The above four are all “needs” driven, ie a need is identified and Rotarians work to help with that need.
Vocational Service is not needs driven, it is a resource!
It is the vocational “attributes” that a Rotarian possesses such as business skills, life skills, interests, hobbies, talents, influence, networks, etc. that they are prepared to contribute in meeting a need in the other four avenues of service,
Rotarians will contribute their 'vocational skills' towards an international project; a youth project or a community project. Hence, it could be said that there is no such thing as a Vocational project!
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 Businesses and Professions – provide the basis for practicing ethical behaviour in all areas of life.
The Four-Way Test
Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions
Vocational Service is the second area of service: no aspect of Rotary is more closely related to each member than a personal commitment to represent one’s vocation or occupation to our communities and fellow Rotarians.
Vocational Service is the way that Rotary fosters and supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations and Rotarians have the opportunity to apply their vocational talents to address the problems and needs of society at all levels.
In summary, the Four Way Test is fundamental to every Rotary club and every Rotarian – it should permeate through every event, every meeting, every contact, every area of life and we should miss no opportunity to promote the ideals it represents and to recognise and utilise the worthiness of our own occupations to serve and to ‘be a gift to the World’.