As DG Judy Zulfiqar’s Vocational Service Chair for the 2024-25 Rotary Year, I am thrilled to announce that the committee is gearing up for an exciting and informational year for all clubs.
As chair, I am excited to create a renewed focus on the Object of Rotary, the corner stone of our organization.
When we all joined Rotary we pledged to abide by this “object”:
- Encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise, and in particular, to encourage and foster:
- First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity of service;
- Second. High ethical standards in business and the professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his/her occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
- Third. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his/her personal, business and community life; and
- Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world of fellowship of business and professional men and women in the ideal of service.
This year, it is my hope to bring this creed to the forefront of all of our clubs’ Vocational Service activities. Here are some of my immediate thoughts:
First, I want to encourage all clubs, if they haven’t already done so, to create a Vocational Service Committee.
Secondly: I would like to encourage all clubs to schedule Craft Talks for your members throughout the year. This is a way to learn more about your members’ passions relative to their vocations and avocations.
Thirdly: I want your Vocational Service Committee to identify businesses or professions who demonstrate outstanding performance and dedication within your community. Some clubs are already doing this with their own versions of this type of honor like the Big Heart Awards! Consider doing this on a quarterly basis and then awarding them, during a club meeting, something akin to a R.A.V.E. recognition (Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence), for being an asset to the community. As I said before, your club may already be ahead of the curve with your currently established recognition.
Just before the end of the Rotary year, I will be asking your club to submit the name of one of those businesses they think went above and beyond the call of duty. They will then have a chance to receive DG Judy’s District 5330’s R.A.V.E. commendation at her District Conference in 2025!
PDG Bill Chase
D5330
Vocational Service Chair 2024-2025
Bill Chase, PDG
Vocational Service Chair