rotary service.
So, if vocational service is part of the foundation
of Rotary, why did I not even know what it was? Maybe, it was because over the
years things have changed and we no longer discuss our businesses and
professions in our clubs.
But think about this: consider all the vocations
that are represented in your club. Now think about all the vocations that are
represented in District 5040. Now add all the various vocations represented in
the entire world of Rotary. Think of all the good we could do if we each used
our vocation as an opportunity for service.
As Rotarians we all know The Four-Way
Test and hopefully we all try to live up to what it says. I wonder how many
of us know the ‘Declaration
of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions”? Both provide a road map for practicing
ethical behavior in the workplace and other areas of life.
So, looking back to when I was a Club President I
realize there were many ways I could have helped my club to give some focus and
energy to Vocational Service.
I would ask one of my fellow Rotarians to be my
Vocational Service Chair. I would ask that person to develop and oversee a Vocational
Service Program.
That program might include
·
An
award for local businesses and merchants who demonstrate high ethical standards
and community support through their business activities.
·
It
could include a project that would spotlight the Four Way Test, and make it
relevant to current events in the community and my club.
·
Perhaps
we could also assist the local schools with “career day” activities, mentor
students or young professionals, and give vocational scholarships to graduating
seniors.
·
Hold
one meeting each quarter at the place of business of one of my fellow Rotarians
and celebrate the service that person provides for their clients or customers.
·
Ask
for Rotarians in your club to give programs about their careers and accomplishments
in their professional lives. I would encourage them to talk about their
business and profession. Some of our best programs are sitting right across the
table from us at our meetings!
·
Showcase
the ability of members to network with each other in their jobs to enhance our
service to the community. Networking is a key element of Vocational Service,
and may be a piece of the puzzle to attracting new members to our clubs.
So, I highly recommend that you give some added
emphasis to how your club can improve its projects and programs in the avenue
of Vocational Service. You will probably find that your club already has individual
projects or activities that are part of Vocational Service without you
realizing it.
Possibly with a little work you can undertake other
activities and projects that add balance to your club’s service to the
community, and to the world. In this process your club will become more attractive
to new members while at the same time revitalizing one of the fundamental
elements of Rotary: Vocational Service!
To learn more about Vocational Service click
here
Rebecca