January is Vocational Service Month

 

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:

1^st. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

2^nd. 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;

3^rd. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

4^th. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of 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 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.