Two individuals and a local nonprofit were honored on June 5th at the annual vocational awards presented by Eugene Airport Rotary. Our vocational service awards typically recognize individuals and organizations who use their vocational talents to make meaningful change and to contribute to our community. This years winners:

Jeanne Jordon, director of the Senior Companion Program, recognized for her service to seniors in Lane County.

Pam Perkins, Eugene Airport Rotary member and community volunteer, recognized for her commitment to the Eugene Airport Rotary Dinner & Auction, which raises money for scholarships.

Success by Six, an initiative of United Way in recognition of its 10 year anniversary ensuring children enter school safe, healthy and ready to learn. Debi Farr, leadership team chair and Judy Newman, leadership team executive committee member accepted on behalf of Success by Six.

From Rotary International – About Vocational Service

If you had the opportunity to help reduce unemployment, stimulate the local economy, or inspire young people toward successful, productive careers — all while applying and developing your own vocational skills
— would you jump at the chance? As a Rotarian driven by the ideal of service, you hold the power to effect that sort of meaningful, positive change in your community through Vocational Service.
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 your own or those that are pursued by Rotarians.
• The contribution of your vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.

The purview of Vocational Service covers a wide range, from the individual to the club to the workplace to the community. The role of the member is to maintain personal and professional conduct in accordance with Rotary principles and to respond to projects that the club has developed.

The role of the club is to increase employment opportunities in the community, promote a fair workplace environment, and raise vocational awareness, all through the development of projects that help members of all classifications contribute their vocational talents.

If these roles are handled properly, the community benefits in several ways:Rotarian employers and employees conduct themselves in an ethical fashion, which has a favorable impact on associates, competitors, and customers; club projects assist non-Rotarians and exert a positive influence on those unfamiliar with the Rotary ideal.