The Classification Talk
Classification Talk Guidelines
This page provides new Rotarians information to develop understanding of the concept of classifications and classification talks, along with some suggestions to help a new Rotarian prepare the talk, which should be around 10-15 minutes long.
The Classification Principle
The following selection from The ABCs of Rotary explains the classification principle.
Virtually all membership in Rotary is based upon a “classification.” Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognized business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society.
The principle of Rotary classification is somewhat more specific and precise. In determining the classification of a Rotarian, it is necessary to look at the “principal or recognized business or professional activity of the firm, company or institution” with which an active member is connected or “that which covers his or her principal and recognized business or professional activity.”
It is important to recognize that classifications are determined by activities or services to society rather than by the position held by a particular individual. In other words, if a person is the president of a bank, he or she is not classified as “bank president” but under the classification “banking.” It is the principal and recognized activity of a business or professional establishment or the individual’s principal and recognized business or professional activity that determines the classification to be established and loaned to a qualified person. For example, the permanently employed electrical engineer, insurance adjustor, or business manager of a railroad company, mining company, manufacturing concern, hospital, clinic, etc., may be considered for member- ship as a representative of the particular work he or she may be doing personally or as a representative of the firm, company, or institution for which the professional service is being done.
The classification principle also permits business and industries to be separated into distinct functions such as manufacturing, distributing, retailing and servicing. Classifications may also be specified as distinct and independent divisions of a large corporation or university within the club’s territory, such as a school of business or a school of engineering. The classification principle is a necessary concept in assuring that each Rotary club represents a cross section of the business and professional service of the community.
When a lawyer named Paul Harris first met in 1905 in Chicago with a coal dealer, a mining engineer, and a merchant tailor, they gave birth to Rotary and, by the nature of their diverse occupations, to the association’s most distinctive feature – the classification principle. Today, the classification principle, though modified, remains a cornerstone of Rotary. A benefit of the classification system demonstrated by these founding Rotarians is that when representatives of many fields are brought together, it provides the opportunity for Rotarians to broaden their knowledge of the contemporary workplace. This, in turn, enables Rotarians to fulfill one of the basic obligations of vocational service – recognizing the worthiness to society of all useful occupations.
The Classification Talk
When giving a “classification talk,” strictly speaking one is not talking about him- or herself or job or business, but about the industry in which one is employed, the “principal or recognized business or professional activity of the firm, company, or institution.” For the purposes of classification talks in this Rotary club, take a slightly broader view. Club members want to learn something about the new Rotarian’s vocation or classification, and also about his or her specific job and about the new club member personally. The following list is was assembled from the classification talk guidelines of many other Rotary clubs. It is not necessary to include all of the bullet points in a talk, but perhaps they will provide an idea of what to talk about. Feel free to add other information that will help introduce club members to the person, not just the classification.
Vocational
- What it is exactly that you do? If you are not self-employed, describe the company you work for and your position in it, as well as what the company as a whole does.
- Why did you choose this particular business or profession? If you previously held a different job or career, why did you change jobs or move from one career path to another?
- What are the parts of your job you find most rewarding and most difficult?
- What do you forecast to be the employment opportunities in your field for the coming decade?
- What kind of education and experience are required to get into your vocation? Do you have advice to give persons entering your career field?
- How is your profession being impacted by technology, government regulations, and environmental factors? What are the latest developments in your field?
Personal
- What brought you to this area if you are not a native of the area?
- Share a little bit about your family, insofar as you are comfortable in doing so.
- What are your hobbies and special interests? Have you had any interesting travel, whether for business or pleasure, or other experiences that might be of interest to fellow Rotarians?
Rotary
- Have you belonged to other Rotary clubs? If so, highlight a few key experiences.
- Why did you join this club, and what are you expecting from your membership?
- What are the service opportunities that most motivate you to contribute to the community?
Source: Thanks and credit are due the Rotary clubs of Brazos River, Peninsula, Lawrenceville, Susitna, Peterborough Kawartha, Spruce Grove, and Camden for the classification descriptions that contributed to this guidance.