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Paul Harris wrote: “Each Rotarian is a connecting link between the idealism of Rotary and their trade or profession.”
Vocational Service calls every Rotarian to:
- Aspire to high ethical standards in their occupation;
- Recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations, and;
- Contribute their vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.
As a Rotarian, what can you do to put these ideas into action?
- 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.
Here are six ways you can incorporate vocational service in your club activities:
- Host a club meeting at your workplace and share about your profession; take time to learn about fellow members’ occupations. Have a “Vocational Minute” for Members at Club Meetings.
- 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. Display the Four-Way Test.
- Work with local businesses to create mentorship, internship, or practicum opportunities to help young people achieve their career goals. Create a Job-Shadow Project.
- Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
- Bring the Four-Way Test to the forefront of club activities and projects.
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
THE HISTORY OF THE FOUR-WAY TEST
The Four-Way Test was conceived in 1932 by businessman Herbert J. Taylor, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA, who served as Rotary International President in 1954-55. Having taken on the task of saving a company from bankruptcy, Taylor developed the test as an ethical guide to follow in all business matters. The company’s survival was credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary International in 1934, The Four-Way Test remains an essential standard against which Rotarians measure ethical behavior. It has been translated into dozens of languages and promoted by Rotarians worldwide.
Ideas for Vocational Service Projects:
- Hold a Four-Way Test Essay or Speech Contest with School Students
- Create a Veteran Scholarship
- Institute a Leadership Program for High School Students
- Have members share their professions with Craft Talks or a Vocational Minute
- Acknowledge Community Business Leaders at Club Meetings
- Create or be involved in local small business seminars
- Encourage students and educate them in the Trades
- Have club members teach Junior Achievement
- Recognize local Police and Fire Fighters for their Public Service
- Create a Scholarship Program for Graduating Seniors
- Mentor Youth-at-Risk
- Sponsor RYLA
- Participate in Job Shadowing or Career Days at Local Schools
- “Rotary Means Business” Allow members to network and promote their businesses
- Honor Veterans at your club meeting or a special event
- Invite experts to give a presentation on the vocational needs of the community
- Have “Vocational Days” at Club Meetings, highlighting various industries
- Distribute Dictionaries to Elementary School Children
- Sponsor Service Dog Training
- Join the Local Chamber and participate in their events
Be sure Vocational Committee has RI Document: https://my.rotary.org/en/document/introduction-vocational-service