Today when we are focusing on Vocational Service in Rotary with a panel of distinguished speakers, it is good to reflect on how our founder, Paul Harris, recognised that people could use their vocations to help others in the community. Indeed that was why Rotary was formed, and it has been serving local and international communities now for over 100 years.
In 1940, Rotary International defined the objective of vocational service as follows: “to encourage and foster high ethical standards in business and the professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of their occupation as an opportunity to serve society.” That still holds true to this day.
As Rotarians, we should pride ourselves on being able to use our professional stature and knowledge to make things happen locally and globally, wherever there is need for change or improvement. We should take time to learn about fellow members' vocations, and use our professional skills to both serve the community, and advance international understanding and goodwill.
For good food and friendships through Rotary, we give thanks.
Robert Fisher
Thank you to Robert Fisher for providing this reflection on 29 January 2024.
