As the district’s Vocational Service Chair, it seems fitting that my December article for the Digest is focused on Vocational Training Teams (VTT), because our district team is in as you read this Brazil!
VTTs are comprised of a group of professionals in their field who travel to different countries to lend their knowledge and skills to others within that similar discipline. It is an educational program of The Rotary Foundation.
Teams must ensure that their mission is in alignment with one or more of Rotary’s 6 Areas of Focus, i.e. benefitting the community and have a sustainable, measurable impact. VTTs must be sponsored by Rotary clubs or districts from 2 countries. The 6 Areas of Focus are:
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
Teams must consist of at least 2 members (Rotarians or non-Rotarians) with at least two years of professional experience in the designated area of focus.
The D5330 team is made up of: DG Judy Zulfiqar, Team Captain; Jennifer Loretta, Team Co-Captain; Carissa Gerry, Team Secretary; Glen Brock, Member; Dan Hudec, Member; and Maryalice Owings, Member.
Our team is focusing on Mental Health Awareness and Education in Maringà, Brazil. Their focus is to learn about the current initiatives that community currently has in place. Our team promises to “facilitate a productive idea exchange” with them.
VTTs are important in Rotary’s quest to promote one of the least understood Five Areas of Service-Vocational Service. Teams like this prove that a Rotarian’s background and experience in a business or a profession are vitally important to enhancing the knowledge base of communities in need.
Please remember that at the end of this Rotary year, DG Judy will be recognizing an outstanding business/profession in our district with the Rotary Award of Vocational Excellence so start thinking of who you’d want to nominate. More information will be coming out from me!
Sincerely,
Bill Chase, PDG
D5330 Vocational Service Chair
[email protected]