Vocational Service

Although Community and Vocational Service are now looked after by one District Committee – 'Com-Voc' it is still a vital area of service. As many Rotarians are retired the word 'vocational' should perhaps be replaced by 'using life skills'.
Our skills in business and leadership should be used in within clubs, in communities and beyond, maintaining high ethical standards.

In 2009/10 the major theme promoted by RIBI is Ethics. You are invited to act as jury and consider:

• A tabloid editor has written a piece inciting racial hatred, but says 'we tell our readers what they want to hear'
• A hospital consultant blows the whistle and is sacked. The Chief Executive says the Consultant breached the rules.
• Little Bobby whacked the lady over the head and stole her purse because no one would pick him for the football team.

Thieves and CEOs having ethics and morals, caring about someone other than themselves, may seem very unlikely. So, as Rotarians are we going to give up? No, Rotarians never give up. What can we do about it?

Check List (click to find )
There are many opportunities for Vocational Service, both as an individual or as a group. You may well be able to add to the attached list.

Could you Look Behind the Closed Door?
The Independent Monitoring Board for prisons has speakers who are keen to come to your club meetings and talk about their work.
( Contact Dennis on hobso@screaming.net)

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The committee gives help and guidance to enable all Rotarians to identify and address the needs of their local community using their personal and vocational skills and abilities.  All community and vocational service is an opportunity to raise the awareness of the Rotary Club and the wider work of Rotary.

 Vocational Service within Rotary focuses on the adherence and encouragement of the highest moral principles in all professions, including fair treatment of employers, employees, colleagues, competitors and the community.

 By recognising the value of all skilful occupations, Rotary aims to develop and nurture the club Rotarians vocational talents in a positive and challenging manner to achieve a positive experience for all concerned.  Three areas of service to the community which Rotarians and others may wish to consider as opportunities to serve are:

1. School Governor (contact a school/local authority)
2. Witness Service/Victim Support schemes (contact can be made via 0845 303 0900, where you can be told of your nearest branch)
3. Magistrate (contact the local magistrates' court)

 Those volunteers willing to undertake such roles play a vital part in supporting the wellbeing of their local communities, and those who live in them.

• Each requires criminal checks.
• For each, there is a considerable time commitment expected, including obligatory training.
• Time beyond that expected will almost certainly need to be found, for keeping up to date with the considerable changes and developments taking place in the chosen area.
• Victim Support is an independent national charity. They are often happy to provide speakers to Rotary meetings, and welcome any donations for their work.