Vocational Service Month

As we come to the close of October, Vocational Service Month, these are importants points to remember:

Through vocational service, Rotarians contribute their professional expertise and skills to address societal problems and needs, and to promote high ethical standards in the workplace.

"Rotary's focus on ethical practices as part of vocational service has been a central part of my success in my business, professional, civic, and personal life since I became a Rotarian," says Paul A. Netzel, vice chair of the Vocational Service Promotion Committee and past RI director.

Rotarians have two benchmarks for promoting professional integrity: The Four-Way Test and the Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions.

"Rotary's Four-Way Test has served as an easy template for me in weighing the pros and cons of countless issues and decisions I've had to address over my career," Netzel says. "It has helped make me a better Rotarian."

Rotarians can support vocational service by

• Strengthening the emphasis on professional diversity in member recruitment
• Identifying ways to emphasize professions in club activities
• Placing a stronger emphasis on business networking with integrity at the club and district level -- which also is a means of attracting and mentoring the next generation
• Emphasizing the connection between The Four-Way Test and the Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions, and their importance to the values of Rotary