Vocational Service

Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. Rotarians are expected 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 society

The St Simons Rotary Club includes at least one program per year when 2-4 newer members are invited to give ‘Vocational Talks’ – telling about their current or prior professional work.  This in turn – alerts the membership to the skills and experience of our members and fosters increased respect for their accomplishments and challenges.  We are then better able to utilize the skills and expertise of our members as we serve our community.   Additionally, all Rotarians are encourages to practice their profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through their words and actions. Vocational Service extends to Help young people achieve their career goals – and to reach out to young professionals to encourage others in their professional development.


Vocational service is the essence of Rotary and serves as the foundation from which we serve our communities around the world. Learn more in An Introduction to Vocational Service and the Code of Conduct.

Vocational Talks

The ability of each Rotarian to put their skills to work begins with the tradition of giving a Vocation or ClassificationTalk as part of a Rotary Club meeting.  This is not merely an “inward” look – an introduction of oneself or an opportunity to promote one’s business or profession – but rather Vocational Talks provide an opportunity for a member to say ‘How can Help?” by teaching about themselves, their skills & experiences.   By the same token – it allows other members to learn more about each fellow member’s abilities – so that as needs arise – they may immediately know who to ask for help.

Guest Speakers

Rotary was founded as, and remains, a professional program related to  business, community, and civic life. In order to serve their Communities and beyond – Rotarians NEED to know, understand, and learn about, what is happening in the community in which they live – locally, regionally and even internationally. Thus – most Rotary Clubs feature a program at each meeting to  help the Club and its members learn and understand. By hosting guest speakers, the club and its members also develop a network of leaders who understand how communities of every size  tackle contemporary issues. These relationships foster understanding and respect and often lead to service projects undertaken by the Club.

Mentoring & Career Encouragement

Vocational Service calls on Rotarians to empower others by using the unique skills and expertise of each member to address community needs and help others discover new professional opportunities and interests. There are many ways to to this:  Rotarians are encouraged to Practice their profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through their own words and actions.  Rotarians tend to keep a watchful eye on younger Rotarians – to support and encourage them in their professional path – and they work with local businesses to create mentorship, internship, or practicum opportunities to help young people achieve their career goals.