"Business ! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!" -So declares the ghost in Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol", a sentiment echoed in the RI Theme "Mankind Is Our Business" for 2001-02. Business and professional life are the bedrock of the Rotary movement and vocational service has always been significant force in promoting honor, integrity and trustworthiness in the business world.
Over the years, Rotarians have often struggled to define Vocational Service. Rotarians enjoyed Club Service, Community Service and International Service but Vocational Service is difficult to define. The reason is Vocational Service- The second Avenue of Service- is generally conducted by individual members.
After adopting THE ROTARY CODE OF ETHICS IN 1915,at San Francisco convention, in 1940, Rotary International defined the Object of Vocational Service. In 1987-88, RI President Charles C. Ketter reinvigorated the Avenue by appointing The First Vocational Service Committee in 50 years, chaired by William Sergeant of Tennessee, USA. The committee redefined how clubs could more effectively participate in Vocational Service and drafted new Declaration of Rotarians in businesses and professions which was adopted in 1989 by Rotary. Vocational Service allows Rotarian to share their skills and expertise as business leaders. Vocational Service efforts play a vital role in improving the quality of life for hard working members of the community who need direction and expertise.
The District Vocational Service Chair coordinates and promotes club vocational service projects within the district. The chair works with clubs,encourages district for wide participation,supports Rotary Volunteers and Rotary Fellowships,shares project information and ideas with Rotarians worldwide. Every October, Rotarians are encouraged to focus their attention on Vocational Service. Clubs celebrate with a variety of activities ranging from Rotary discussions to awards to community projects. It is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities. Participating in RI and Foundation programs can enhance a Rotary club's vocational service efforts.