In the Pin we Trust

Rotary's emphasis on vocational service has its roots in the founding of the organisation in 1905 and the use of the classification principle — the guideline by which nearly all Rotary membership is determined — assures that each club has among its’ members a cross-section of a community's business and professional population.

The second part of the Object of Rotary calls for Rotarians to apply high ethical standards in their businesses and professions, recognise the worthiness of all useful occupations, and to consider their own occupations as opportunities to serve society.

In 1943, Rotarians were provided with a tool to help them achieve their vocational service goals when the RI Board of Directors voted to make The 4-Way Test an official component of the vocational service ideal. The test gave Rotarians a way to assess whether their personal and business dealings were being conducted with truth, fairness, goodwill, and decency.

The three key principles of vocational service are:

(a)  All occupations are valued

(b)  Practising high ethical standards through the Rotary Four Way Test

(c)  Contribute your vocational talents

 

Vocational service focuses on:

Ø  The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just your own or those that are pursued by fellow Rotarians.

Ø  Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.

Ø  The values expressed in The 4-Way Test and the Declaration for Rotarians in Business and Professions, which promote high ethical standards in the workplace, a central theme of Rotary throughout its history.

Ø  The contribution of your vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.

As business leaders, Rotarians share their skills and expertise through vocational service in one of the Four Avenues of Service. One’s vocational service efforts can play a vital role in improving the quality of life of those hardworking members of the community who give direction and expertise.

Paul Harris, our founder, said that of all the one hundred and one ways in which men can make themselves useful to society, undoubtedly the most available and often the most effective are within the spheres of their own occupation.

“The Four Way Test is very much relevant today. Please make clubs realize that mere essay competitions, plaque distribution in schools is not enough. Nor framing them and hanging them in work places. The real test will be ‘How much am I able to apply it to myself?’ PRIP Rajendra Saboo

“In today’s environment of scandal and exploitation, we as Rotarians must take a leading role in standing up for our principles. This little pin should stand as a reminder to each of us of our responsibilities and give others the confidence to think “You are a Rotarian. I can trust you. Past RI Director Robert A. Stuart, Jr

Rotary’s electronic systems underwent a major overhaul in recent months and I wish to draw your attention to the following.

Rotary International launched it’s new brand strategy last month with the new enhanced RI logo. It certainly looks fresh and cleaner and this strategy has been carried forward into the new redesigned Rotary website. A few days ago I had the privilege of attending a webinar on the new Rotary website on how to move within the site. The site is essentially split into two. One is for Rotarians or our members and the other is for the general public. Rotarians will have varied access to information dependent on their specific area of responsibility within the club, District or Rotary International.

The general public would be able to access Rotary’s brand and programmes and the home page speaks to the greater audience on our image and principles.

Then there is Rotary showcase, which was officially launched at the Bangkok Convention in May 2012. It is Rotary’s newest social medial tool that helps Rotarians share service initiatives with the Rotary family and the general public. Members are encouraged to add their Club’s service project activities, exchange ideas with one another and explore the variety of activities been undertaken by members around the globe. Rotary showcase allows us to log on our projects, the number of man-hours spent on the project, the value of goods supplied, etc thereby allowing us to track the worldwide impact we make for the good of our communities. The application connects directly with Facebook to broadcast Club accomplishments globally with a simple click of a button.  I want to encourage Clubs to take action by adding your service activities on Rotary Showcase by sharing this information and visit www.rotary.org/showcase. I trust that you would enjoy this new and exciting way to promote your projects and learning about the wonderful work of our organisation on a global perspective.

Finally we have Rotary Club Central which is an administrative tool that updates club and club officer information.

Rotary provides each one of us with an opportunity to showcase our vocation through our volunteerism. Wear that pin with pride because it is in that pin that people with whom we interact know that we will deliver. Perhaps PRIP Robert Bath put it best when he said:

I wear this Rotary pin because

You can rely on me

I am dependable

I am reliable

I give more than I take

I add value 

 Are you proud of your Rotary pin?

 

Natty Moodley

October 2013