Ideas for Vocational Service Month

Vocational Service may be the least likely area of Rotary service to be addressed by clubs throughout the world, but should be one of the most important, especially in today’s current economy! 

Vocational Service in Rotary is all about:

·         Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.

·         Recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those pursued by Rotarians.

·         The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.

To anticipation of Vocational Service Month, St. George’s Red Rock and Dixie Sunrise Rotary clubs partnered with the Volunteer Center of Washington County, Utah Department of Workforce Services and the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce for a free 55+ Job Fair / Community Expo.  On September 12, approximately 30 employers and dozens of non-profit agencies met with older jobseekers each with years of experience and qualifications, a strong work ethic and a desire to re-join the workforce.

Need ideas for Vocational Service projects?  Check out these suggestions:

1.     Like the Red Rock and Dixie Sunrise Rotary Clubs, organize a career fair at one or more local high schools in the spring or a job fair for unemployed residents - including seniors - anytime during the year in your community.

2.     Sponsor a 4-Way Test Essay or Speech competition for a specific age group of young people (e.g., middle schoolers, high school)

3.     Help Rotaract or Interactors develop effective resumes and interview skills.

4.     Schedule four or more meetings during the Rotary year dedicated to some aspect of vocational service.

5.     Invite new or longtime Rotarians in your club to give a classification talk with an emphasis on their career / employment.

6.     Give an award recognizing the importance of high ethical standards and public values to honor an individual who exemplifies such traits (e.g., local businesses, unsung heroes in the community, pride of workmanship award, best human resource workplace practices, best customer service or a Business of the Year award)

7.     Provide a copy of The Four- Way Test and the Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions to all new club members as they join the club.

8.     Post the 4-Way Test on a prominent billboard in your community.

9.     Conduct a RYLA event with special emphasis on ethics.

10.  Develop a district job bank and encourage your members to post available jobs.

11.  Start a career counseling program geared towards equipping unemployed or underemployed members with the skills they need to compete in the job market.

12.  Share your own vocational skills in your community.

13.  Teach or strengthen adult literacy / numeracy skills among those in your community.

14.  Provide employment assistance / professional development to disabled, retirees or the chronically unemployed.

15.  Organize at least one professional networking event in which club members can meet other local professionals and introduce them to Rotary.

16.  Sponsor a day in when club members bring young people to their places of business to job shadow and to inform them about career opportunities.