During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotarian discussions, awards to community projects and helping fund a vocational education to post-secondary students.
Vocational Service focuses on:
  • Rotarians conducting themselves, their business or profession in accordance with Rotary’s high ethical standards and practices.
  • Promoting, fostering and supporting the ideal of service in the pursuit of ALL vocations. using the highest ethical standards and fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
  • As Rotarians, we are expected to take every opportunity to promote vocational excellence by example and by service to others.
 
Here are some activities to consider during Vocational Service Month:
  • Devote a meeting in January to examine Vocational Service. Cover The Four-Way Test and The Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions. After expanding members' awareness, solicit their ideas for planning service projects for the rest of the year.
  • Have a program on The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona. This is Arizona’s unique vocational service program that was created by Arizona Rotarians; is run by Arizona Rotarians; is funded by Arizona Rotarians and all award decisions are made by Arizona Rotary Clubs after interviewing eligible applicants.
 
Your support and your club’s sponsorship interview provides applicants:
– a vocational education
– a sustainable pathway to a more productive life
– financial independence
– a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their dependents
– a way out of the cycle of poverty
 
  • Introduce a “Member’s Vocation Minute” series in which each member gives a two-to-four minute talk on his or her vocation. Schedule one speaker for the beginning of each meeting. Always remember to schedule new members soon after their induction into the club. The purpose of these talks is to promote vocational awareness among club members and help them recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations.
  • Set up an annual Vocational Service Award for a person or business in the community who has exemplified outstanding professional achievement while maintaining very high ethical standards. Provide press coverage.
  • Keep in mind Paul Harris’ words, “Each Rotarian is a connecting link between the idealism of Rotary and his trade or profession.” In our world’s environment of change and growth, Rotarians provide a model for “Service Above Self,” both through personal commitment to exemplify high ethical standards and through their commitment to help others prepare for fulfilling careers.
 
Happy Vocational Service Month to All!
 
Your Vocational Service Team
PDG Danny Messersmith, 2017-18 Chair
928-715-0579