Vocational Service is a fitting theme for the first month of the year, since it is really what Rotary was founded on: the second object of Rotary, which calls on Rotarians to encourage and foster:
- High ethical standards in business and professions
- The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
- The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society
Clubs can connect to this monthly theme by creating programs rooted in members’ occupations and club service, as well as reaching out to members of the community and mentorship. Here are just some ideas; see how many others you can come up with in your own clubs.
- Create an evening event to share members’ expertise with the community on various of entrepreneurships. Invite guests who are interested in starting businesses to benefit from the experience of your members on various topics such as accounting, sales, marketing, etc.
- Plan a career night with the high school(s) in your area and invite Interact members to share the planning with you. Highlight the areas your members are active in, and help students understand what the realities of those positions are today. You can also help them understand how to build a resume, approach an interview, and do follow up.
- Invite speakers from different and vocations to speak at your club. Be sure to
advertise these in your social media to bring in more guests. Some examples might be a Bat Man (local bat remover), brewery owner, farmer, beekeeper, landscaper, author, tradeshow organizer… who do you know?
- Encourage members to do classification-style talks about their business, if your club has not been doing those. This is a great way to get to know new members.
- Honor businesses or professionals in your community who demonstrate high ethical standards.
- If you have remained in touch with any students to whom you have given scholarships, invite them back to tell you where they are in life now; how did the scholarship help them achieve success in their current lives?
- Club service is also part of vocational service. How do you use your occupation to benefit club service? Look for ways to help members find the right fit for their particular skills.