January is Rotary’s vocational service Month. Rotary’s belief is that our vocations can provide the basis of service. Essentially, whatever your vocation, you serve as Rotary’s Ambassador to that vocation and to the community at large. You also serve as an Ambassador of your vocation to Rotary.
All Rotarians are familiar with the Four Way Test, but we likely aren’t as familiar with the Rotarian code of conduct, which says:
As a Rotarian, I will
1) Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life;
2) Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect;
3) Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs,
and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world;
4) Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.
Apart from conducting our businesses and our lives according to the ideals of Rotary, there are many ways that you can participate in vocational service. You could join a Rotary Action Group or a Rotary Fellowship, both through rotary.org. You could participate in a vocation-related Rotary Friendship Exchange, or you could participate in a Vocational Training Team (VTT).
If you wish to become more involved in vocational service through Rotary, I suggest that you can check out rotaryserviceblog.org for ideas and information.