October is Vocational Service Month

Posted 
on Oct 01, 2013
 

Vocational Service:  One of Rotary's Founding Principles

Rotary was first started as a Club based on vocations. This continues today. This month is a great time to celebrate, explore, understand the vocations of our Club members, and to explore the possibilities of membership from other vocational groups in our community.  Promoting integrity through ethical behavior is an essential part of what it means to be a Rotarian.  The Four-Way Test provides a road map for ethical behavior in the workpalce and other areas of life:   

THE FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do:

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

CLICK ABOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOCATIONAL SERVICE

 
What is vocational service? 

If you are an active, engaged Rotarian, you probably view vocational service as a way of life, even if you find it difficult to articulate a clear definition. 

The Concept of Vocational Sevice
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 vocation in your club, and take time to learn about fellow members’ vocations.
      • Use your professional skills to serve a community.
      • Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through your own words and actions.
      • Help a young person achieve his or her career aspirations.
      • Guide and encourage others in their professional development.

If you do any of these things, you are performing vocational service. And if vocational service motivates and energizes you, then you’re in the right place, because vocational service is the very essence of Rotary. It is what sets Rotary apart from other service organizations.