An Invitation to Make 2026–2027 the Year We Celebrate Every Vocation
“Every vocation has dignity. Excellence, integrity, and service make all work meaningful.”
Rotary has always believed that our professions are much more than occupations—they are opportunities to serve. Every day, Rotarians use their talents, experience, and leadership to improve lives, strengthen businesses, mentor future leaders, and build stronger communities.
During the 2026–2027 Rotary year, District 6910 will place a renewed emphasis on one of Rotary’s defining strengths—Vocational Service—through the introduction of the Vocational Excellence Framework.
Built around the Vocational Excellence Wheel, this framework is designed to help clubs celebrate the value of every profession while encouraging members to use their vocational knowledge as a pathway to service. The framework reminds us that every career—from skilled trades to healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, public service, entrepreneurship, and the arts—plays an essential role in creating vibrant communities.
The Vocational Excellence Wheel highlights twelve characteristics that define vocational excellence:
- Service to Others
- Ethics & Integrity
- Excellence
- Lifelong Learning
- Professional Relationships
- Leadership
- Community Impact
- Economic & Professional Development
- Passion & Purpose
- Mentorship
- Respect & Inclusion
- Trust & Reputation
These twelve principles are not limited to one profession—they belong to every profession.
Throughout the coming Rotary year, clubs will be encouraged to use the framework as a foundation for vocational programs, guest speakers, community projects, recognition events, and partnerships with local schools and businesses.
Rotary Means Business
One of the most exciting opportunities within this initiative is strengthening the connection between Rotary Means Business and Vocational Service.
Rotary has always been a place where professionals build trusted relationships. Rotary Means Business reminds us that networking within Rotary is not about selling to one another—it is about building relationships, sharing expertise, mentoring professionals, supporting ethical business practices, and creating opportunities that benefit our communities.
Imagine clubs hosting business tours, professional panels, entrepreneurial roundtables, or “Day in the Life” presentations where members open their workplaces to students, educators, and fellow Rotarians. These experiences demonstrate how vocational excellence creates stronger communities while allowing members to learn from one another.
When we connect our professional knowledge with Rotary’s commitment to service, everyone benefits.
Celebrating Women in Rotary
District 6910 will also encourage clubs to intentionally recognize and celebrate the tremendous contributions of Women in Rotary.
Women continue to lead businesses, healthcare organizations, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, technology companies, manufacturing operations, and entrepreneurial ventures throughout our communities. Their leadership serves as an inspiration to future generations.
During the year, clubs are encouraged to:
- Host Women in Rotary vocational panels.
- Feature women business leaders as program speakers.
- Organize networking events for women professionals.
- Partner with women’s business organizations.
- Encourage mentoring relationships between experienced professionals and emerging leaders.
- Highlight women serving in skilled trades, STEM careers, entrepreneurship, public service, education, and healthcare.
By intentionally showcasing diverse career paths and leadership journeys, Rotary helps young women envision possibilities for their own futures while demonstrating that leadership and service know no boundaries.
A Challenge to Every Club
This year we challenge every Rotary club in District 6910 to become a catalyst for vocational exploration and career development.
Consider developing partnerships with:
- High Schools
- Technical Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Universities
- Chambers of Commerce
- Workforce Development Organizations
- Local Employers
Working together, clubs can create meaningful career experiences such as:
- Business and industry tours
- Career exploration days
- Job-shadowing opportunities
- Mock interviews
- Résumé workshops
- Career fairs
- Entrepreneurship programs
- Professional mentoring
- Women in Rotary career forums
- Skilled trades awareness events
- Manufacturing and healthcare career visits
Students often know surprisingly little about the careers available in their own communities. Rotary clubs can help bridge that gap by introducing students to professionals who are passionate about what they do.
These partnerships also strengthen relationships between Rotary, education, and local industry while supporting workforce development throughout our district.
Recognizing Vocational Excellence
An important part of Vocational Service is recognizing those individuals who exemplify excellence, ethics, and service through their profession.
District 6910 proudly presents two distinguished vocational awards each year.
Robert S. (Bob) Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award
Established by District 6910 and the Rotary Club of Canton, this award recognizes a Rotarian of at least three years’ standing who has made outstanding contributions to fostering ethical practices, demonstrated significant vocational achievement, exemplified the principles of the Four-Way Test and the Rotary Code of Conduct, and earned a reputation for integrity and ethical leadership.
W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award
Established by District 6910 and the Rotary Club of Habersham County, this award honors a Rotarian who demonstrates excellence in his or her vocation while making significant contributions to the community and exemplifying professional achievement and service. The recipient is recognized at the District Conference.
These awards celebrate the very principles represented in the Vocational Excellence Framework and remind us that excellence is measured not only by professional success but also by ethical leadership and community impact.
Nominate Someone Who Inspires You
Every club knows members whose professional lives reflect Rotary’s highest ideals.
District leaders encourage every club to identify and nominate deserving Rotarians for these prestigious vocational recognitions.
Nomination deadline: January 31, 2027
Let’s ensure every club participates by recognizing individuals whose careers demonstrate integrity, leadership, service, and excellence.
Looking Ahead
The Vocational Excellence Framework is more than a program—it is an invitation.
An invitation to celebrate every vocation.
An invitation to mentor future leaders.
An invitation to strengthen our communities through ethical leadership.
An invitation to build meaningful relationships across professions.
An invitation to inspire young people to discover careers filled with purpose.
Most importantly, it is an invitation to remember one of Rotary’s founding principles:
Our vocation is one of our greatest opportunities to serve.
As we begin this exciting Rotary year, we encourage every club to display the Vocational Excellence Wheel, incorporate it into club meetings and projects, and use it as a conversation starter throughout the year.
Together, we can reaffirm a timeless Rotary truth:
Every vocation has dignity. Every profession matters. Every Rotarian has an opportunity to serve through the work they do every day.
