Page 126 - Rotary 3201_PETS_manual_2021

ROTARY & CLASSIFICATIONS

Why does Rotary have classifications? What should the classification survey and the
Rotary uses a classification system to establish and membership of the Club reflect?
maintain a vibrant cross-section or representation A Club should have in its membership a
of the community’s business, vocational and representative of every recognized business or
professional interests among members and to professional activity in the community.
develop a pool of resources and expertise to
successfully implement service projects. This system
is based on the founders paradigm of choosing
cross-representation of each business, profession WHAT IS CLASSIFICATION TALK?
and institution within a community. A Classification
describes either the principal business or the A classification describes the principal activity of
professional service of the organization that the the Rotarian, or the company or business with
Rotarian works for or the Rotarian’s own activity which a Rotarian is connected. For example,
within the organization. One example would be a police officer can be classified as “law
the classification of lawyer/barrister; this standard enforcement“, a school principal as “public
classification can be broken down into criminal law, education“. The reason for classifications is to
tax law, or intellectual property law ensure a well-balanced Club with members of
many vocations.
Does Rotary International maintain a list of
classifications? One of Rotary’s four avenues of service
is “vocational service“, through which we
RI does not maintain a general list of classifications. honour, dignify and respect each individual’s
Clubs are encouraged to create their own contributions to our communities through our
classification lists.
vocations. Members are given an opportunity
What is the limitations of Classifications for to share their vocation by giving a classification
membership? talk in their Clubs.
The Club shall not elect a person to active Here is a suggested guideline for giving a
membership from a classification if the club already Classification Talk :
has five or more members from that classification,
unless the club has more than 50 members, in which 1. State your name, what you do as a profession
case the club may elect up to 10% of members from or as an entrepreneur, and if employed,
a single classification where you currently work, and what you do
there.
What classification does a retired person hold?
2. Give a brief history of yourself - i.e., interests,
Retired persons inducted into active membership family, hobbies, values and beliefs, people
in a Rotary Club shall use their former profession that had an influence on you or major life
as their classification, but this will not be counted events that you wish to share.
towards the Club’s limit of members in a single
classification. 3. Talk about your work history, training and
education. This can include why you chose
Do Honorary Members hold classifications? your profession (or why it chose you).
Honorary members do no hold classifications, but 4. If desired, include why you joined Rotary
shall be entitled to attend all meetings and enjoy all and what you feel you can contribute to
the other privileges of the club. strengthen your Club and its service projects
What is a classification survey? through your vocation.
A systematically prepared list of classifications. Clubs 5. A Classification Talk should take no more
should maintain and use up-to-date classification than 10-15 minutes. It is a great opportunity
surveys to develop and recruiting qualified to share information about yourself, your
members to classifications that are open. profession and your business.

124 Rotary District 3201 - Presidents & Secretaries Manual 2021