STOP CHILD NEGLECT AND ABUSE

The children of the world are our future and yet oftentimes they are neglected and abused. It is astounding that we were all children once and how growing up makes us forget the insecurities and vulnerabilities of being a child.

Children depend on many adults as they grow up. Parents, relatives, neighbours and teachers all should provide children with love, support and guidance. No one wants to see children grow up with fear, anger or neglect. But no one is born knowing how to care for children. Sometimes we make mistakes that hurt them.

Why Do Adults Hurt Children? 

Samy came home from work in a foul mood. Seven-year-old Muthu ran out of the kitchen just as his father walked in, and they ran into each other. Samy cursed and grabbed his son. He shook Muthu hard while yelling at him, and then shoved him out of the way. The next day, Muthu’s arms and back had bruises.

It takes a lot to care for a child. A child needs food, clothing, and shelter as well as love and attention. Parents and caregivers want to provide all those things, but they have other pressures, too. Sometimes adults just can’t provide everything their children need.

Adults may not intend to hurt the children they care for. But sometimes adults lose control, and sometimes they hurt children. There are many reasons:

• Because they lose their tempers when they think about their own problems
• Because they don’t know how to discipline a child
• Because they expect behavior that is unrealistic for a child’s age or ability
• Because they have been abused by a parent or a partner
• Because they have financial problems
• Because they lose control when they use alcohol or other drugs

What is Child Abuse?

This is an example of physical child abuse.

Theresa had just changed 18-month-old Adam’s dirty diaper when he had another messy diaper; this made Theresa angry. She thought that putting him in hot water would punish him for the dirty diaper. When she put him in the tub, he cried loudly. Theresa slapped him to stop the crying and didn’t notice the scald marks until after the bath was over.

Examples of physical child abuse

• Shaking or shoving
• Slapping or hitting
• Beating with a belt, shoe, or other object
• Burning a child with matches or cigarettes
• Scalding a child with water that is too hot
• Pulling a child’s hair out
• Breaking a child’s arm, leg, or other bones
• Not letting a child eat, drink, or use the bathroom

What is Child Neglect?

This is an example of neglect.

Chong worked nights at the grocery store, but the family needed more money. Ah Mei looked for work, but the only job she could find required her to leave home at 3 a.m. The children, ages two and six, were alone for a few hours until Chong got home.

Examples of child neglect

• Not meeting a child’s need for food, clothing, shelter or safety
• Leaving a child unwatched
• Leaving a child in an unsafe place
• Not seeking necessary medical attention for a child
• Not having a child attend school

Why Do Abuse and Neglect Happen?

Parents and caretakers don’t always know that they are being abusive or neglectful. Few adults actually intend to hurt or neglect children.

Sometimes a caretaker just doesn’t know a better way to discipline a child. Sometimes an adult is just too frustrated with life and takes it out on a child.

An adult is more likely to abuse or neglect a child

• If the caretaker was abused as a child
• If the caretaker is being abused by a spouse or partner
• If the caretaker uses alcohol or other drugs
• If the adult expects too much of a child
• If the child is the result of an unplanned pregnancy

Some adults don’t know how to correct a child without causing physical harm. An adult who has this problem can learn new ways to discipline without hurting a child.

• Look for times when the child is behaving well. Praise that behavior.
• Agree on a code word to use when things reach the boiling point. The code word signals that everyone needs some time to cool down before talking about the problem.
• When a child misbehaves, give the child a “time-out” - a few minutes alone to think about what happened.
• Talk to the child about the misbehavior and its effects.

Sometimes, parents and caretakers need to learn to control their own anger. They need to identify the things that make them more likely to hurt the children in their care.

Hurting a child or not filling a child’s basic needs never makes things better.

 

How Do You Know a Child Who Is Abused or Neglected?

Brenda’s teacher saw signs of neglect.

In the preschool class, four-year-old Brenda always seemed tired. Brenda never brought food for snack time, and she looked hungrily at other children’s sandwiches. Her classmates teased her because her hair was always dirty.

Paul saw signs of physical child abuse.

Paul lived next door to the Harris family, where someone always seemed to be yelling or crying. One night Paul heard glass break, then a man’s shouting and a loud thump. Ten-year-old Keisha ran out the door a few seconds later, crying. Her face was swollen with the start of a black eye.

The effects of child abuse can last a lifetime. An abused or neglected child needs help right away. Is a child you know being abused or neglected?

Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect

• Cuts and bruises
• Broken bones or internal injuries
• Burns
• Constant hunger or thirst
• Lack of interest in surroundings
• Dirty hair or skin, frequent diaper rash
• Lack of supervision
• Hard-to-believe stories about how accidents occurred

What Happens to Abused and Neglected Children?

Abuse and neglect have harmful effects on children. At worst, a child could die. More often, abused or neglected children live with fear or pain.

Abused or neglected children often experience

• frequent injuries
• learning problems
• fear or shyness
• bad dreams
• behavior problems
• depression
• fear of certain adults or places

The effects don’t end when the abuse or neglect stops. When abused or neglected children grow up, they are more likely to

• abuse their own families
• use violence to solve their problems
• have trouble learning
• have emotional difficulties
• attempt suicide
• use alcohol or other drugs

How Can We End Abuse and Neglect?

Sometimes, people are afraid to report abuse or neglect because they don’t want to break up a family. Sometimes, people are afraid to get involved in someone else’s problem.

When you report suspected child abuse or neglect, you could be saving that child’s life.

The goal of stopping abuse and neglect is to keep children safe. Part of keeping children safe is finding help for the adults who have hurt them. Adults who have abused or neglected a child have many places to turn for help.

• The child’s doctor can explain children’s needs at every age. He or she can recommend places to learn more about parenting and child care.
• Local health and social service departments often have parenting classes. Social service workers also can help parents get assistance to ease their financial situations.
• Hospitals and community centers often have classes on stress reduction, parenting, discipline, and nutrition.
• Psychologists, counselors, and social workers can help parents and caregivers deal with problems like drug use, anger, and previous experiences of abuse.
• Religious groups often provide food, counseling, and other types of support for anyone in the community, not just their members.

If you see that a relative, neighbor, or friend is under a lot of stress and might hurt children in their care, suggest that the person get help from one of these services. Stop the problem before it starts.

No child should have to live in fear of abuse or neglect.

Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a relative or a caregiver, you can make a difference and help the children you love grow up in a caring, loving environment. Adults don’t have to be perfect, just willing to listen, learn, grow, and change.

FUND RAISING – WE NEED TO DO IT

One of our PDGs once famously said, “We Rotarians are professional beggars!” How True. But we are beggars with a cause and therefore must be undeterred in our efforts to raise money for the benefit of our community.

Fund raising therefore, is an important and integral part of what every effective Rotary club must do. We have the credibility and reputation with which we can be effective fund raisers for any charitable objective. The more fund raising we do, the more beneficial projects we can carry out in the community.

Always be guided by what the MOP says:

“In participating in or identifying with any plans to collect funds, or any other activity, a club should be continually careful not to indulge in undignified practices that do not contribute to the strengthening of the club’s prestige.”

The key therefore is to carry out – meaningful and reputable fund raisers.

PRE IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES            

Before any fund raising is planned or carried out, the following factors should be considered at the very outset:

1. The total Club expenditure and budget for the whole Rotary Year must be planned and approved by the club’s Board of Directors.

2. Every project that is planned must be for the benefit of the community.

3. Every project must try and meet the criteria of being beneficial, catalytic, original, promote membership development and promote Rotary.

4. The date of implementation, budget and Rotarian in charge for each project must be confirmed and fixed.

5. All money raised must be used for the service projects of the club.

6. Funds raised must not be used for any other purpose or for the internal funding of the Club.

7. Ability of the members to raise the funds targeted is critical. It is important not to over-burden the members.

8. The sources of the funds raised must be thoroughly scrutinised.

9. It is also inmportant to be sensitive to the general economic conditions when strategizing about the amount of money you are trying to raise.

10. It is important that you are able to highlight at least a few very beneficial and innovative projects that can attract public support.

  

FUND RAISING PROJECT IDEAS

Here are just some ideas:

1. Charity Film Premier or show

2. Treasurer Hunt

3. Walkathon, Jogathon, Golfathon, Karaokethon or any other ‘thon’

4. Food and Fund Fare

5. Fashion Show

6. Photo and Painting Exhibition

7. Jumble Sale, Auction Sale or Garage Sale

8. Charity Dinners or Lunch

9. Luncheon Talks

10. Lottery/ Raffle draws

11. Appeal letters

12. Sale of: Flags, Greeting cards, Book-marks, etc.

13. Matching Grants from Rotary Foundation or ROTAFOM

14. Crocodile and other Foundation Grants

 

SUCCESS FACTORS

There are many factors which determine the success of any fund raising project. Among them are:

1. The funds are sought for noble and appealing projects – unless the project is appealing and visible, large corporations will not support it.

2. Good publicity is very important – it is important to engage the media early to create greater awareness of what you are doing. A visual presentation of the project is much more effective than just words.

3. If it is a show and famous celebrities are used, they must appeal to the target audience – people who are leaders of large corporations or who have very comfortable income. Therefore celebrities or performers that appeal to a teenage audience may not appeal to this target audience.

4. Organising committee must be fully committed to the project.

5. Ensure that you choose an appropriate date when people are available and set a price that is attractive, these are crucial factors – the end of the year is usually a good time when companies have their annual staff dinners.

6. Get Sponsors – newspaper, airline, hotel, banks, credit card companies – this reduces overall cost, gets better publicity and minimises risk of losses.

7. Obtain tax exempt facilities – if not available through your own club charity foundation, then work with ROTAFOM.

8. Networking – tap on contacts of your fellow Rotarians for increased support.

9. Public accountability. There must be complete transparency and all promises made must be fulfilled. Credibility is important for public support.

10. Reciprocity – seek support from other Rotary Clubs. But do not to place too much emphasis on their support, as every club has their own fund raising projects, to which they must devote their attention.

 

THE COLLATERAL BENEFITS OF A GOOD FUND RAISING PROJECT

There are many collateral benefits that come from a good fund raising project. The most obvious of which is that it directly benefits the target beneficiaries of the service projects. More importantly, it is an important part of Rotary branding – it promotes Rotary as a humanitarian service organisation and increases public awareness of Rotary’s programmes. The public awareness that is created will attracts service minded people to join Rotary, as well as, allow charitable people who are unable to find the time and opportunity, the opportunity to help the less fortunate in our community.

At its root, a successful fund raiser will promote stronger fellowship among Rotarians as well as supporters and this will bring the members closer together. The valuable experience gained in organising fund raising projects will also keep your club in good stead for the future and you can grow from strength to strength. Ultimately, the personal satisfaction you will derive from successfully carrying out a fund raising project is what its all about.

“The secret of fundraising is being convinced of the need, having the courage to ask and not being discouraged when someone says no. You’ll get a donation about every fourth person, so just keep asking. And you’ll get something eventually from the person who turned you down the last time — if you ask again next time.”

 

SOME ADVICE FOR PRESIDENTS – PRESENT AND FUTURE – Principles of Leadership in a Voluntary Organization

 

 

I have spent some time looking at the concept of leadership within voluntary organizations and have found that it is distinctly different from leadership in any other environment.

 

Most corporate or professional leaders have been taught leadership styles that work in environment where the leaders have greater authority by virtue of the hierarchical structure of those organizations. Not only that the motivational levers are more powerful since the followers depend on the organization for their livelihood and the well being of their family. Consequently, when we lead our corporations, the demands of leadership are different.

Within a volunteer organization the leader is confronted with a unique but greater leadership challenge. We have followers who can choose not to follow us. In effect the leader is PRIMUS INTER PARES – FIRST AMONG EQUALS.  Therefore, he cannot dictate what he wants to the members. It is necessary for the leader to develop and adopt a different style of leadership to successfully lead any volunteer organization.

 

 

FINDING THE LEADER IN YOU 

We must believe in our innate ability to lead others. Leadership is needed to help people achieve what they are capable of, to establish a vision for the future, to encourage, to coach and to mentor, and to establish and maintain successful relationships. As Rotarians we are the leaders of our respective businesses and professions.  Now you must try and translate the success metaphors of your business and professional lives into a model that works within your club. You must remember that the motivational levers that operate are very different but that the process of leadership is the same. You must therefore identify your own leadership style and customize it to the new environment.

The first step toward success is identifying your own leadership strengths.

STARTING TO COMMUNICATE

The key to good leadership is good communication. Keep the channels of communication always open. Don’t shut of a particular person or group, make yourself available to all your members. Apply the following principles:

Make communication a top priority

1. Be open to other people
2. Create a receptive environment for communication

No matter how busy you are make an effort to communicate with each and every member. You are their President, the onus is on you to ensure that they follow you. If they don’t – then you are leading no one. Communication builds trust, faith and confidence in your leadership.

Communication is built on trusting relationships.

 

MOTIVATING PEOPLE

The power to motivate is the essence of leadership. Harry A Overstreet wrote in his timeless book, ‘Influencing Human Behaviour’ – “First, arouse in the other person and eager want. He who can do this has the whole world with him. He who cannot walks a lonely way”.

If you can motivate your members, then 90% of your job as the President is done. Three important concepts of human behaviour must be borne in mind:

1. All members must be included in all club projects and they must be kept involved in the process every step of the way. Teamwork is the key here, not hierarchy.

2. People must be treated as individuals. Always acknowledge the importance of every member and show them respect.

3. Greater contributions to the club must be encouraged and recognized. Everyone responds to expectations. If you treat people as capable of doing something and invest them with the responsibility, they normally will rise to the occasion.

Motivation can never be forced. People have to want to do a good job.

 

 

HANDLING MISTAKES, COMPLAINTS AND CRTICISM

There are two fundamental facts about mistakes that we must accept. Number one; we all make them, and number two; we are more than happy to point them out in others, but we hate it when someone points out one of ours!

Noel Coward was as thin skinned about criticism as anyone else, but at least he had a sense of humour. He said, “I love criticism just as long as it is unqualified praise.”

Mistakes are made, complaints are abundant – the key is how do you handle it?

The first step is to create an environment where people are open to receiving advice and constructive criticism. Spread the word again and again that mistakes are a natural part of life. One sure way to send the message across, is to admit your own mistakes. Setting an example is very important. So if you have a problem with being told you are wrong – it’s time to adjust your attitude.

The second step is to practice objectivity in dealing with the complaint – don’t take sides or even be seen to take sides. Be constructive and work towards a solution that is acceptable to both parties – seek to create a win-win situation. Most importantly – SHOOT THE MESSAGE, NOT THE MESSENGER.

The third is to avoid confrontation. Mediate and use gentle persuasion. Confucious once said that, “in the confrontation between the rock and the stream, it is the stream that wins in the end, not by strength but by sheer persistence over time”.

Be quick to admit mistakes and slow to criticize. Above all, be constructive.

 

 

LISTENING TO LEARN

Remember that you are the President of a Rotary Club not the CEO of a company and whilst there is merit in approaching the management of a club from a corporate standpoint in terms of organization and structure. You cannot handle the members in the same way you handle your employees – for one thing, you don’t pay them. They made a mature and informed voluntary decision to join the club. They are your friends first and foremost and always remember you are their leader because they chose you.

It is therefore crucial that you listen to your club members, in particular your Past Presidents with humility and with a view to learning from them. Once you work on consensus, you will be highly regarded by your members and it will be easier for you to implement your projects.

God gave man two ears and one mouth, so that he could talk less and listen more!

 

 

LEARNING NOT TO WORRY

You will be the President of your club, in all probability, only once. ENJOY IT. Don’t be a worrier. There are only two things to worry about – things that you can change and things that you can’t change. In either case worrying is futile. The things that you can change – you should change – whether it is about yourself or your club. The things that you can’t change – is pointless worrying about. Just get on with the things that you have yet to accomplish. This is an integral tenet of leadership.

Leaders do. Others worry. 

 

EXPRESSING A GENUINE INTEREST IN OTHERS

Part of the process of good leadership is to be concerned about ones followers. Oftentimes leaders who fail are those who fail to engender a sense of loyalty for them among their followers.

As Rotarians we often express our concern for the community and Rotary leader must show the same compassion and concern for his club members. Many a President have said – I announced the project at the regular meeting. The members should know and should attend. But you would be amazed the reaction, one personal phone call to each member would receive. Your members want to know that you care about what they think and what they can contribute. By expressing a genuine interest in them, you are winning them over.

SEEING THINGS FROM THE OTHER PERSON’S POINT OF VIEW

This is one of the more difficult skills to achieve. We are often see things the way we want to see it. And rarely do people make an effort to see things from another person’s point of view. As a leader you must develop this trait. If a member is being difficult – ask the question – why? Don’t just assume he doesn’t like you. And even if this is so – ask the question – why? And seek to reconcile your differences.

We see not with our eyes but with our minds. But as Rotarians we must sometimes see with our hearts.

 

 

TEAMING UP FOR TOMMORROW

Rotary is a lifelong journey, in everything that you do as a President, think about the future. The friendships you build and the enemies that you make will last a lifetime. Don’t make short term decisions that will impact the club detrimentally over time. Remember this is your club and what you need to do is develop sustainable projects that will promote the club. Your members are your team. Today’s team and tomorrow’s team. Think ahead and plan wisely.

Mighty oaks do from little acorns grow.

 

 

RECOGNITION, PRAISE AND REWARDS

A little recognition goes a long way. Everyone wants to feel wanted and appreciated, it is a basic human need. In Rotary we must be generous with our praise and stingy with our criticisms. Sometimes however it is the other way around.

As the President you must make it a habit to recognize and reward your members for almost every thing that they do. Your members don’t do it for money. They do it for the personal satisfaction of creating a better community. You can enhance this personal satisfaction by recognizing their efforts.

A little praise goes a long way to show you appreciate others.

 

 

SETTING GOALS

As the President you must set the goals for your club. Goal setting is an integral part of good leadership. Good leaders set realistic and achievable goals. Remember that your members need something to aim for and one way to motivate your members is by setting goals.  A good starting point would be to look at the RI Presidential Citation criteria.

 

ACHIEVING BALANCE

As a leader you must achieve balance within your club. The club must pursue a balanced itinerary. Therefore the goals you set must be balanced and allow for an all round development within the club. Another aspect is achieving balance in your personal, professional and Rotary life. Don’t let one suffer at the cost of the other. The key to enjoying your year as President is to do the best you can.

Success is best measured by how far you go with the resources you have at your disposal. 

 

CREATING A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE

It all starts with you. You are the leader. Your positive mental outlook will impact on your members and help them achieve a similar outlook. This is what is meant by leadership by example. Exude confidence. Believe in yourself and your members and most of all remember what you are doing is important. Rotary is important and your community needs you.

It is better to aim high and miss, then to aim low and get it all the time!

 

MAKING IT HAPPEN

President Harry S Truman coined that immortal phrase – THE BUCK STOPS HERE. And you better believe it. You are the President. You have to make it happen or no one else will. Seize the moment – CARPE DIEM. Now is your chance to lead your club to a better footing and you must make the most of it. Don’t be content to count the days and run the routine. Make a difference and your club will hold you in high esteem.

 

 

Seize the day.

 

The Road Not Taken

One of my favourite poems is  “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. I want to share it with you today.

 

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

 

ROLE OF THE IPP IN MAKING FOR A BETTER ROTARY CLUB

Many IPPs are confronted by the dilemma of what to do after their year as President. The hectic period as President is over and now there is a lull. It is necessary for them to consider why Rotary International retains the IPP as a member of the club Board?

In this regard I would like to share some thoughts prepared by PDG Dr Paul CK Lee on this subject with you. I have benefitted tremendously from the insights given by PDG Paul and I hope that you will too.

The are many reasons why the IPP continues on as a member of the Rotary club Board. The more important reasons are as follows:

1. CONTINUITY OF CLUB PROJECTS

Club projects very often may not be completed within one Rotary Year. The IPP plays an important role in ensuring that the projects are continued to be implemented properly and completed smoothly. It is important for the IPP to recognise that when a project goes into the next Rotary Year, the current President and Board have the right of decision making. The IPP must accept this and continue to support the new Board.  

2. CONTINUITY OF PRESIDENTIAL & BOARD DECISIONS

Very often the Board decisions of one Rotary Year need to be carried forward to the next Rotary year. The IPP plays the role of advising the Board on the merits of such decisions, as well as, whether fresh approvals from the current Board are required.

3. GUIDE PRESIDENT/BOARD ON PAST PRACTICES

The IPP can play a vital role by providing for continuity on many issues by advising the Board on the past practices and the merits of each of these practices. The decision of whether to continue with such past practices rests with the current Board.

4. AS ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT & BOARD

The IPP must act as the advisor on all issues by providing constructive advice; not just criticism. The IPP should also provide moral support and motivation to the President and Board and be a source of information for the club.

5. CLUB ACCOUNTS READY FOR AGM

It is the IPP who must ensure that the Club’s accounts are presented and adopted at the Annual General Meeting. He must also ensure that the minutes of the AGM that took place during his/her Rotary year is properly presented and adopted. The IPP should never pass the buck to his/her Treasurer and Secretary.

The IPP can also play a vital role in the following club activities:

 1.  CLUB’S WEEKLY MEETING PROCEDURE

The core activity of any Rotary Club is the regular weekly meeting. The management of guest speakers, the management of fining sessions and the various announcements must be carried out with the proper decorum.

If there is a change in or cancellation of the club’s weekly meeting, the proper procedure has to be followed and action has to be taken. They include informing the Governor and other Rotary Clubs as well as having someone at the venue of the meeting during the day and time of the cancelled meeting to give out make-up cards. The IPP should ensure that these things are done properly.

2. CLUB’S INDUCTION PROCEDURE

The induction of new members is a very important occasion. It must be carried out with the dignity and stature befitting Rotary membership and admission. There is a set procedure for clubs to follow. Variations to this are acceptable. The IPP should ensure that the traditions of the club are adhered to and followed.

3. BOARD MEETING PROCEDURE

The Board meeting is another meeting enshrined in the Club Constitution & Bye-Laws. It is a legal meeting with fixed date, time and venue. Notice of the Board meeting must be given. The IPP must provide guidance on the types of decision that are to be taken (mainly policy matters). The Board is invested with tremendous powers but decisions that are made should not supersede the principle of fellowship in Rotary.

4. CLUB BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

A well prepared and balanced Club Budget is a pre-requisite to good administration. The IPP must guide the Board in the preparation of the Club Budget as well as in the prudent financial management of the club. The budget must contain all income and expenses in the Rotary Year and this must be approved by the Board and endorsed by the members either at the Club Assembly or at a General Meeting.

5. ANNUAL & EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETINGS

The Annual General Meeting is compulsory and must be called before 31^st December. Proper notice must be given. The minutes of the previous AGM and the accounts for the last Rotary year must also be ready for adoption. As the election the next Rotary year’s Board will also take place, the IPP must ensure that the nomination procedures are properly followed. This could be done through the Nominating Committee or just by nomination from the floor or both. The accounts must be submitted to the Registrar of Societies within 30 days after the Annual General Meeting. For the club’s Emergency General Meeting or Extra-Ordinary General Meeting, the IPP must guide the Board on when to call for such meetings, the procedure to follow as well as the notice, quorum, agenda and discussion procedure.

6. CLUB ASSEMBLIES

The IPP must guide the club on the object of the Club Assembly, the frequency, the procedure, the reports of the Directors, as well as, the mode of discussion.

7. GOVERNOR’S OFFICIAL VISIT REQUIREMENTS

The Governor is compelled by RI to visit the Club once a year. Before the Governor makes his official visit to the club, the club needs to send the Summary of Club Plans and Objectives to reach him at least 2 weeks before the visit. A clear programme for the visit, including reception and hotel accommodation, as well as, any programme for District First Lady, visits to state or local dignitaries or the launching or visiting of Club Projects must be provided. The IPP should ensure that all these are done.

8. CLUB INSTALLATION

The Club Installation is an event into which most clubs put in a great deal of effort. The IPP has a big role to play and the IPP will be the chief host until the installation of the in-coming President. Whatever procedure the club follows, the invitation of the Governor, Governor Elect, DGN, PDGs, protocol on seating and address, toasts, Speeches, Installation of Board, etc. must be properly controlled. The official function should not be too long and should preferably end before 10.30pm. Be prudent with the number of tables at the function, as overdoing it may overburden the members. The IPP must advise the Organising Committee properly.

9. CLUB BULLETIN

The Club Bulletin is a very important organ of communication and is a record of the weekly meeting. The IPP can assist in advising as to the contents and also what the sources of material are.

10. USE OF DISTRICT OFFICERS

The IPP having been a President will know the district officers better. District Officers can be speakers for weekly meetings, speakers for Rotary Education Seminars, sources of information on the club’s administrative procedures and so on.

11. CLUB’S CARRIED FORWARD PROJECT

The IPP needs to inform the Board what projects are carried forward and what follow up action is required. Are additional funds required or is any additional work required. This information will be helpful to the Board in planning the year’s activities.

12. MATCHING GRANT  AND SUPPORT GRANT PROJECTS

If the club has participated in a matching grant project, then possibly the project will be carried forward for completion. The knowledge gained by the IPP can be utilised to carry out another matching grant project. If the IPP has no experience on matching grant projects, then the IPP should study the requirements, guidelines and restrictions, how to fill in the forms, the steps in submission, etc. so that the club can use a matching grant for the project.

13. SISTER CLUB/S

The IPP may be in the best position to provide a list of Sister Clubs, the contact persons, the name of the current President, as well as, the relationship status and whether there are any exchange of projects or activities. The IPP could advise whether the sister club relationship should be renewed or terminated.

14. CLUB CULTURE

The IPP could advise the Board on the club culture and the rationale for them, as well as, whether there is a need to continue with them.

15. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

Very often the President will receive correspondence from RI, the District or other Clubs and would not know what action to take. The IPP should provide that useful guidance. When the club changes or cancels the date of a meeting, the IPP should advise the action that needs to be taken.

The IPP could advice on even letters to members, like letters to members who are absent for weekly meetings.

The IPP also has an important role in keeping the club connected to the District and Rotary International, as follows:

1. RI OFFICIAL DIRECTORY FORM

The form will be sent to the Club Secretary sometime in October or November and the information required is, who is the President and Secretary of the next Rotary Year. The form should not be filed up but instead be given to the President Elect so that action can be taken. If the particulars  are not sent to RI by the 15^th of January, the club’s President and Secretary will not be listed in the RI Official Directory. The form must be filled and copies must be sent to the DG and the DGE. The IPP must remind the Club of this very important information.

2. CLUB DATA FORM AND PHOTOS FOR DISTRICT DIRECTORY

 The Club Data form including that of the President, Secretary and President Elect (with photos) must be sent to the DGE, as the information is required for the District Directory. The IPP can help the DGE on this.

3. ATTENDANCE AT PETS/SETS

 The attendance of the President Elect and Secretary Elect for the PETS/SETS is compulsory. At times we have re-cycled Presidents or Secretaries, who think they already know their jobs. They will be very surprised that the information provided at the PETS/SETS is updated every year. The IPP should stress on this and ensure that they attend.

4. ATTENDANCE AT DISTRICT ASSEMBLY AND CONFERENCE 

All Rotarians should attend the District Assembly and Conference. There are great benefits in terms of information gained and friendships made. It is also a wonderful opportunity for Rotarians to network. The IPP should get more of the club’s Rotarians to attend. (The IPP of course must attend himself /herself also).

5. ATTENDANCE AT MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING

The mid-term review meeting is designed to assist clubs and Presidents. It is an avenue for the President to seek support and advice on projects and issues. The IPP should ensure and encourage the President to attend and if totally unavoidable, then the Vice President must represent the club.

6. ATTENDANCE AT GROUP PRESIDENTS’ MEETING

The Group Presidents’ monthly meetings are very important, as it is an avenue for the Presidents to share their successes and failures. At these meetings, support can be solicited and advice obtained on a wide variety of issues. In addition, joint activities can be planned. It is a golden opportunity to widen one’s view of Rotary and the networking opportunities it provides. If the President is unable to attend, the VP or Secretary or IPP should attend. The club must not hesitate to bring up the club’s problems for discussion as good advice will be given.

7. SUBMISSION OF CLUB’S MONTHLY ATTENDANCE REPORT

 The IPP should assist the club on how to fill up the attendance report and to whom it should be sent, as well as, what the last day of submission is. Information such as the right to make amendments and the consequences of failure to make the submission should also be told.

8. SUBMISSION OF ROTARACT & INTERACT CLUBS’ REPORT TO RI

Rotary Clubs who sponsor Interact and/or Rotaract Clubs have an obligation to ensure that the RI Annual Interact and Rotaract Club Reports are returned to RI. Failure to do so will have far fetching consequences, like de-registration and outdated contact address.

9. SUBMISSION OF RI AND ROS RETURNS

The IPP should advice the club on when to submit the club’s RI/ROS returns, as well as, how to submit the RI/ROS returns and the time given for the submissions. In the RI returns, remember to delete ex-members and also report new members or members who have changed their addresses. The IPP must ensure the payment of the club’s RI/District dues.

10. SUBMISSION OF CLUB PROJECTS FOR RI AND DISTRICT AWARDS

The IPP should advice the club on the rationale for the submission of the club’s projects for the district awards. Show the club how to prepare the projects to be implemented, so as to simplify the submission of the project reports. Also teach how to write-up the project.

CONCLUSION

The IPP must always support the actions of the President and the Board. Any difference of opinion should be voiced at the Board meeting. Thereafter the IPP must support the Board. The IPP must also garner support for the Board’s actions. The IPP’s role in the Board is to advice the Board and guide the Board in their decisions. There must be total and not partial support.

The important role of the IPP is to garner support for the Board. As an IPP, the club members will listen to him/her and the IPP must capitalise on this to diffuse any dissension.

Many IPPs just cannot accept the fact that they are no longer the President. They want to still run the club and thus get into arguments with the President and the Board. You had your chance. Let your successor have his/her chance. The current President may not run the Club the way you did or the way you wanted but then he/she is a different individual. Accept the leadership. Don’t try to be the President again! Always allow the President to run the club his/her way for the year.

Contribution from PP Mansoor Saat on Leadership

Here is the very heart and soul of the matter of leadership:

If you seek to lead, invest 50% of your time (attention) leading yourself – your own purpose, ethics, principles, motivation, conduct. Invest at least 20% leading those with authority over you, and 15% leading your peers. Use the remainder to induce those you “work for” to understand and practice the theory. 

 

If you don’t understand that you should be working for your mislabeled “subordinates,” then you know nothing of leadership. You know only tyranny. Lead yourself, lead your superiors, lead your peers, and free your people (subordinates) to do the same. All else is trivial.

~ Dee Hock, founder and CEO Emeritus Visa International 

What are we doing in Rotary? The CLP dilemma

I was at the recently concluded Pre-PETS I conducted at the abysmal and rundown A Famosa Resort in Melaka. My thanks to the organisers RC Tampin and RC Senawang, who did their very best to mitigate the many shortcomings.

The training was of course top notch, thanks to the rigourous and untiring efforts of PDG Dr Paul Lee (Trainer) and PDG Dr Joe (Dep. Trainer). There was much positive feedback from the PEs and judging by the turnout and enthusiasm, the future looks bright for D3300. Having an opportunity to be involved in the training of these future leaders gave me a fresh insight of their hopes and aspirations for Rotary.

I can say without any hesitation that without exception everyone shared a special love for Rotary and were looking for ways to take their club forward. I had the privilege of presenting a session on the Club Leadership Plan with PP Mansoor Saat. Our combined perspective is that the CLP is an integral part of reviving and renergising our Rotary clubs. The reaction of the clubs of course was mixed. Understandably, many clubs faced resistance from senior Rotarians and Past Presidents – the basic argument against the CLP is – “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”.

My friends – its time to look at, in the words of Michael Jackson – “the man in the mirror”. PE Rick from RC Bukit Bintang said this to me in one of the round table discussions – “We are Rotary International, such a big world organisation. An organisation of such great stature and standing and I cannot believe in the whole of D3300 we only have 1,700 members. Look at other smaller organisations – they have 10,000 to 20,000 members.”

He hit the nail on the head. What are we doing in Rotary? In the words of the Sultan of Johor, are we still doing ‘chicken coop’ projects. Why do our projects and membership not reflect the magnitude of our organization and how do we create the impact that is commensurate to the stature of our organization?

This is what the CLP addresses. Many labour under a misconception that the CLP is about changing the structure of the club Board, etc. The same wine in a different bottle. Many argument has taken place about the size of the Board, about whether the CLP creates an exclusive Board or an inclusive Board. This is simply not true.

The CLP is about changing our priorities and attitude about what Rotary is about. Look at our clubs – their service is exemplary but they are dwindling in numbers. The average size of our clubs is about 20. Many of the members are carrying the burden of service year after year and some burn out – leading to a high attrition rate. Some clubs have a very insular agenda and do not partake in the greater fellowship of the Rotary district or Rotary International. Some suffer from a fellowship ‘myopia’, limiting their outreach to the few in their club. How can we promote world friendship, peace and understanding – if we can promote it within our own clubs and district?

Some resist change – for the sake of resisting change. As the great Harold Wilson once said,  “He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”

The CLP calls on every Rotarian to redefine his priorities. Service and fellowship are key priorities BUT they should not be our only priorities. We must also add the following to our list:

1. Developing new members and retaining old members – we must focus on this, like we plan for a community service project. Put in the same effort and devote the same resources. Everytime we successfully complete a service project – we should focus on getting 2 new members to join our club – so that the service will be there for posterity. Or else, when we die – so will the service that we do. If we believe that the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose, then we must spread this ideal to as many people as we can. Can you sincerely say that you have made a real effort to share Rotary with all your friends and acquaintances. Or have you by your indiffrence laid that responsibility with someone else. 

Our membership development story is a familiar one. It is the story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. We tell everyone that membership development is Everybody’s job but Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done!

2. Supporting the Rotary Foundation – this means something more than just donating the nominal contribution every year to TRF. It means treating TRF as our Foundation and claiming a stakeholding in the affairs of TRF. Just as we carry out service projects every year, we should plan and carry out a fund raiser for TRF every year. We should participate vigourously in its programmes and have a good understanding about what it does.  

3. Develop leaders beyond the club – we need leaders who have a world view and not a view of the world that is insular and myopic. Our leaders must transcend the club and be active in contributing within the District and our District leaders in turn must serve the broader international Rotary agenda. Instead, we have Past Presidents who persist in being “I” (eye) specialists! – constantly rebuking the current Board and mired in the nostalgia of their year as President. The funny thing is that they seem to get nostalgic about a lot of things they weren’t so crazy about the first time around. I implore you my friends in the thoughts of Arthur Wing Pinero in The Second Mrs. Tanqueray, “I believe the future is only the past again, entered through another gate”. Renew your faith and think anew and be the great messenger of Rotary that you once were.

I love you all as my brothers and sisters in Rotary service and aplogise for any offense this article may cause you. I can assure you that none is intended.

We made a promise when we became Rotarians to create a better world. I know that promises are like babies:  easy to make, hard to deliver. But we must perservere in the belief that we will triumph in the end.

What can we take on trust in this uncertain life? Happiness, greatness, pride – nothing is secure, nothing keeps.
~Euripides, Hecuba

 

 

The Human Condition Visited

“Every body continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.” Laws of Motion I – Isaac Newton

There is a widening gap between the First and Third World countries. There is an increasing polarization of wealth and a significant growth in the debt burden of the Third World. Is development per se the cause of such inequality or is it the type of capitalist development imposed by the First World and the strategies and policies imposed by the agencies set up by the First World like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank which accelerate such inequality? Inequality is on the increase.

In 1976 Switzerland was 52 times richer than Mozambique; in 1997, it was 508 times richer. Two hundred and fifty years ago, the richest countries were only five times richer than the poorest, and Europe only twice as rich as China or India. In 1960, the 20% of the world’s people who live in the richest countries had 30 times the income of the poorest 20%; by 1995 it was 82 times. The world’s 225 richest people have a combined wealth of over $1million million. Only four per cent of this wealth – $40 billion – would be enough for basic education and healthcare, adequate food and safe water and sanitation for all the world’s people. The 15 richest have assets that exceed the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of sub-Saharan Africa and the assets of the 84 richest exceed the GDP of China, which has 1.2 billion inhabitants.

More than a thousand million people still live in poverty, a tenth of them in the industrialized world. Of the 4,400 million people in the Majority World, nearly 60% lack basic sanitation and more than 30% have no access to clean water. 25% do not have adequate housing. 20% have no access to modern health services. Two thousand million women are anemic (including 55 million in the industrial world). 20% of children in the world do not attend school to grade five. One in four of the world’s people still live in severe poverty.

It’s worse for women than for men; and for black people than for white. It is clear that even though we have advanced technologically, this has not contributed to the betterment of the human condition. Has imperialism, as a distorted form of development, masked the potential benefits of development in the Third World?

My view is that people who live under the belief that colonialisation is a thing of the past live under a grand illusion. The world that we live in is largely defined by self interest. Self interest has shaped the world we live in and distorted our perception of reality.

 As the great Gandhi himself said, “I suggest that we are thieves in a way. If I take anything that I do not need for my own immediate use and keep it I thieve it from somebody else. I venture to suggest that it is the fundamental law of Nature, without exception, that Nature produces enough for our wants from day to day, and if only everybody took enough for himself and nothing more, there would be no pauperism in this world, there would be no more dying of starvation in this world. But so long as we have got this inequality, so long we are thieving.”

The essence of what he was saying is that we have sufficient resources for everybody’s needs but we cannot fulfill their greed. Greed however, has been the defining characteristic of the human condition. The feudal system developed out of the interests of the rich, influential, and powerful – the oligarchy.Their interest is focused on creating short-cut processes to wealth that bypass creative productivity in favor of various forms of stealing or looting. Historically, this involved colonialisation and slavery.

In modern times, colonialisation is found in the cartelization of resources. We have mining cartels, oil cartels, food cartels and the like. Modern slavery is provided by free trade between unequal-wage-cost economies, and the creation of debt bound economies in the third world. This is reinforced by the capitalist ideology of free and uninhibited trade. Even though economic theft through colonialisation and slavery is strongly anti-social, capitalist ideology artificially creates an environment that protects and insulates the imperialist’s position of power. The focus of feudalism, in modern times, has shifted from land-estate types of feudalism but the underlying process hasn’t changed.

Land-based feudalism limited the available land, which was the source of power. Today we have the “money-estate” form of feudalism. Today, the ‘peasant’ pays a substantial rent for his use of the lord’s property, called “royalty” or “interest”. In olden times this “money-estate” feudalist system was called “usury” and was banned by the church. The First Council of Nicaea in 325AD, forbade clergy from engaging in usury. Following centuries of church condemnations of Jewish usury, the Jews were expelled from many countries and regions. Now, it has become the global system. It is no longer resisted or abhorred and as a result, it is now looting the entire global economy.

Another feudal practice is the phenomenon of free trade between unequal-wage-cost economies. This can be traced to the time of colonialism. Today it is a global practice. Under this system the strength of the world’s poor, defenseless, nations is being exploited. The imperialists operate this free-trade process of international looting. Its’ globalised operations are looting society on a world-wide scale. When one speaks of the “British Empire,” therefore, one speaks of this type of imperialism.

Today this form of imperialism may be more predominant in the United States than anywhere else, but its’ ideological centre remains in Britain. The British monarchy serves as its structural base and ideological driver. The English legal system provides the legal platform for its power.

  

 

The British Empire no longer exists but its dominion and influence continues, by the direct domination of much of the world through its near global ownership of the media, research institutions and environmental institutions. It also exerts substantial influence on such global institutions as the UN, the IMF and the World Bank, by which its process of looting the world becomes legitimized and legalized.

The original idea of a stock-market was not to facilitate speculation, but to provide a platform on which the public could collaborate in setting up large companies that are jointly owned with the profits being shared. Today however it has largely become a speculative enterprise rewarding the gamblers and impoverishing the workers. A person who speculates that the profits of a company will increase in the future, will be willing to pay a higher price in order to get hold of these shares, to cash in the future profits. This price is more than what the shares are actually worth. A profit is generated for the original owner out of this process of speculative trading.

As the speculation continues, more cash will have to be put up. Unfortunately, for society, none of that extra cash produces anything as it doesn’t flow into the business to enhance its activities. Conversely, this money is drained out of the economy which is thereby deprived of potential investment capital. Once financial speculation sets in, society’s money no longer flows into productive processes that enriches lives, but is siphoned off into a speculative treadmill that enriches a few. It is now time to think about the shape of the world that we live in and to understand that the true nature of the world has not really changed at all. We just now have new systems of and new forms of oppression.

I once read somewhere that if we shrunk the earth’s population to one village of exactly 100 people. This is how the village would look:

60 would be from Asia, 12 would be European in origin, 15 would have come from the Western Hemisphere (9 Latin Americans, 5 North Americans, and 1 from Oceania) and 13 would be from Africa. 50 would be female and 50 would be male. 80 would be non-white and 20 would be white. 67 would be non-Christian and 33 would label themselves as “Christian”.

20 people would be receiving almost 90% of the village’s total income. 25 would live in substandard housing. 17 would not be able to read at all and 13 would be malnourished. 1 would die within the year and 2 would give birth within the year. Only 2 would have a tertiary education and only 4 would own a computer.

Its time to rethink the world we live in and the usefulness of the institutions we are depending on to get us out of trouble and the ideology that defines our reality. Abraham Lincoln wrote,

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”

In my opinion the failure of these institutions are somewhat mitigated by the altruistic efforts of great organizations like Rotary International. Rotary offers the ordinary man an opportunity to create a more egalitarian society through humanitarian service. Rotarians are driven by the basic objective to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and this finds expression in our enduring motto, “Service Above Self”.

Our 4 way test compels us to questions the legitimacy of the world we live in and look to ways to improving the condition of mankind.  The Rotary Foundation in particular enables Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. In this effort we are all clearly driven by the vision of a better world.

The world that we live in is massively inequitable and the feudal mentality of capitalists is driving many nations to ruin and many people into hunger and poverty.

Capitalism without conscience has perverted human condition and what is happening on Wall Street today is a vindication of those who believe this to be the case. It is a case of ‘false’ wealth created by the greedy for the even more greedy. A case of an edifice without a base. How easily it crumbles. These people have led enterprises that have derided the human condition.

As Rotarians, we must speak up and ACT now. Remember always that compassion is the very foundation of human morality. To feel compassion, literally means to feel with, to suffer with. Everyone is capable of compassion, and yet everyone tends to avoid it because it’s uncomfortable. And the avoidance produces a psychic numbing and resistance to experiencing our pain for the world and other beings. We watch people suffering on TV, in our living rooms, we then have dinner and go to sleep.

Happy Deepavali My Friends

My dear Rotary friends

I would like to wish each an every one of you a very Happy Deepavali. Deepavali is a festival where people give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen ‘diyas’ (lamps), decorating their houses, playing fireworks and inviting friends to their homes to partake in a sumptuous feast.

 

The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.

On Deepavali night, little clay lamps are lit for it is through light that the beauty of this world is revealed or experienced. Most civilizations of the world recognize the importance of light as a gift of God. It has always been a symbol of whatever is positive in our world of experience.

Darkness represents ignorance, and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Therefore, lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces- wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering, etc.

 May the light shine bright in your lives this Deepavali and God bless you all.

PP Dr Siva Ananthan

Rotary Trainer

The Club Leadership Plan – My Perspective

I am sharing my thoughts on RI’s Club Leadership Plan because many clubs and Rotarians have shared diverse views on the subject with me. And in writing this I am hoping to clarify my own thoughts on the matter.

I believe there is a misconception among many Rotarians, that the CLP involves a radical alteration in the structure of our Rotary clubs. This is manifestly wrong. The real focus of the CLP is in creating effective Rotary clubs that can sustain and endure over a long period of time.

RI has stated clearly that the “Avenues of Service are the foundation for an effective club. Effective clubs are able to achieve the Object of Rotary by:

• Sustaining or increasing their membership base

• Implementing successful service projects that address the needs of its community

• Supporting The Rotary Foundation through both financial contributions and program participation

• Developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level”

Rudimentary reflection on the aforesaid will readily yield support for the CLP. The CLP is designed to create the right areas of focus for Rotary clubs in order to help them increase their ability to meet their goals in each Avenue of Service. It is creating a greater capacity for service rather than diminishing it by reshaping the way we think about our Rotary clubs.

Increasing the membership base

Increasing the membership base is not something that is desirable, it is an imperative. But traditionally clubs, have not treated this with an equal emphasis as with carrying out service projects. If we do not revitalize and invigorate our membership – ultimately our ability to serve our community is diminished. Implementing successful service projects in Vocational, Community, and International Service is the keystone of what a Rotary club is all about. Increasing our membership creates a greater pool of Rotarians working in each avenue of service and increases our contribution to the community.

Implementing successful service projects

The cornerstone of the CLP is the desire to make achieve the Object of Rotary in a real and effective way. Rotary has always had only ONE objective – “to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise”.

We do this by encouraging and fostering, FIRST, the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service. This is the Club Service avenue which focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club. SECOND,  high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society. This is the Vocational Service avenue and it encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and practice high ethical standards. THIRD, the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life. This is the Community Service avenue and it covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community. This includes the many efforts undertaken to support the New Generations. FOURTH, the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. This is the International Service avenue and it encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and promote world understanding and peace.

The key objective of the CLP is to enhance the contribution that Rotary clubs make in carrying out the basic object of Rotary.

Supporting The Rotary Foundation

Some Rotarians have advocated the narrow minded view that the CLP is RI’s way to garner support for the Rotary Foundation – and that this really does not serve the interests of our Rotary clubs. This is a parochial and insular way of thinking about service. The Rotary Foundation is a foundation for all Rotarians but not all Rotarians participate in the funding of and the activities of the Foundation. As Rotarians, we are committed not only to service at the level of our community, but also to the broader national community and world community. Our participation in the Rotary Foundation allows us to carry out our Community and International Service. If you have not made any contribution to the Rotary Foundation you are not directly involved in the effort to eradicate polio or the effort to address other issues of health, hunger and poverty. I am not saying the Rotary Foundation is perfect in every way – I have many issues with TRF, particularly as they pertain to some of the programs that have very little cost-benefit correlation. I have made this clear in my earlier writings on the Peace Scholar Program. But nonetheless, it is our Foundation and we must be its movers and shakers.

Developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level

The real problem we have in Rotary is the absence of capable Rotarians who are able to take up the challenge of leadership beyond the club level. Many Past Presidents do not accept responsibilities beyond the club and inadvertently become obstacles within the club. As PDG Paul Lee often says, “they become I (eye) specialists!” Spending a lot of time reminiscing about their efforts when they were President – little realizing, the boat has left! We have to develop a mindset that says – Every Year Is My Year and there’s someone out there that needs my help. That is why I became a Rotarian in the first place!

 

Bringing about the change

The club’s bylaws provide guidelines for managing the club. The Recommended Rotary Club Bylaws are developed in harmony with the Standard Rotary Club Constitution and reflect current Rotary policy. They may be adapted to meet your club’s needs, goals, and activities and reflect your club’s unique identity. There is nothing in the RI policy that dictates a particular rigid structure that has to be followed by all the clubs. Your club’s Bylaws is a dynamic and evolving doctrine and over time, as your club’s leadership plan evolves, you should revisit your bylaws and revise them to reflect the new practices and procedures adopted.

The Club Board

Recommended by the RI Standard Rotary Club Bylaws – the club’s board should consist of the following officers:

• President

• Vice president

• President-elect

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Immediate past president

• Directors (number determined by club)

Each board member is elected by a majority vote of club members to govern the Rotary club. Because Committee Chairs are appointed by the President Elect, rather than elected by the club, they aren’t automatically members of the board.

However, many clubs include Committee Chairs on their Board, if this is the case then the RI Standard Bylaws that many clubs have adopted have to be modified accordingly.

 

Proposing and voting on amendments

The club may amend its bylaws at any regular meeting where a majority of the club’s members are present. Any proposed amendments should first be approved by the club’s board, and all members should be notified of proposed amendments at least 10 days before the vote. Amendments to the bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote.

While many clubs may choose to continue their current committee structure, clubs may wish to consider the following five standing committees to carry out the club’s annual goals:

• Membership – This committee develops and implements a plan for recruiting and retaining club members.

• Public relations – This committee develops and executes a plan to provide the public with information about Rotary and promote the club’s service projects and activities.

Club administration – This committee conducts all the club’s administrative activities. The club secretary and treasurer should be members of this committee.

• Service projects – This committee plans and carries out educational, humanitarian, and vocational projects that address the needs of the club’s community and communities in other countries.

• The Rotary Foundation – This committee develops and carries out plans to support The Rotary Foundation through financial contributions and club participation in Foundation programs.

 If your current structure serves your club well, change isn’t necessary. The recommended committee structure is only one part of the Club Leadership Plan, and it’s intended to align the club with major operational activities and the district structure.