Vocational Service is a little different than other Avenues of Service, and really just sets a professional and vocational ethical standard for Rotarians. It recognizes that Rotarians provide an important form of service simply by living out their vocational ethics and standards every day in their work. As a Rotarian, you can think of yourself as an "ambassador" from your profession to Rotary, and likewise as an ambassador from Rotary to your profession. Rotarians, as leaders, are also expected to share their vocational skills and expertise with others for the benefit of society, represent Rotary principles, and inspire others to provide service.

The club's "Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions" sets forth the specific principles of this Avenue of Service. This document includes certain expectations for Rotarians engaged in a business or profession, including:

• Be faithful to the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country, and to the moral standards of my community;
• Do all in my power to dignify my vocation;
• Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public, and all others with whom I have a business or professional relationship;
• Recognize the honor and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;
• Offer my vocational talents to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community;
• Adhere to honesty in my business advertising and representations;
• Neither seeks from nor grants to a fellow Rotarian any special advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship.

 

Vocational Service is primarily an expectation and responsibility of individual Rotarians in their everyday lives, rather than a specific activity. There is a Vocational Service Committee, and every other year Rotarians are able to discuss their respective vocations at the club's Gen. Elmus Ussery Trade Expo. The next Trade Expo is actually coming up March 1...if you have an interest, let the Rotary Office know and they will be glad to set you up!