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What is Vocational Service?
The changes occurring in today’’s workplace —— continuing expansion of new technologies, the shifting role of women in the work force, the effects of economic slowdowns —— are all combining to revolutionize business. As business leaders, Rotary members share their skills and expertise through Vocational Service.
According to Rotary's classification principle, members join Rotary as the representative of their particular business or profession. This gives Rotarians the dual responsibility of representing their vocation within the club and of exemplifying the ideals of Rotary within the workplace. The essence of Vocational Service is the importance of high ethical standards in all professions, the importance of all vocations and the opportunity to contribute one’’s vocational talents to address the problems and needs of society.
Early Rotarians were often instrumental in setting up local organizations that functioned as, or became, better business bureaus. Other clubs established boards of mediators to promote industrial peace between employers and their workers and among businesses. Today the focus of Vocational Service has expanded from individual vocational excellence to providing service within the workplace and to the community.
In recent years, the Fenton Rotary has shifted its focus in Vocational Service toward literacy and leadership issues. The club has initiated literacy programs in the Fenton, Lake Fenton and Linden school districts through donations and volunteers. In the 2006/2007 Rotary Year, Fenton was part of a Genesee County Rotary initiative with clubs donating over $25,000 toward a third grade book program that reaced more than 6,000 students in over 300 classrooms. The Fenton Rotary also provides other programs to elementary school students, such as its “Four Way Test” presentation. This training introduces the concept of examing their actions for truth, fairness, building good will and better friendship, and being fair to all concerned.
Each year, the Fenton Rotary selects and sponsors six high school students from the three local districts to a weekend leadership program at the University of Western Ontario. In 2007, the club initiated a scholarship program for a deserving student entering college who demonstrates outstanding leadership potential. The Genesee County Debate Club has also received Fenton Rotary support, both financially and with volunteers who judge the events. As our society and communities change, the Fenton Rotary’s Vocational service will continue to adapt to meet those needs.
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