Ahoy Rotarians and Happy New Year
Here we are in 2020 – a good metaphor for our vision here in D5150 to take action for positive lasting impact at home and around the world.
I am sitting here at my desk to share my thoughts about this month of January when we celebrate Rotary Vocational Service Month. As you know, service is a leading theme during my year as your District Governor. While I have been emphasizing and participating in many of your community service projects, I ask that you take the time this month to bring the idea of vocational service to life.
Vocational Service is one of Rotary’s five Avenues of Service. The ideals of Vocational Service are to promote high ethical standards, recognize the value of our respective occupations, and to encourage use of our vocational skills to address issues and needs of society at home and abroad.
How can you put these ideals into action in your club and for others.
For example,
Take time to learn about fellow members’ work lives through three-minute vocation talks at club meetings.
Organize a workshop how The Four-Way Test can resolve work conflict scenarios.
Recognize businesses or professions in your community who demonstrate high ethical standards by honoring them with Paul Harris recognition.
Start a scholarship for students pursuing trades as the Sausalito Rotary Club has done or have a career shadow day as the Novato Rotary Club does where high schoolers join club members at work.
Encourage younger club members in their professional development to attend PRLS to enhance communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
There are so many possibilities. For more ideas look at Rotary’s Vocational Action Handbook at rotaryserviceblog.org
Here in District 5150, we also recognize the importance of supporting our Rotarians’ own vocational development to enhance their Vocational Service. Through our newly revitalized District 5150 Chapter of Rotary Means Business, we are planning an event – save the date March 14 / 10AM- noon- to connect our Rotarians including Rotaractors with Bay Area executives, entrepreneurs and innovators who will inspire us with their visions about creating best places to work which align well with Rotary’s ideals of Vocational Service.
It has been said:
“Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” That is Vocational Service!
Finally, I am excited to share our latest news about our District Conference – CruiseCon on May 5-9, 2020 from San Francisco to Vancouver, British Columbia. With our new booking agent, Expedia CruiseShipCenters to assist us, we now have on-aboard deals not to be missed including free: premium beverage packages, pre-paid gratuities, Wi-Fi and other upgrades. Cabins are going fast so please book this month. Go to our website rotary5150.org for our new flier and all the details. If you signed up already, please complete the form emailed to you to transfer your booking.
See you on board if not before! Ahoy!
Sue Rokaw
Rotary Club of SF Fisherman’s Wharf
District Governor 2019-2020
Rotary District 5150