Vocational Service

October is Vocational Service Month.

Celebrate your Vocational Service activities and consider some new ones.

Vocational Service is often overlooked or taken for granted as a Rotary Avenue of Service. But it may be Rotary's most important super-power. It is inspiring to see how much your clubs help people in the community as they discover, develop, and apply their vocational talents in service to others. 

What is Vocational Service?

Rotary International "Introduction to Vocational Service" document available online from this Rotary Guiding Principles page which puts it into perspective with the rest of Rotary.

In summary, Vocational Service encourages us to:

  • Adhere to high ethical standards in our professional and personal lives, inspiring others through our words and actions
  • Recognize the value of all skills and occupations
  • Bring our ideal of Doing Good in the World to our jobs
  • Use our occupations to improve and empower communities
  • Help others develop skills and explore new career opportunities and interests

Vocational Service Grants

Scholarship programs are typically focused on college-bound students. There are various initiatives in the district focused on young people interested in college alternatives, like apprenticeships, alternative certificate and licensing programs.

Here are two examples:

  • Southwest Eureka Rotary Club offers grants to young people trying to advance in their careers. See First Step Vocational Grants. The program is available to applicants throughout Humboldt County. 
  • The Magnolia Project provides career exploration for students grades 7-12. In this past school year, the Magnolia Project will serve over 500 students in 19 public including in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.  District 5130 has partnered with the Magnolia Project to offer grants to graduates of their program. 

 

How does Vocational Service Benefit Clubs and Members

Benefits of Vocational Service include the following:

  • New member recruiting and member engagement through sharing professional expertise
  • Opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and service
  • Business networking and professional development
  • Meetings that are relevant and meaningful through vocational service-oriented  speakers, craft talks, etc.

Examples of Vocational Service Activities

In the community: 

  • Essay or Speech Contest for students 
  • Vocational scholarships and mentoring 
  • Youth Entrepreneur Academy 
  • Digital literacy workshop, e.g. for elderly 
  • Fraud and scam awareness workshop 
  • Youth Online Safety & Anti-Exploitation Training 
  • Leadership program at high schools 
  • Mentor at-risk youth 
  • Sponsor RYLA 
  • Financial literacy workshop (e.g. Bite of Reality) 
  • Job shadowing or career days at schools 
  • STEM events (e.g. North Bay Discovery Day) 
  • Join the Local Chamber and participate in events 
  • Public Safety & Community Resilience Vocational Programs 
  • CERT Youth Cohort 

At meetings: 

  • Craft Talks or a Vocational Minute 
  • Vocational speakers, eg. about needs of the community 
  • Acknowledge Community Business Leaders 
  • Recognize local police and fire fighters 
  • Honor veterans 
  • Bulletin or website sponsor 

Internationally: 

  • Rotary Fellowships 
  • Rotary Action Groups 
  • Friendship Exchange 
  • Vocational Training Teams 

Vocational Service Resources

Here are some ideas for where to go in your community to learn about existing efforts and to explore opportunities to partner:

  • County Workforce Development Agencies  
  • Adult Education & Community College Career Programs  
  • Local School Districts (High Schools & Career Technical Education)  
  • Business Support Organizations, eg. Chamber of commerce, business incubators, and entrepreneurship networks
  • Industry Sector Employers (Hospitality, Trades, Healthcare, Agriculture, Manufacturing)  
  • Libraries & Community Learning Centers  

For more information, or to discuss vocational service activities and opportunities, contact your District 5130 Vocational Chair: Peter Hoberg 

Vocational Service Grants

Scholarship programs are typically focused on college-bound students. There are various initiatives in the district focused on young people interested in college alternatives, like apprenticeships, alternative certificate and licensing programs.

Here are two examples:

  • Southwest Eureka Rotary Club offers grants to young people trying to advance in their careers. See First Step Vocational Grants. The program is available to applicants throughout Humboldt County. 
  • The Magnolia Project provides career exploration for students grades 7-12. In this past school year, the Magnolia Project will serve over 500 students in 19 public including in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.  District 5130 has partnered with the Magnolia Project to offer grants to graduates of their program.