President's Message OCTOBER 2015

October is Vocational Service Month

In his autobiography, Paul Harris 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 fulfill 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 especially 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

written by PP Hoe Boon Huat