Thursday, October 06, 2011

NJ STATE VOCATIONAL ASSEMBLY

By Bruce H. Bergen 

          
New Jersey is the ONLY place in the Rotary world to have a state-wide, multi-district vocational assembly—and ours is in its 31st year.  This helped attract R.I. President Kalyan Banerjee, from India, as the keynote speaker.  He spoke about the importance of Vocational Service in the founding and development of Rotary, and acknowledged the unique standing of New Jersey’s yearly event.  He also spoke about the lack of attention to Vocational Service in Rotary today, and indicated the need for there to be a renewed focus on this area of service.

Also speaking at the event were former NJ Attorney General and current Dean of the Rutgers Law School, John Farmer, Jr. who spoke about the connection between vocational service and the training of lawyers for the current economic climate.  Psychologist Dr. Teena C. Cahill, urged the listeners to use their vocations as an opportunity to change the lives of others and to have a positive effect on the world.

Each of the 5 districts awarded an annual Vocational Service award.  The winner in District 7510 was Gary Grover of Lamberville/New Hope Rotary, who was chosen from 7 nominees within our district.  Maybe our club should think of making a nomination for next year’s event.

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