Business, Ethics and Networking: 'Get' It!
Martin Anderson, the 5240 District Vocational Chair, was introduced to speak on his specialty for Vocational Service Month. A coin and stamp dealer in
In Rotary, the purpose is to promote high vocational standards, create pathways to careers, recognize worthiness of all useful occupations and contribute vocational talents to problems and needs of society. In early Rotary, the purpose was for fellowship and business exchange, public service while maintaining high ethical business standards. Rotary measures ethics through the Four Way Test, and Martin passed out Declaration of Rotarians to each member present. High ethical standards are the cornerstone of every Rotarian, as all professions are respected. There are no barriers to membership.
All aspects of Rotary are touched by Vocation and many new Rotarians are already successful in their own businesses.
Rotary International membership has declined from 1970. Then, the average membership was 47 members. In 2010 the average was 36. A Club that drops to 20 members puts a strain on the entire membership, because each member has to wear many hats and interact more, and there are fewer events at which to serve. Rotary is a service organization, but Rotarians should do business with Rotarians, making it also a great networking organization where business people will receive the great benefit of being a Rotarian.
Martin offered a few Vocational Project Ideas: Have classification talks at Club meetings; Tour of members' businesses; Hold community career fairs and workshops; Mentor young people; Promote ethical behavior in each business; Volunteer your vocation towards community service; Create a new vocational program.
"Rotary takes time to get," said Martin. "Clubs need to put more emphasis on Vocation, and need all their members to focus on promoting their business, ethics and vocation."