A brand new year is here with lots of new opportunities for each of us. Bill and I hope that 2017 brings you much happiness and success.

We begin this New Year with Vocational Service Month. I think that Vocation Service is often one of the least understood areas.

What is vocational service?

When we think about the Objects of Rotary, the concept of vocation service would fall under the Second Object which asks us as Rotarians to “encourage and foster.”

• High ethical standards in business and professions
• The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
• The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve

How can we as Rotarians put these ideals into actions? Here are some ideas:

• Talk about your vocation in your club and learn about fellow members vocations
• Use your professional skills to serve your community
• Demonstrate the 4 way test in both your profession and your words and actions
• Help a young person achieve his or her career aspirations (be a mentor/coach)
• Guide and encourage others in their professional development

As you do these things, you are performing vocational service. If vocational service motivates you and energizes you, then you are in the right place, because vocational service is the very essence of Rotary. It is what sets Rotary apart from other service organization.

Our Vocational Service Chair this year is Jennifer Roy and she would be pleased to assist you in any way with regards to Vocational Service.

We are at the half way point in our year together. We want to focus on developing our vocations as we “Serve Humanity” and look for opportunities to ask others like minded people to join us and be part of Rotary.