Seattle International District Rotary Club

Vocational Service

College Scholarships	Group Study Exchange	Ambassadorial Scholars
What is Vocational Service in the Rotary Context? Vocational Service is, in many ways, the essence of Rotary. From Rotary's beginnings, three concepts have been critical: 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 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. As business leaders, Rotary members share their skills and expertise through Vocational Service. 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. Today, the focus of Vocational Service has expanded from individual vocational excellence to providing service within the workplace and to the community.
Vocational Service can be performed in many areas: Vocational Awareness: giving classification talks and conduct tours of members' businesses. Vocational Awards: recognizing vocational excellence and high ethical standards. Career Development: using members' professional experience to advance employment; developing and supporting apprenticeship programs; organizing career-planning programs in schools; and retraining adults for new vocations. Vocation at Work: generating new jobs within the community; working with retirees; addressing drug, alcohol and literacy problems in the workplace; creating vocational opportunities for the disabled; developing and implementing HIV/AIDS education and policy; and promoting high ethical standards. Ethics: leading conferences and panel discussions for community members on ethical issues facing the community; holding group discussions for students where they apply the 4-Way Test to case studies. Vocational Service can be performed in many areas: Vocational Awareness: giving classification talks and conduct tours of members' businesses. Vocational Awards: recognizing vocational excellence and high ethical standards. Career Development: using members' professional experience to advance employment; developing and supporting apprenticeship programs; organizing career-planning programs in schools; and retraining adults for new vocations. Vocation at Work: generating new jobs within the community; working with retirees; addressing drug, alcohol and literacy problems in the workplace; creating vocational opportunities for the disabled; developing and implementing HIV/AIDS education and policy; and promoting high ethical standards. Ethics: leading conferences and panel discussions for community members on ethical issues facing the community; holding group discussions for students where they apply the 4-Way Test to case studies
*College Scholarships* The Seattle International Rotary Club (SIR) provides college scholarships each year to recognize and assist youth from Seattle Area high schools and community colleges who have made significant contributions to their community and who have demonstrated academic excellence. Application Forms & Scholarship Timeline
Vocational Service Opportunities In addition to Vocational Service projects undertaken by clubs and districts, there are several other opportunities for Rotarians to enhance their vocational skills and share them with the community. Follow the links below to learn more. Rotary Volunteers is designed to create greater awareness among Rotarians of the volunteer opportunities available within their own and other communities, and to provide Rotarians with resources to support their volunteer efforts at the club district and international levels. Revolving Loan Funds provide small business loans to people who have no credit history or access to commercial bank loans. The ultimate goal is for these entrepreneurs to become financially independent and eligible for loans from commercial banks. Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships (RRVF) are independent Rotarian-administered groups organized around a specific recreational activity or profession. The Recreational Fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for Rotarians and their spouses to enjoy their favorite hobby with like-minded Rotarians from around the world. The Vocational Fellowships give Rotarians the opportunity to share information and undertake service projects with other Rotarians who are engaged in similar professions in other countries.