7. Proposal to reduce Rotary Costs - Electronic Delivery of RI President's message

At a regular meeting of the Shelton Skookum Rotary Club, the members voted on and

approved the attached Proposal to the Rotary International Council on Legislation.

The Proposal is ''to minimize the cost to Rotary for delivering the Rotary Intemational

President's message to District Conferences". The vote was taken November 23, 2011.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

Skookum Rotary Club

Club #83 District 5020

Shelton, WA

To minimize the cost to Rotary for delivering the Rotary International President's message to

District Conferences.

WHEREAS the Rotary International President usually dispatches a personal representative to

deliver his message to various District Conferences around the world, and

WHEREAS the annual expense to Rotary for travel and lodging for the President's

Representative amounts to several hundred thousand dollars, and

WHEREAS the President's Representative delivers a brief message at the District Conference

that is often not in the language of the Conference attendees and is thus potentially ineffective,

and

WHEREAS Rotary International strives to be good stewards of the funds expended to support

the Clubs and Districts, and

WHEREAS the Districts and Clubs in the Rotary world are using various technologies to reduce

travel and meeting costs.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED the Rotary International Board of Directors shall direct the General

Secretary to develop a cost effective and meaningful method for delivery of the Rotary

International President's message to the District Conferences.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT STATEMENT

The Rl President Rep often travels several thousand miles at great expense to deliver a short

speech. The delivery and effectiveness of the message if often diluted because of language

issues.

There are several PDG's in close proximity to most District Conferences that are articulate in the

usual language of the Conference attendees and are highly capable public speakers. These

PDG's, as Rl President's Representatives, would provide a more effective message delivery at

greatly reduced cost to Rotary.

Electronic delivery of the Rl President's message is possible, directly from the Rl President.

Sending a personal representative is an expense that is no longer necessary to Rotary. Funds

saved can then be put to the good works of Rotary and Rotarians.

6. Proposal re Club Officers

PROPOSED ENACTMENT

 To make it  optional for clubs  to elect  "one or more  vice-presidents" and a sergeant-at-arms as  officers.

Proposed by the Rotary  Club of West  Olympia, WA USA

Endorsed  by District 5020  through email balloting.

IT lS ENACTED  by Rotary International that the STANDARD ROTARY CLUB CONSTITUTION  OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL be and  herby IS amended as follows:

 In Article 10.  Section 4. Officers. (page 249 of the 2010  MOP),

The  wording of  this section is amended as follows:

The  club officers shall be a president, the  immediate past president, and a president-elect. and may  include one or more vice-presidents, all  of whom shall be members of theboard. and a secretary. a treasurer, and may  include a sergeant-at-arms, all of  whommay eruna1er+e+ be members  of the board as the  bylaws shall provide.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT STATEMENT

 This change  would prevent clubs  from having to  include one or more vice-presidentsand a sergeant-at-arms as  officers of  their club, thereby reducing the number of  officersthat clubs must elect, and reducing the size  of the board of directors for some clubs, many of  whom do  not currently include a  vice president  or sergeant-at-arms as  officersor board members. This change  might especially  benefit smaller clubs that may find itunnecessary  to have a vice-president,  or to have  their sergeant-at-arms serve as anofficer  or board member. For instance, if the  duty of a  vice-president is  to "preside at meetings  of the  club and the board  in the absence  of the president and  to perfonnother duties as ordinarily pertain to the office  of vice-president". as stated  in the recommended

club bylaws, then it's not clear why these duties  can't be performed  by the immediatepast president or president-elect as they  often are  in many clubs.

5. Proposal re reduction of time/cost required for changes to RI Legislation

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

PURPOSE: To substantially reduce the time required for and cost of making

changes to Rotary International legislation

PROPOSED BY: the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North

ENDORSED BY: District 5020 by e-mail balloting

WHEREAS the Council on Legislation currently meets in person once every

three years to consider both enactments and proposed resolutions;

AND WHEREAS the current cost of operating the Council on Legislation is

approximately $1,200,000 per year;

AND WHEREAS the challenges faced by the Rotary International in both

retaining and recruiting members require legislative changes be made at a

quicker pace consistent with other international organizations;

IT IS RESOLVED that the Rotary International Board of Directors consider

establishing a committee to recommend changes to the current system for

considering legislative change in order to substantially reduce the time required

to consider proposed changes to legislation and to substantially reduce the cost

of the process, with the report of such committee to be presented for

consideration within 18 months of formation.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT STATEMENT:

The rate of change in organizations worldwide continues to accelerate. In order

to remain competitive and lead in their areas of expertise, organizations are

changing the way they make decisions in order to ensure that their product or

service meets the changing needs of their customers. Rotary is no different. We

must change in response to the needs of our current members and to adjust our

organization so that it is appealing to new members- particularly younger ones.

The current process for legislative reform in Rotary is too slow and does not

reflect the reality of today's world. In addition, at $1.00 per worldwide member

per year, it is too expensive. We suggest that the committee consider the

following:

• Prospective new, young members seek flexible organizations which

can react to change in a timely fashion

• communication which preclude the need for an international face to

face meeting, allow for faster decision making and substantially

reduce costs

• Eliminating the need for Council of Legislation worldwide delegates

to travel to a central location will substantially reduce Rotary's

carbon footprint

• The process could be made more transparent allowing Rotarians to

monitor the progress of proposed changes

We believe the effect of implementing a faster, more economical and more

transparent system for legislative change will help both existing and prospective

member perceive Rotary International as an increasingly progressive

organization striving to meet their needs. This perception will lead to improved

member retention and recruitment.

Proposed November 2011 by:

The Rotary Club of Nanaimo North

4. Proposal re Revision of Leave of Absence for Medical Reasons

Proposal re Revision of Leave of Absence for Medical Reasons

PROPOSED ENACTMENT

To revise criteria for leave of absence as relates to medical reasons and to address the issue of attendance reporting as relates to the approved leave of absence for medical reasons.

Proposed by:

Rotary Club of Chehalis

Rotary Club of Centralia

IT IS ENACTED by Rotary International that the STANDARD ROTARY CLUB CONSTITUTION be and hereby are amended as follows (page 248 MOP) and the Standard Rotary Club Bylaws be and hereby are amended as follows (Page 262 MOP)

Standard Rotary Club Constitution

Article 9 Attendance

9.3 Excused Absences.  A member’s absence shall be excused if 

(a) The absence complies with the conditions and under circumstances approved by the board.  The board may excuse a member’s absence for reasons which it considers to be good and sufficient.  Such excused absences shall not extend for longer than twelve months.  However, if the leave is for a medical reason that extends for more than 12 months such leave may be renewed by the board for a period of time beyond the original 12 months.  Such leave for medical purposes shall not be counted as an absence for purposes of attendance records of the club.

Standard Rotary Club Bylaws:

Article 11

Upon written application to the board, setting forth good and sufficient cause, leave of absence may be granted excusing a member from attending the meetings of the club for no longer than twelve (12) months.  If the leave is for a medical reason that extends more than 12 months such leave may be renewed by the board for a period of time beyond the original 12 months.  Such leave for medical purposes shall not be counted as an absence for purposes of attendance records of the club.

Statement of Purpose and Effect:

Many long serving and worthy Rotarians may encounter a circumstance in their life where a medical condition occurs which is beyond their control.  Neither the Rotarian nor the club should be penalized for such circumstances.  The Rotary Club of Chehalis had a Pearl Harbor survivor who never missed a Rotary meeting unless he was ill.  When he reached the point in his life whereby he was no longer physically able to attend meetings, it seemed not reasonable to terminate his membership simply because his life continued beyond the 12 month leave period.  Furthermore it doesn’t seem reasonable that the club be penalized in their attendance records for providing that medical leave of absence.  We had a similar circumstance for a member who was waiting for a donor for a heart and lung transplant.  Both of the above examples were members who were dedicated to the Rotary cause and were productive contributing members of the club.

DLTA - one day or two?

Area 4A Presidents.

There is discussion at District that DLTA should be for one day only (currently it is for two days).

The objective is to increase attendance.

We would value input from you and your fellow Rotarians.

Please give me some feedback .

Best Regards,

A.G. Tav Macpherson

Assistant Governor, Area 4A, District 5020

3. Proposal on Rotary Foundation Scholarship restrictions

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

To allow Rotarians; honorary Rotarians; employees of a club, district, or other

Rotary Entity or of Rotary International; or spouses, lineal descendants (child

or grandchild by blood, legal adoption, or marriage without adoption), spouses

of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parent or grandparent by blood) of persons

    in the foregoing categories to be eligible for Rotary Foundation Scholarships if they  

meet all of the other requirements.

Proposed by the Rotary Club of Comox.

Endorsed by District 5020 through email balloting.

WHERAS, current Rotary Foundation qualifications for Rotary Foundation  Scholarships currently restrict Rotarians, Rotarian family members, Rotarian associates, and Rotarian employees from an award of scholarship, and

WHEREAS, part of the Four Way Test states, “Is it Fair to All concerned”, and

WHEREAS, another part of the Four Way Test states, “Is it Beneficial to All concerned, 

IT IS RESOLVED by Rotary International that the Board of Directors of Rotary International consider requesting the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation to amend Section 7.030 of the current Rotary Foundation Code of Policies and Section 9.3 of the Rotary Foundation Bylaws to eliminate all restrictions from Rotary Foundation Scholarships against Rotarians, their descendants, their relatives, associates, and employees.  

The proposed change to page 124 of the 2010 MOP is as follows:

Qualifications

A candidate for a Rotary Foundation Scholarship must demonstrate

outstanding potential as an ambassador of goodwill, which can be

measured through leadership skills, communication skills, and commitment

to service. Applicants must have completed at least two years of university

or college coursework, or must have a secondary education and have been

employed in a recognized profession for at least two years when the scholarship

begins. Applicants must be citizens of a Rotary country. Candidates cannot

be Rotarians; honorary Rotarians; employees of a club, district, or other

Rotary Entity or of Rotary International; or spouses, lineal descendants (child

or grandchild by blood, legal adoption, or marriage without adoption), spouses

of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parent or grandparent by blood) of persons

in the foregoing categories. Initial application must be made through a Rotary

club in the applicant’s legal or permanent residence or place of full-time study

or employment.

2. Proposal to make "Service Above Self" the permanent theme

Proposal 2 - The Rotary Club of Tumwater is proposing to make "Service Above Self" the permanent annual theme of Rotary and do away with the changing of themes each year by the then current RI President.

PROPOSED ENACTMENT

To establish “Service Above Self” as Rotary International’s only and permanent annual theme.

Proposed by the Rotary Club of Tumwater, WA USA

Endorsed by District 5020 through email balloting.

IT IS ENACTED by Rotary International that the CONSTITUTION OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL be and herby IS amended as follows:

In Article 2. Name and Description (page 167 of the 2010 MOP),

A new subsection is added:

1. The annual Theme of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

IT IS FURTHER ENACTED by Rotary International that the BY LAWS OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL be and herby are amended as follows:

In Article 18. Name and Emblem (page 236 of the 2010 MOP),

A new section is added:

18.030 The annual Theme of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

IT IS FURTHER ENACTED by Rotary International that the Rotary International Board of Directors change the Rotary Code of Polices to specify that the annual theme is “Service Above Self” as follows:

27.050. Annual Theme and Program Emphasis

Rotarians are encouraged to present and emphasize only the annual theme, “Service Above Self”, at district conferences, at other district meetings, in printed materials, and during “official visits” by RI officers. The annual theme is the only theme which should be utilized, and the use of other themes should be discouraged.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT STATEMENT

Nearly every major corporation in the world has a theme, tagline, or advertising “hook” that is part of their marketing efforts and establishes their identity. That theme sets them apart from other companies.

IBM is “Big Blue”, Fosters is “Australian for Beer”, Coca-Cola is “The Real Thing”, and Nike is “Just Do It”. When a company cannot decide on a theme, or changes it without proper market research, consumers become confused and even migrate to a competitor. (Look what happened to Coca Cola when it changed marketing. It lost market share and had to bring back “Classic Coke”.)

Rotary changes its’ theme every year at the discretion of the President. While the President of Rotary International can and should emphasize an area of Service that is most meaningful to that person: Peace and conflict prevention/resolution, Disease prevention and treatment, Water and sanitation, Maternal and child health, Basic education and literacy, Economic and community development, and Polio Eradication the annual theme should be constant.

From a cost perspective, changing pins, ties, and banners every year is wasteful. The money spent on such accessories would do far more good if spent in one of the areas of emphasis.

From a branding perspective the Rotary wheel should be synonymous with service. See the pin, think Service.

1. Proposal on the Elimination of the Mandatory Meeting Attendance Requirement

Proposal 1 - The Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach Sunrise is proposing to eliminate the mandatory meeting attendance requirement.

PROPOSED ENACTMENTS RELATED TO ARTICLES: 9 and 12

Article 9 Attendance

1. Enact the removal of the strikethrough print from Article 9.

2. Enact the addition of the underlined print to Article 9.

Article 9 Attendance

Section 1-General provisions. Each club member brings a uniqueness of knowledge, skills and character that contributes to the health and vitality of the club. Therefore, all Rotarians are encouraged to actively participate in the regular weekly meetings and projects of the club to the best of their ability.

Section 2-Make-ups.If unable to attend a regular meeting, members may participate in a make-up at another club or by means of the e-Club option.

Section 3-Leave of absence. Upon written application to the board, a club member in good standing, setting forth good and sufficient cause, may be granted a Leave of Absence excusing him/her from attending the meetings of the club for a specified length of time. (Note: Such leave of absence does operate to prevent forfeiture of membership and does not operate to give the club credit for the member’s attendance. Unless he/she attends a regular meeting of some other club or e-Club the excused member shall be recorded as absent.)

(Select one introductory paragraph to Section 1)

Section 1 — General Provisions. Each member should attend this club’s regular

meetings. A member shall be counted as attending a regular meeting if the member is

present for at least 60 percent of the meeting, or is present and is called away

unexpectedly and subsequently produces evidence to the satisfaction of the board that

such action was reasonable, or makes up for an absence in any of the following ways:

or

Section 1 (for e-Clubs) — General Provisions. Each member should attend this

club’s regular meetings. A member shall be counted as attending a regular meeting if

the member participates in the regular meeting posted on the club’s Web site within one

week following its posting, or makes up a missed meeting in any of the following ways:

(a) 14 Days Before or After the Meeting. If, within fourteen (14) days before or after

the regular time for that meeting, the member

(1) attends at least 60 percent of the regular meeting of another club or of a

provisional club; or

(2) attends a regular meeting of a Rotaract or Interact club, Rotary Community

Corps, or Rotary Fellowship or of a provisional Rotaract or Interact club, Rotary Community Corps, or Rotary Fellowship; or

(3) attends a convention of RI, a council on legislation, an international assembly,

a Rotary institute for past and present officers of RI, a Rotary institute for

past, present, and incoming officers of RI, or any other meeting convened

with the approval of the board of directors of RI or the president of RI acting

on behalf of the board of directors of RI, a Rotary multizone conference, a

meeting of a committee of RI, a Rotary district conference, a Rotary district

assembly, any district meeting held by direction of the board of directors of

RI, any district committee meeting held by direction of the district governor,

or a regularly announced intercity meeting of Rotary clubs; or

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(4) is present at the usual time and place of a regular meeting of another club for

the purpose of attending such meeting, but that club is not meeting at that time

or place; or

(5) attends and participates in a club service project or a club-sponsored

community event or meeting authorized by the board; or

(6) attends a board meeting or, if authorized by the board, a meeting of a service

committee to which the member is assigned; or

(7) participates through a club web site in an interactive activity requiring an

average of 30 minutes of participation.

When a member is outside the member’s country of residence for more than fourteen

(14) days, the time restriction shall not be imposed so that the member may attend

meetings in another country at any time during the travel period, and each such

attendance shall count as a valid make-up for any regular meeting missed during the

member’s time abroad.

(b) At the Time of the Meeting. If, at the time of the meeting, the member is

(1) traveling with reasonable directness to or from one of the meetings specified

in sub-subsection (a) (3) of this section; or

(2) serving as an officer or member of a committee of RI, or a trustee of The

Rotary Foundation; or

(3) serving as the special representative of the district governor in the formation

of a new club; or

(4) on Rotary business in the employ of RI; or

(5) directly and actively engaged in a district-sponsored or RI- or Rotary

Foundation-sponsored service project in a remote area where making up

attendance is impossible; or

(6) engaged in Rotary business duly authorized by the board which precludes

attendance at the meeting.

Section 2 — Extended Absence on Outposted Assignment. If a member will be working

on an outposted assignment for an extended period of time, attendance at the meetings

of a designated club at the site of the assignment will replace attendance at the regular

meetings of the member’s club, provided there is a mutual agreement between the two

clubs.

Section 3 — Excused Absences. A member’s absence shall be excused if

(a) the absence complies with the conditions and under circumstances approved by the

board. The board may excuse a member’s absence for reasons which it considers to be good and sufficient. Such excused absences shall not extend for longer than

twelve months.

(b) the age of the member is 65 and above and the aggregate of the member’s years of

age and years of membership in one or more clubs is 85 years or more and the

member has notified the club secretary in writing of the member’s desire to be

excused from attendance and the board has approved.

Section 4 — RI Officers’ Absences. A member’s absence shall be excused if the member

is a current officer of RI.

Section 5 — Attendance Records. In the event that a member whose absences are excused

under the provisions of subsection 3(b) or section 4 of this article attends a club

meeting, the member and the member’s attendance shall be included in the membership

and attendance figures used to compute this club’s attendance.

Article 12- Duration of Membership

1. Enact the removal of the strikethrough print from Article 12, Section 4.

2. Enact the addition of the underlined print to Article 12, Section 4.

Article 12 Duration of Membership

Section 1 — Period. Membership shall continue during the existence of this club unless

terminated as hereinafter provided.

Section 2 — Automatic Termination.

(a) Membership Qualifications. Membership shall automatically terminate when a

member no longer meets the membership qualifications, except that

(1) the board may grant a member moving from the locality of this club or the

surrounding area a special leave of absence not to exceed one (1) year to

enable the member to visit and become known to a Rotary club in the new

community if the member continues to meet all conditions of club

membership;

(2) the board may allow a member moving from the locality of this club or the

surrounding area to retain membership if the member continues to meet all

conditions of club membership.

(b) How to Rejoin. When the membership of a member has terminated as provided in

subsection (a) of this section, such person, provided such person’s membership

was in good standing at the time of termination, may make new application for

membership, under the same or another classification. A second admission fee

shall not be required.

(c) Termination of Honorary Membership. Honorary membership shall automatically

terminate at the end of the term for such membership as determined by the board.

However, the board may extend an honorary membership for an additional period.

The board may revoke an honorary membership at any time.

Section 3 — Termination Non-payment of Dues.

(a) Process. Any member failing to pay dues within thirty (30) days after the

prescribed time shall be notified in writing by the secretary at the member’s last

known address. If the dues are not paid on or before ten (10) days of the date of

notification, membership may terminate, subject to the discretion of the board.

(b) Reinstatement. The board may reinstate the former member to membership upon

the former member’s petition and payment of all indebtedness to this club.

However, no former member may be reinstated to active membership if the former

member’s classification is in conflict with article 8, section 2.

Section 4 — Termination Non-attendance.

(a)Absences Unless otherwise excused by the board, any member who fails to attend or make up a number of regular meetings as determined at the discretion of the board, shall be informed by the board that the member’s non-attendance may be considered a request to terminate membership in this club. Thereafter, the board, by majority vote, may terminate the member’s membership.

(a) Attendance Percentages. A member must

(1) attend or make up at least 50 percent of club regular meetings in each half of

the year;

(2) attend at least 30 percent of this club’s regular meetings in each half of the

year (assistant governors, as defined by the board of directors of RI, shall be

excused from this requirement).

If a member fails to attend as required, the member’s membership shall be subject

to termination unless the board consents to such non-attendance for good cause.

(b) Consecutive Absences. Unless otherwise excused by the board for good and

sufficient reason or pursuant to article 9, sections 3 or 4, each member who fails to

attend or make up four consecutive regular meetings shall be informed by the

board that the member’s non-attendance may be considered a request to terminate

membership in this club. Thereafter, the board, by a majority vote, may terminate

the member’s membership.

Section 5 — Termination Other Causes.

(a) Good Cause. The board may terminate the membership of any member who ceases

to have the qualifications for membership in this club or for any good cause by a

vote of not less than two-thirds of the board members, at a meeting called for that

purpose. The guiding principles for this meeting shall be article 7, section 1; The

Four-Way Test; and the high ethical standards that one should hold as a Rotary

club member.

(b) Notice. Prior to taking any action under subsection (a) of this section, the member

shall be given at least ten (10) days’ written notice of such pending action and an

opportunity to submit a written answer to the board. The member shall have the

right to appear before the board to state the member’s case. Notice shall be by

personal delivery or by registered letter to the member’s last known address.

(c) Filling Classification. When the board has terminated the membership of a

member as provided for in this section, this club shall not elect a new member

under the former member’s classification until the time for hearing any appeal has

expired and the decision of this club or of the arbitrators has been announced.

However, this provision shall not apply if, by election of a new member, the

number of members under the said classification would remain within provided

limitations even if the board’s decision regarding termination is reversed.

Formatted: Font: Not Italic

Section 6 — Right to Appeal, Mediate or Arbitrate Termination.

(a) Notice. Within seven (7) days after the date of the board’s decision to terminate

membership, the secretary shall give written notice of the decision to the member.

Within fourteen (14) days after the date of the notice, the member may give written

notice to the secretary of the intention to appeal to the club, request mediation, or

to arbitrate as provided in article 16.

(b) Date for Hearing of Appeal. In the event of an appeal, the board shall set a date for

the hearing of the appeal at a regular club meeting to be held within twenty-one

(21) days after receipt of the notice of appeal. At least five (5) days’ written notice

of the meeting and its special business shall be given to every member. Only

members shall be present when the appeal is heard.

(c) Mediation or Arbitration. The procedure utilized for mediation or arbitration shall

be as provided in article 16.

(d) Appeal. If an appeal is taken, the action of the club shall be final and binding on all

parties and shall not be subject to arbitration.

(e) Decision of Arbitrators or Umpire. If arbitration is requested, the decision reached

by the arbitrators or, if they disagree, by the umpire shall be final and binding on

all parties and shall not be subject to appeal.

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(f) Unsuccessful Mediation. If mediation is requested but is unsuccessful, the member

may appeal to the club or arbitrate as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

Section 7 — Board Action Final. Board action shall be final if no appeal to this club is

taken and no arbitration is requested.

Section 8 — Resignation. The resignation of any member from this club shall be in

writing, addressed to the president or secretary. The resignation shall be accepted by

the board if the member has no indebtedness to this club.

Section 9 — Forfeiture of Property Interest. Any person whose club membership has

been terminated in any manner shall forfeit all interest in any funds or other property

belonging to this club if, under local laws, the member may have acquired any right to

them upon joining the club.

Section 10 — Temporary Suspension.

Notwithstanding any provision of this constitution, if in the opinion of the board

(a) credible accusations have been made that a member has refused or neglected to

comply with this constitution, or has been guilty of conduct unbecoming a member

or prejudicial to the interests of the club; and

(b) those accusations, if proved, constitute good cause for terminating the membership

of the member; and

(c) it is desirable that no action should be taken in respect of the membership of the

member pending the outcome of a matter or an event that the board considers

should properly occur before such action is taken by the board; and

(d) that in the best interests of the club and without any vote being taken as to his or

her membership, the member’s membership should be temporarily suspended and the member should be excluded from attendance at meetings and other activities of

this club and from any office or position the member holds within the club. For the

purposes of this clause, the member shall be excused from fulfilling attendance

responsibilities;

the board may, by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the board, temporarily suspend

the member as aforesaid for such period and on such further conditions as the board

determines, albeit for a period no longer than is reasonably necessary in all the circumstances.