Vocational Service


n recent years, Vocational Service has become the “poor relation” in Rotary activities within District 1160. Following the decision for 2011‑2012 to acknowledge Vocational service as a separate Chair, it is hoped that a clearer focus can now be brought to this important aspect of our ability to provide Service.


Membership of Rotary is based on a memberʼs profession or vocation with each club striving to create a microcosm of its communityʼs business and professional world. This unique feature provides the source for Rotaryʼs historic commitment to Vocational Service, the second of Rotaryʼs five Avenues of Service. Through Vocational Service, Rotarians are expected to


(a) adhere to and promote high ethical standards in all their business dealings;


(b) recognise the worthiness of all useful occupations; and (c) contribute their professional expertise and skills to address societal problems and needs.


Each club should develop projects, which allow members to use their business and professional skills. Members are expected to contribute to these projects and to conduct their own business dealings at all times in accordance with Rotary principles. The Rotary motto is “Service above Self” and promotion of Vocational Service will enable us to get away from being cheque‑book Rotarians and to use our vocational and professional skills and, more importantly, our time to make a contribution to the well‑being of the society in which we live and work.


Historically, Rotarians have promoted the practice of high ethical standards as part of their commitment to Vocational Service. Two tools, developed by Rotarians – the Four Way Test and the Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions – provide a road‑map for practicing ethical behaviour in the workplace and other areas of life.


The Four Way Test: The Four Way Test was conceived in 1932 by Herbert Taylor, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago who served as President of Rotary International in 1954 – 1955.


Having been assigned the task of saving a company from bankruptcy,


Taylor developed the test as an ethical guide to follow in all business matters. The Companyʼs 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 behaviour: Of the things we think, say or do:


1. is it the truth?; 2. is it fair to all concerned?;


3. will it build goodwill and better friendships?; 4. will it be beneficial to all concerned?;


Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions: This Declaration was adopted by the 1989 Council on Legislation as a means of more clearly defining the high ethical standards called for in the Objects of Rotary. It provides a framework for ethical behaviour which all Rotarians can use, together with the Four Way Test in their business and professional activities:


Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions: As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to: 1. consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve; 2. be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country and to the moral standards of my community;


3. do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation; 4. be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship;


5. recognise the honour and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;


6. offer my vocational talents to


(a) provide opportunities for young people; (b) work for the relief of the special needs of others; and (c) improve the quality of life of my community;


5


Eamonn O Raghallaigh


Vocational Servicew is Cinderella no more I


7. adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to the public concerning my business or profession; 8. neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded to others in a business or professional relationship.


Rotarians can use their standing as business leaders and respected members of all professions to promote and advance high ethical standards by setting a positive example among employees, associates and the community in general


Three keys to ensuring ethical behaviour in the workplace: Ethical business practices depend on three (3) things: Using honest language; ‑ use your power of language to make a clear statement of your ethical position Insisting on proper behaviour – make ethical practices a standard component of your employeesʼ performance expectations to help them develop;


Refusing to allow for “grey areas” in relation to communications – establish a clear, strong, unwavering voice for doing the right thing;


Classification and Vocational Service go hand in hand – just as a Rotarian represents his vocation in Rotary, so too does he represent Rotary in his vocation;


Classification talks are a great way to promote vocational awareness in your club.


Classification talks may also serve as a starting point for initiating club projects which help young people and the unemployed develop marketable skills.


Organising tours of membersʼ workplaces is another way to recognise the value of each memberʼs vocation.


How can Clubs Promote Rotaryʼs commitment to high ethical standards?


• Post the Four Way Test on a prominent bill‑board in your community; • Display the Four Way Test and\or the Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions in your office or your workspace;


• Sponsor an essay competition in which participants describe how they can apply the Four Way Test to their lives;


• Organise a discussion or group workshop on maintaining high ethical standards in the workplace and consider inviting local non‑Rotarian business leaders to attend;


How can Clubs Recognise and promote the value of all useful occupations:


• Make classification talks and visits to membersʼ businesses a standard component of your clubʼs programme;


• Club members can join or form a Rotary Fellowship related to your vocation. Rotary Fellowships are international associations of Rotarians, Rotarian Spouses and Rotaractors who join together to pursue a shared recreational or vocational interest.


How can Clubs Support Professional Development: • Encourage club members to join and take leadership roles in business and vocational associations;


• Sponsor a seminar for small business entrepreneurs and invite members of the community to participate;


• Hold informal professional networking events where members can meet other local professionals and introduce them to Rotary.


How can Clubs Members Volunteer their Vocation: • Mentor a young person. Share your knowledge, skills and values to help prepare your mentee to succeed in his or her academic and vocational pursuits.


If you would like further information on Vocational Service within District 1160 or within your Club, please contact me – eamonn.oraghallaigh@pgl.ie


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