Vocational Service: Sharing the Ideals of Rotary through Business and Profession

In the aftermath of the sudden cancellation of our scheduled speaker, Past President Stuart Gold not only stepped up to run the day's meeting at The Courtyard on July 18, he took the opportunity to describe to club members the origins of Vocational Service as one of RI’s Five Avenues of Service.

Stuart first reminded us that September is RI’s Vocational Service Month which culminates in our District each year with the Vocational Assembly, this year being held on Tuesday, October 7.

Cliff Dochterman, RI President in 1992-3, wrote that “Vocational Service is the banner by which Rotarians ‘recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations’ and demonstrate a commitment to ‘high ethical standards in all businesses and professions.’ That's why the Second Avenue of Service is fundamental to every Rotary club.

Stuart summarized how the idea came to be an integral part of Rotary by referring to Dochterman’s words which first appeared in a speech delivered in 2003. It’s a fascinating and sometimes surprising story that can be more easily read about here:

http://www.rotaryroom711.org/portfolio/origins-of-vocational-service