Posted: 03-September-2009 at 8:53am | IP Logged

"togetherness  is our strength but a strong individual is mightier than a group of mediocre"

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Unfortunately, I choose to disagree.   I believe it was Henry Ford who said this about the "power of leverage"... 

"It is better to tap on 1% of the energy of 100 men than to tap 100% of the energy of one man." 

Posted: 06-September-2009 at 3:56pm | IP Logged

October is Rotary Vocational Service Month

Vocational Service focuses on :

• Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
• The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians.
• The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.

For more information, visit www.rotary.org* or contact RI staff at vocationalservice@rotary.org

* http://www.rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/StartAProject/ AvenuesOfService/Pages/ridefault.aspx

Posted: 09-September-2009 at 11:55am | IP Logged

Dear Vocational Service Directors 

To learn more about RI President Kenny’s theme:

• Read the 2009-10 RI Theme Brochure (900-EN-09) – www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900en09.pdf
• Learn about the 2009-10 Presidential Citation (900A-EN-09) – www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900a_en09.pdf
• Download the 2009-10 Presidential Citation Certification Form (900B-EN-09) – www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900b_en09.pdf

You can also review the Club Service Projects Committee Manual, if you want to know more about the role and responsibilities of Vocational Service.

Please download Club Service Projects Committee Manual (226D-EN) –www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/226d_en.pdf.

Vocational Service and Rotary’s Strategic Plan
In June 2007, the RI Board of Directors endorsed the strategic plan of Rotary International for 2007-10. Among the plan’s seven priorities, Vocational Service is given special attention.   

This plan calls on Rotarians worldwide to emphasize Rotary’s unique commitment to Vocational Service by:

• influencing ethical decision making by encouraging Rotarians to join and take leadership roles in business and vocational service associations;
• finding new ways to develop vocational skills of others, especially people without jobs;
• developing vocational forums for learning and information exchange.

Download Rotary’s Strategic Plan Brochure – www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/strategic_plan_brochure_en.pdf

Vocational Service Committee
The Vocational Service Committee provides guidance and advice on all aspects of vocational service and emphasizes Rotary’s core value of Integrity, as identified in the RI Strategic Plan. This committee encourages Rotarians of the importance of vocational service, and promotes high ethical standards in our communities. 

Use ProjectLINK to Improve Vocational Service
ProjectLINK is Rotary’s service resource database that allows Rotarians to search for projects in need of funding, volunteers, donated goods, or matching grant partners. Rotarians can also find ideas for projects and examples of effective service practices by searching ProjectLINK’s model projects. 

• Search ProjectLINK – www.rotary.org/ ProjectLINK
• Share a model project on ProjectLINK – www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/comm_proj_form.pdf
• Add a project seeking support to ProjectLINK – www.rotary.org/ProjectLINK

Service Resources from Rotary
Rotary’s service kit is an excellent resource to assist clubs in our district plan and to implement more effective vocational service projects. The kit includes Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Service and Community Assessment Tools. Use these guides to help support your vocational service efforts.

• Download Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Service (605A-EN) – www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/605a_en.pdf.
• Download Community Assessment Tools (605C-EN) –www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/605c_en.pdf.

Vocational Service E-learning Opportunities
Rotary’s E-learning Center is a wonderful resource for learning more about Rotary International. It offers guides to vocational service which can be used as presentations for clubs in our district.

Visit Rotary’s E-Learning Center – www.rotary.org/en/Members/Training/ForAllRotarians.

Posted: 09-September-2009 at 12:11pm | IP Logged

ProjectLINK for project ideas and matching partnerships...

Kathryn J. Nichols
Coordinator
Programs and Presidential Initiatives
Rotary International

VocationalService@rotary.org

Posted: 30-September-2009 at 11:02pm | IP Logged

OCTOBER IS VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH

My Road to Rotary – Paul Harris

In his autobiography, Paul wrote “Each Rotarian is a connecting link between the Idealism of Rotary and his trade or profession”. Although he was not talking directly of vocational service, he must have the second avenue of service in mind as Rotary’s classification principle closely identifies a Rotarian with his/her occupation or vocation.

A person joins Rotary as a representative of his/her business or profession. Hence, each club member has an obligation to his/her fellow Rotarians. At the same time, each Rotarian is obligated to exemplify the spirit of Rotary to others, in particular those associated with him/her. Vocational service emphasizes the need for each Rotarian to personally fulfil his/her service in the daily relationships with his/her fellow workers and associates.

The basic question concerning vocational service that every Rotarian should ask is: “What can I do in my daily work to be a little more helpful and friendly to others?” This is specially important since vocational service should be a living and daily experience.

Founder Paul Harris had an idea that friendship and business could be mixed and that by doing so would result in more business and friendship for everyone involved. As such, every Rotarian should personally contribute to society through his/her business or profession.

They Profit Most Who Serve Best

It is now realised that “Vocational Service” is one of the many reasons for Rotary’s success. Yet, this second avenue of service in Rotary is often neglected. If we want our club to grow, we must keep vocational service in the forefront -- in our planning and to take action. Ideas alone are useless unless put in action. Do what is right and put “Service Above Self”.

Vocational service simply applies Rotary’s concept of service to business, the profession and the workplace. Before Rotarians go about putting the principles of vocational service into practice, they need to reflect on their daily relations, with employees, suppliers and peers. Otherwise, how can they apply the words of the second Object of Rotary, which instructs them to understand and practice.

High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying by each profession to serve society call upon each Rotarian to examine what he/she is doing to fulfil this part of the Object of Rotary. Since this is subjective, only the individual Rotarian knows how loosely he/she is living up to his/her ideal. While the Rotarian is encouraged to individually practice vocational service on his/her own, many clubs have developed practical collective activities and programmes designed to give each member more opportunities and responsibilities in the second avenue of service.

The objectives of vocational service are best exemplified if Rotarians work in accordance with the following guiding principles.

1.     CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES

These four areas of responsibilities are generally recognised and seen as  inseparable whole.

a)    To Shareholders and Principals

To protect shareholders’ and principals’ interests and provide a fair and reasonable return.

b)    To Employees and Associates

To provide, promote and encourage:-

·        Good and safe conditions of work;

·        Good and competitive terms and conditions of service;

·        Physical and mental development and best use of human talent and equal opportunity employment; and

·        The involvement of employees in the planning and direction of their work.

c)     To Customers and General Public

To develop and provide products and services which offer value in terms of price, costs and quality, supported by the requisite professional, technological and commercial expertise.

d)    To Community and Society

To conduct business as responsible members of the community and society, observing applicable laws of the country and giving due regard to safety and environmental standards and societal aspirations.

2.     ECONOMIC VIABILITY

Profitability and productivity are essential to discharging these responsibilities and staying in business. It is a measure both of efficiency and of the ultimate value that people place on one’s products and services. Without profits and productivity, it would not be possible to fulfil the responsibilities outlined above.

3.     PERSONAL INTEGRITY

We must exercise honesty, loyalty and integrity in all aspects of our business; avoiding conflicts of interest between our personal and official activities in the conduct of our business. The offer, payment, soliciting and acceptance of bribes in any form and any unprofessional and unfair conduct are unacceptable practices.

4.     WELFARE

It should be our policy to conduct our activities in such a way as to take into account the health and safety of others, and to give proper regard to the safety and conservation of the environment.

5.     SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The most important contribution that we can make to the social and material progress of a country is in performing our basic activities as efficiently as possible. In addition, we need to recognise and take a constructive interest in societal matters which may not be directly related to our business. We must endeavour to take advantage of the opportunities available to be involved in community educational and youth programmes.

Fellow Rotarians, the future of Rotary is now in our hands. Carpe Diem... Let's seize the day!

PP Hoe Boon Huat

District Vocational Service

Posted: 01-October-2009 at 9:26am | IP Logged

PRACTISING THE 4-WAY TEST IN OUR VOCATION

" Of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? "

Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The 4-Way Test in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test of ethics for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers. The survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy.

In 1943, Rotary International adopted The 4-Way Test to promote high ethical standards. By 1954, when Herbert J. Taylor became the RI President, he formerly presented the organization with the copyright of The 4-Way Test. On the occasion of Rotary’s Golden Anniversary, The 4-Way Test travelled with the Taylors as they promoted goodwill and friendship in 38 countries.

Today, The 4-Way Test is still promoted by Rotary Clubs to Rotarians in businesses and professions. The question we need to ask is whether The 4-Way Test is still relevant in this fast changing world…

One may think that if we practice The 4-Way Test, we may become a victim in business; a victim in our vocational pursuits. To secure better profit margins, we may not want to be entirely truthful. Because of our greed, we may not care whether it is fair to all concerned. To entertain such thoughts may deter us from practicing The 4-Way Test.

On the other hand, in spite of our shortcomings, Rotarians do believe that we can have more acquaintances, more clients, and more business if we practice The 4-Way Test earnestly. We can have better understanding, self-respect, and more associates if we use The 4-Way Test as our guiding principle in business and professional dealings. Fairness to employees, associates, competitors, and customers are key factors to profitability and success.

Founder Paul Harris had the unusual idea that mixing business and friendship could result in even more business. Rotarians believe that embracing The 4-Way Test for service, fellowship and high ethical standards in all occupations results in a more complete and happy life.

The foundation of The 4-Way Test is built on two pillars – patience and kindness. Patience is a choice to control our emotions rather than emotions to control us. Kindness is love in action. Instead of reacting, we should take some time to reflect our action using The 4-Way Test. This way, Rotarians can demonstrate both patience and kindness at the same time.

Patience is how we react to minimize negative circumstances. Kindness is how we act to maximize positive ones. The first is preventive while the latter is proactive. Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing.

As Herbert J. Taylor’s willingness to accept the idea of practicing The 4-Way Test had led to the positive accomplishments of his life, including his association with Rotary, we should also check our thoughts, our words and deeds against The 4-Way Test so that we are certain to do the right thing.

Fellow Rotarians, The 4-Way Test is as relevant and applicable today as when it was first introduced back in 1932.

PP Patrick Chin

District Vocational Service

Posted: 05-October-2009 at 10:58am | IP Logged

Vocational Service Powerpoint Presentation — For Speakers at Club meetings…

Download the file, save it, then play: 2009vocationalservice12

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Posted: 05-October-2009 at 11:36am | IP Logged

The Object of Rotary is "to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." The statement then lists four areas by which this "ideal of service" is fostered: through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; through service in one's personal, business and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.

The Object of Rotary has not always been expressed in this manner. The original Constitution of 1906 had three objects: promotion of business interests, promotion of good fellowship and the advancement of the best interests of the community. By 1910 Rotary had five Objects as increased emphasis was given to expanding Rotary. By 1915 there were six Objects. In 1918 the Objects were rewritten again and reduced to four. Four years later they had again grown to six and were revised again in 1927.

Finally, at the 1935 Mexico City Convention the six Objects were restated and reduced to four. The last major change came in 1951, when the "Objects" were streamlined and changed to a single "Object" which is manifested in four separate ways. The "ideal of service" is the key phrase in the Object of Rotary. This ideal is an attitude of being a thoughtful and helpful person in all of one's endeavors. That's what the Object truly means.

(Source: History of the Object of Rotary is found in ABC's of Rotary)

Posted: 06-October-2009 at 1:50pm | IP Logged

The month of October is VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH.

Fyi, Captain Christopher Bek is doing a vocational talk on Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) this Thursday, 8 October 2009 at DG's Official Club Visit.

Let us all endeavour to do something using our Vocation to bring on the extra smile to the less fortunate.

Shirin