| THE ABCS OF
ROTARY
by Cliff Dochterman
PREFACE
These short articles about Rotary were
first published in the weekly bulletin of the Rotary Club
of North Stockton, California, U.S.A. Originally called
"Did Ya Know?" the pieces were prepared to share
interesting facts about Rotary International with members
of the North Stockton club. When their author, Cliff Dochterman,
became President of Rotary International in 1992-93, the
articles were collected and published as The ABCs of Rotary.
The collection, which is periodically updated, provides
a guide for Rotarians to the colourful history of their
organization, its customs and traditions and the current
status of its global programs. The articles may be reprinted
in Rotary club bulletins or presented as Rotary information
at weekly club meetings.
Contents
THE ABCS OF ROTARY
Definition of Rotary
How do you describe the organization called
"Rotary"? There are so many characteristics of
a Rotary club as well as the activities of a million Rotarians.
There are the features of service, internationality, fellowship,
classifications of each vocation, development of goodwill
and world understanding, the emphasis of high ethical standards,
concern for other people and many more.
In 1976 the Rotary International Board of Directors was
interested in creating a concise definition of the fundamental
aspects of Rotary. They turned to the three men who were
then serving on Rotary's Public Relations Committee and
requested that a one-sentence definition of Rotary be prepared.
After numerous drafts, the committee presented this definition,
which has been used ever since in various Rotary publications:
"Rotary is an organization of business and professional
persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service,
encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help
build goodwill and peace in the world.'
Those 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks,
"What is a Rotary club?"
The Official Rotary Flag
An official flag was formally adopted by
Rotary International at the 1929 Convention in Dallas, Texas.
The Rotary flag consists of a white field with the official
wheel emblem emblazoned in gold in the centre of the field.
The four depressed spaces on the rim of the Rotary wheel
are coloured royal blue. The words "Rotary" and
"International" printed at the top and bottom
depressions on the wheel rim are also gold. The shaft in
the hub and the keyway of the wheel are white.
The first official Rotary flag reportedly was flown in Kansas
City, Missouri, in January 1915. In 1922 a small Rotary
flag was carried over the South Pole by Admiral Richard
Byrd, a member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, Virginia,
U.S.A. Four years later, the admiral carried a Rotary flag
in his expedition to the North Pole.
Some Rotary clubs use the official Rotary flag as a banner
at club meetings. In these instances it is appropriate to
print the words "Rotary Club" above the wheel
symbol and the name of the city, state or nation below the
emblem.
The Rotary flag is always prominently displayed at the World
Headquarters as well as at all conventions and official
events of Rotary International.
Rotary's Wheel Emblem
A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since
our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago
Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon
wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel
was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement."
Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on
their publications and letterheads. Finally, in 1922, it
was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single
design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. Thus, in 1923,
the present gear wheel with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted
by the "Rotary International Association." A group
of engineers advised that the gear wheel was mechanically
unsound and would not work without a "keyway"
in the centre of the gear to attach it to a power shaft.
So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the design which we
now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International
emblem.
The Secretariat
Many Rotarians consider the Secretariat
simply another name for the RI World Headquarters in Evanston,
Illinois, U.S.A. Actually, it is much more. While it does
include the World Headquarters, the Secretariat encompasses
nearly 500 individuals working to make Rotary International
run smoothly and effectively. The term describes the entire
operations of the general secretary and his staff. The Secretariat
also includes eight Rotary Service Centres (formerly called
Branch Offices) around the world, all of the staff serving
in those centres, as well as all staff assigned to The Rotary
Foundation. Its sole purpose is to serve the clubs, districts
and administrative officers of Rotary International and
The Rotary Foundation. RI World Headquarters, in a building
called One Rotary Centre in Evanston, is the headquarters
of the Secretariat.
Some Rotary "Firsts"
. The first Rotary club meeting was in Chicago, Illinois,
on 23 February 1905.
. The first regular luncheon meetings were in Oakland, California,
chartered in 1909.
. The first Rotary convention was in Chicago in 1910.
. The first Rotary club outside of the United States was
chartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1910.
. The first Rotary club outside of North America was chartered
in Dublin, Ireland, in 1911.
. The first Rotary club in a non-English-speaking country
was in Havana, Cuba, in 1916.
. The first Rotary club in South America was chartered in
Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1918.
. The first Rotary club in Asia was chartered in Manila,
Philippines, in 1919.
. The first Rotary club in Africa was chartered in Johannesburg,
South Africa, in 1921.
. The first Rotary club in Australia was chartered in Melbourne
in 1921. (Original idea from "Scandal Sheet")
Object of Rotary
In some areas of the world weekly Rotary
club meetings begin with all members standing and reciting
the Object of Rotary. This statement, which comes from the
Constitution of Rotary, is frequently seen on a wall plaque
in Rotarians' offices or places of business.
The Object of Rotary is "to encourage and foster the
ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise."
The statement then lists four areas by which this "ideal
of service" is fostered: through the development of
acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion
of high ethical standards in business and professions; through
service in one's personal, business and community life;
and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill
and peace.
The Object of Rotary has not always been expressed in this
manner. The original Constitution of 1906 had three objects:
promotion of business interests, promotion of good fellowship
and the advancement of the best interests of the community.
By 1910 Rotary had five Objects, as increased emphasis was
given to expanding Rotary. By 1915 there were six Objects.
In 1918 the Objects were rewritten again and reduced to
four. Four years later they had again grown to six and were
revised again in 1927.
Finally, at the 1935 Mexico City Convention the six Objects
were restated and reduced to four. The last major change
came in 1951 when the Objects were streamlined and changed
to a single Object, which has four parts. The "ideal
of service" is the key phrase in the Object of Rotary.
This ideal is an attitude of being a thoughtful and helpful
person in all of one's endeavours. That's what the Object
truly means.
Rotary Mottoes
The first motto of Rotary International,
"He Profits Most Who Serves Best," was approved
at the second Rotary Convention, held in Portland, Oregon,
in August 1911. The phrase was first stated by a Chicago
Rotarian, Art Sheldon, who made a speech in 1910 that included
the remark, "He profits most who serves his fellows
best." At about the same time, Ben Collins, president
of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota, commented
that the proper way to organize a Rotary club was through
the principle his club had adopted - "Service, Not
Self." These two slogans, slightly modified, were formally
approved to be the official mottoes of Rotary at the 1950
Convention in Detroit - "He Profits Most Who Serves
Best" and "Service Above Self." The 1989
Council on Legislation established "Service Above Self"
as the principal motto of Rotary, since it best explains
the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service.
100 Percent Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to a strong
and active Rotary club. The emphasis on attendance is traced
back to 1922 when Rotary International announced a worldwide
attendance contest that motivated thousands of Rotarians
to achieve 100 percent attendance year after year. Many
Rotarians take great pride in maintaining their 100 percent
record in their own club or by making-up at other Rotary
club meetings.
Although the bylaws of Rotary require members
to attend only 60 percent of all meetings, the custom has
emerged that 100 percent is the desirable level. Rotary
stresses regular attendance because each member represents
his own business or profession and thus the absence of any
member deprives the club of the values of its diversified
membership and the personal fellowship of each member. From
time to time, proposals have been made to give attendance
credit for various reasons or to lower the minimum requirement.
Such attempts generally have been rebuffed by the clubs
acting through the Council on Legislation.
The 4-Way Test
One of the most widely printed and quoted
statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary
"4-Way Test." It was created by Rotarian Herbert
J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of the
Chicago-based Club Aluminium Company, which was facing bankruptcy.
Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company mired
in depression-caused financial difficulties. He drew up
a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in
their business and professional lives. The 4-Way Test became
the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations
with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company
was credited to this simple philosophy.
Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International during
1954-55. The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and
has been translated into more than 100 languages and published
in thousands of ways. The message should be known and followed
by all Rotarians.
"Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Paul Harris - First but Not First
Was Paul Harris the first president of
a Rotary club? No.
Was Paul Harris the first president of Rotary International?
Yes.
There is an easy explanation to this apparent contradiction.
Although Paul Harris was the founder and organizer of the
first Rotary club in Chicago in 1905, the man selected to
be the first president was one of the other founding members,
Silvester Schiele.
By the year 1910 there were 16 Rotary clubs, which linked
up as an organization called the National Association of
Rotary Clubs. Two years later the name was changed to the
International Association of Rotary Clubs, as Rotary was
organized in Winnipeg, Canada, and then in England, Ireland
and Scotland. In 1922 the name was shortened to Rotary International.
When the first organization of Rotary clubs was created
in 1910, Paul Harris was selected as the first president.
He served in this position for two years, from 1910 until
1912. Thus, the founder of the Rotary idea, who declined
to be president of the first club, became the first president
of the worldwide organization, Rotary International.
First Names or Nicknames
From the earliest days of Rotary, members
have referred to each other on a first-name basis. Since
personal acquaintanceship and friendship are cornerstones
of Rotary, it was natural that many clubs adopted the practice
of setting aside formal titles in conversations among members.
Individuals who normally would be addressed as Doctor, Professor,
Mister, the Honourable or Sir are regularly called Joe,
Bill, Mary, Karen or Charley by other Rotarians. The characteristic
Rotary club name badge fosters the first-name custom.
In a few areas, such as Europe, club members use a more
formal style in addressing fellow members. In other parts
of the world, mainly in Asian countries, the practice is
to assign each new Rotarian a humorous nickname which relates
to some personal characteristic or which is descriptive
of the member's business or profession. A member nicknamed
"Oxygen" is the manufacturer of chemical gas products.
"Trees" is the nickname for the Rotarian in the
lumber business, "Building" is the contractor,
"Paper" is the stationery or office supply retailer.
Other members might carry nicknames like "Muscles,"
"Foghorn" or "Smiles" as commentaries
on their physical features.
The nicknames are frequently a source of good-natured fun
and fellowship. But whether a Rotarian is addressed by a
given first name or a nickname, the spirit of personal friendship
is the initial step that opens doors to all other opportunities
for service.
Four Avenues of Service
The term "Four Avenues of Service"
is frequently used in Rotary literature and information.
The" Avenues" refer to the four elements of the
Object of Rotary: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community
Service and International Service.
Although the Avenues of Service are not found in any formal
part of the constitutional documents of Rotary, the concept
has been accepted as a means to describe the primary areas
of Rotary activity.
"Club Service" involves all of the activities
necessary for Rotarians to perform to make their club function
successfully.
"Vocational Service" is a description of the opportunity
each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of
one's vocation to the other members of the club.
"Community Service" pertains to those activities
that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life
in their community. It frequently involves assistance to
youth, the aged, handicapped and others who look to Rotary
as a source of hope for a better life.
The Fourth Avenue, "International Service," describes
the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake
to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.
International Service projects are designed to meet humanitarian
needs of people in many lands.
When a Rotarian understands and travels down the "Four
Avenues of Service," the Object of Rotary takes on
even greater meaning.
THE ROTARIAN and Regional Magazines
The month of April is annually designated
as "Rotary's Magazine Month," an occasion to recognize
and promote the reading and use of the official RI magazine,
THE ROTARIAN, and the regional magazines.
THE ROTARIAN has been around since 1911 as the medium to
communicate with Rotarians and to advance the program and
Object of Rotary. A primary goal of the magazine is to support
the annual theme and philosophy of the RI president and
to disseminate information about new and special programs,
major meetings and the emphasis of the several official
"months" of Rotary.
THE ROTARIAN provides a forum in which both Rotary-related
and general interest topics may be explored. The magazine
serves as an excellent source of information and ideas for
programs at Rotary club meetings and district conferences.
Many articles promote international fellowship, goodwill
and understanding. Regular readers usually have superior
knowledge of the activities of Rotary and how each Rotarian
may be more fully involved in the Four Avenues of Service
around the world.
In addition to THE ROTARIAN there are 27 regional magazines
printed in 21 languages. Although each regional publication
has its own unique style and content, they all provide Rotarians
with up-to-date information and good reading in April- and
all through the year.
International Responsibilities of a Rotarian
As an international organization, Rotary
offers each member unique opportunities and responsibilities.
Although each Rotarian has first responsibility to uphold
the obligations of citizenship of his or her own country.
membership in Rotary enables Rotarians to take a somewhat
different view of international affairs. In the early 1950s
a Rotary philosophy was adopted to describe how a Rotarian
may think on a global basis. Here is what it said:
"A world-minded Rotarian:
. looks beyond national patriotism and considers himself
as sharing responsibility for the advancement of international
understanding, goodwill and peace;
. resists any tendency to act in terms of national or racial
superiority;
. seeks and develops common grounds for agreement with peoples
of
other lands;
. defends the rule of law and order to preserve the liberty
of the individual so that he may enjoy freedom of thought,
speech and assembly, and freedom from persecution, aggression,
want and fear;
. supports action directed toward improving standards of
living for all peoples, realizing that poverty anywhere
endangers prosperity
everywhere;
. upholds the principles of justice for mankind;
. strives always to promote peace between nations and prepares
to make personal sacrifices for that ideal;
. urges and practices a spirit of understanding of every
other man's beliefs as a step toward international goodwill,
recognizing that then are certain basic moral and spiritual
standards which will ensure a richer, fuller life."
That is quite an assignment for any Rotarian
to practice in thoughts and actions!
Standard Rotary Club Constitution
Rotary International is the most territorial
organization in the world. It exists in 159 countries and
cuts across dozens of languages, political and social structures,
customs, religions and traditions. How is it that all of
the more than 29,000 Rotary clubs of the world operate in
almost identical style? The primary answer is the Standard
Rotary Club Constitution.
One of the conditions to receive a charter to become a Rotary
club is to accept the Standard Club Constitution, originally
adopted in 1922. The Standard Club Constitution outlines
administrative techniques for clubs to follow in holding
weekly meetings, procedures for membership and classifications,
conditions of attendance and payment of dues, and other
policies relating to public issues and political positions.
This constitutional document provides the framework for
all Rotary clubs in the world. When the Standard Club Constitution
was accepted, it was agreed that all existing clubs could
continue to follow their current constitution. Although
most of those early clubs have subsequently endorsed the
Standard Club Constitution, a few pre-1922 clubs still conduct
their club affairs according to their former constitutional
provisions.
The Standard Club Constitution has to be considered one
of the great strengths of Rotary to enable the organization
to operate in so many thousands of communities.
The Sponsor of a New Member
The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the
procedure for a prospective member to be proposed for Rotary
club membership. The "proposer" is the key person
in the growth and advancement of Rotary. Without a sponsor,
an individual will never have the opportunity to become
a Rotarian.
The task of the proposer should not end merely by submitting
a name to the club secretary or membership committee. Rotary
has not established formal responsibilities for proposers
or sponsors; however, by custom .and tradition these procedures
are recommended in many clubs. The sponsor should:
1. Invite a prospective member to several
meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.
2. Accompany the prospective new member to one or more
orientation, informational meetings.
3. Introduce the new member to other club members each
week for the first month.
4. Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighbouring
clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process
and observe the spirit of fellowship.
5. Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor
to the club's social activities, dinners or other special
occasions.
6. Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district
conference with the sponsor.
7. Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member
becomes an active Rotarian.
When the proposer follows these guidelines, Rotary becomes
stronger with each new member.
Women in Rotary
Until 1989 the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International
stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In
1978 the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, invited three
women to become members. The RI board withdrew the charter
of that club for violation of the RI Constitution. The club
brought suit against RI claiming a violation of a state
civil rights law that prevents discrimination of any form
in business establishments or public accommodations. The
appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported
the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club's
charter merely for inducting women into the club. The United
States Supreme Court upheld the California court indicating
that Rotary clubs do have a "business purpose"
and are in some ways public-type organizations. This action
in 1987 allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction
having similar "public accommodation" statutes.
The RI constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council
on Legislation, with a vote to eliminate the "male
only" provision for all of Rotary. Since that time,
women have become members and leaders of clubs and districts
throughout the world.
RI World Headquarters
The headquarters of Rotary International
always has been in the area of Chicago, Illinois, U.5.A.
First it was in Chicago itself, but in 1954 an attractive
new building opened in suburban Evanston. The Ridge Avenue
building met the needs of the Rotary Secretariat until the
1980s when the addition of new programs, the growth of The
Rotary Foundation, and the new Polio Plus activities made
the headquarters building extremely crowded and required
some staff members to be housed in supplementary office
space nearby.
When a modern 18-story office building became available
in downtown Evanston in 1987, it appeared to meet all of
Rotary's space and expansion needs for years to come. The
glass and steel structure, built in 1977, provides 400,000
square feet (37,160 square meters) of office and usable
space. The building was purchased by Rotary International,
which leases approximately two-thirds of the space to commercial
tenants, until needed by future Rotary growth.
The building provides a 190-seat auditorium, large parking
garage and 300-seat cafeteria, as well as functional office
space for the 400 employees of the World Headquarters. The
executive suite on the 18th floor includes conference rooms
for the RI board and committee meetings, in addition to
the offices for the RI president, president-elect, chairman
of The Rotary Foundation Trustees, and general secretary.
One Rotary Centre, as it is called, enhances the efficient
operations of Rotary International.
More Rotary Firsts
. Rotary established the "Endowment
Fund" in 1917, which became the forerunner of The Rotary
Foundation.
. Rotary first adopted the name "Rotary International"
in 1922 when the name was changed from the International
Association of Rotary Clubs.
. Rotary first established the Paul Harris Fellows recognition
in 1957 for contributors of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
. The Rotary emblem was printed on a commemorative stamp
for the first time in 1931 at the time of the Vienna Convention.
. The first Rotary club banner (from the Houston Space Centre)
to orbit the moon was carried by astronaut Frank Borman,
a member of that club.
. The first Rotary International convention held outside
the United States was in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1921.
. The first head of state to address a Rotary convention
was U.S. President Warren G. Harding in 1923 at St. Louis.
Room 711 - Rotary's Birthplace
The number 711 has a very special significance
for Rotary. Room 711 of the old Unity Building, formerly
located at 127 North Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago,
Illinois, U.S.A., was the birthplace of Rotary International.
That historic room, which was the office of engineer Gus
Loehr, was the location of that first meeting when Paul
Harris met with several friends to discuss his new idea
of a club for professionals and businessmen.
It took extensive research and dedication by a few Chicago
Rotarians to preserve the room and restore it to its 1905
authenticity. For years, Room 711 was preserved as a miniature
Rotary museum by Rotarians around the world who voluntarily
belonged to and contributed annually to the "Paul Harris
711 Club," which provided funds for leasing, maintenance
and preservation. In 1989, the Unity Building was about
to be torn down. Members of the 711 Club carefully dismantled
the landmark room and placed its contents in storage. There
it stayed until 1994, when the recreated Room 711 found
a permanent home, and this piece of the Rotary heritage
is preserved at the RI World Headquarters in Evanston.
World Understanding Month
The month of February is special in the
Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding
Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first
meeting of Rotary held on 23 February 1905, now designated
World Understanding and Peace Day.
In designating World Understanding Month, the Rotary International
board asks all Rotary clubs to plan programs for their weekly
meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize "understanding
and goodwill as essential for world peace."
To observe this designated month, many clubs arrange international
speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international
scholars from schools and universities to club meetings,
plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team
members, arrange discussions on global issues, present entertainment
with an international cultural or artistic theme, and schedule
other programs with an international emphasis.
Many clubs take the opportunity to launch an international
community service activity or make contact with a Rotary
club in another country. It is a good month to initiate
a Rotary Friendship Exchange, a 3-H project or encourage
support for Polio Plus and other Rotary Foundation programs.
World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to
pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service - Rotary's
continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among
people of the world.
The Classification Principle
Virtually all membership in Rotary is based
upon a "classification." Basically a classification
describes the distinct and recognized business or professional
service that the Rotarian renders to society.
The principle of Rotary classification is somewhat more
specific and precise. In determining the classification
of a Rotarian it is necessary to look at the "principal
or recognized business or professional activity of the firm,
company or institution" with which an active member
is connected or "that which covers his principal and
recognized business or professional activity."
It should be clearly understood that classifications are
determined by activities or services to society rather than
by the position held by a particular individual. In other
words, if a person is the president of a bank, he or she
is not classified as "bank president" but under
the classification "banking."
It is the principal and recognized activity of a business
or professional establishment or the individual's principal
and recognized business or professional activity that determines
the classification to be established and loaned to a qualified
person. For example, the permanently employed electrical
engineer, insurance adjustor, or business manager of a railroad
company, mining company, manufacturing concern, hospital,
clinic, etc., may be considered for membership as a representative
of the particular work he or she may be doing personally
or as a representative of the firm, company or institution
for which the professional service is being done.
The classification principle also permits businesses and
industries to be separated into distinct functions such
as manufacturing, distributing, retailing and servicing.
Classifications may also be specified as distinct and independent
divisions of a large corporation or university within the
club's territory. such as a school of business or a school
of engineering.
The classification principle is a necessary concept in assuring
that each Rotary club represents a cross section of the
business and professional service of the community.
In 1995 the Council on Legislation permitted the admission
of retired people who had never been in Rotary but would
have been qualified. These individuals can be admitted as
past service members and are the only Rotarians without
a current or former classification.
Exchange of Club Banners
One of the colourful traditions of many
Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags or
pennants. Rotarians travelling to distant locations often
take banners to exchange at "make-up" meetings
as a token of friendship.
Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received
for attractive displays at club meetings and district events.
The Rotary International board recognized the growing popularity
of the banner exchange back in 1959 and suggested that those
clubs that participate in such exchanges give careful thought
to the design of their banners in order that they be distinctive
and expressive of the community and country of which the
club is a part. It is recommended that banners include pictures,
slogans or designs that portray the territorial area of
the club.
The board was also mindful of the financial burden such
exchanges may impose upon some clubs, especially in popular
areas where many visitors make up and request to exchange.
In all instances, clubs are cautioned to exercise discretion
and moderation in the exchange of banners in order that
the financial obligations do not interfere with the basic
service activities of the club.
Exchanging club banners is a very pleasant custom, especially
when a creative and artistic banner tells an interesting
story of community pride.
The exchange of banners is a significant tradition of Rotary
and serves as c tangible symbol of our international fellowship.
Non-attendance Rules
The Standard Rotary Club Constitution specifies
three conditions under which a Rotarian's membership will
automatically be terminated for non-attendance. These circumstances
are: failure to attend or make up four consecutive club
meetings, failure to attend or make up 60 percent of club
meetings each six months, and failure to attend at least
30 percent of the meetings of one's own club in each six-month
period. Under any of these three cases, a member will lose
Rotary membership unless the club board (directors has previously
consented to excuse such failure for good and sufficient
reason.
To some individuals, these rules may seem unusually rigid.
However, being present at club meetings is one of the basic
obligations a member accepts upon joining a Rotary club.
The constitutional rules merely emphasize that Rotary is
a participatory organization that highly values regular
attendance. When a member is absent the entire club loses
the personal association with that member. Being present
at a club meeting is considered a vital part of the operation
and success of every Rotary club.
For any Rotarian to miss four consecutive meetings, or disregard
the other attendance requirements, should be considered
tantamount to the submission of one's resignation from the
club. When a club terminates a member for non-attendance,
it is simply an acceptance of a resignation and not a punitive
action by the club officers. All Rotarians know the consequences
of non-attendance, so it clearly becomes a conscious decision
by a Rotarian to withdraw from the club when he or she fails
to fulfil the attendance requirements.
Sharing Rotary with New Members
Are you aware of the responsibility or
obligation most Rotarians fail to perform? Paying their
dues? Attending meetings? Contributing to the club's service
fund? Participating in club events and projects? No - none
of these!
Of all the obligations a person accepts when joining a Rotary
club, the one in which most Rotarians fail is "sharing
Rotary." The policies of Rotary International clearly
affirm that every individual Rotarian has an "obligation
to share Rotary with others and to help extend Rotary through
proposing qualified persons for Rotary club membership."
It is estimated that less than 30 percent of the members
of most Rotary clubs have ever made the effort to propose
a new member. Thus, in every club, there are many Rotarians
who readily accept the pleasures of being a Rotarian without
ever sharing that privilege with another qualified individual.
The Rotary policy on club membership states: "In order
for a Rotary club to be fully relevant to its community
and responsive to the needs of those in the community, it
is important and necessary that the club include in its
membership all fully qualified prospective members located
within its territory." One merely has to glance through
the pages of the local telephone directory to realize that
most clubs have not invited qualified members of all businesses
and professions into Rotary.
Only a Rotarian may propose a customer, neighbour, client,
supplier, executive, relative, business associate, professional
or other qualified person to join a Rotary club. Have you
accepted your obligation to share Rotary? The procedures
are very simple, and everyone must know at least one person
who should belong to Rotary.
Tolerance of Differences
Occasionally there is a temptation to criticize
the laws, customs and traditions of another country that
may seem strange or contrary to our own. In some instances
illegal practices or customs of one nation are completely
lawful and acceptable in another.
As members of an international organization dedicated to
world understanding and peace, it behoves Rotarians to exercise
restraint in judging our Rotary friends and citizens from
other countries when their behaviour seems unusual to us.
A Rotary policy has existed for more than half a century
relating to this dilemma of international relationships.
The statement, adopted in 1933, says that because it is
recognized that some activities and local customs may be
legal and customary in some countries and not in others,
Rotarians should be guided by this admonition of tolerance:
"Rotarians in all countries should recognize these
facts and there should be a thoughtful avoidance of criticism
of the laws and customs of one country by the Rotarians
of another country." The policy also cautions against"
any effort on the part of Rotarians of one country to interfere
with the laws or customs of another country."
As we strive to strengthen the bonds of understanding, goodwill
and friendship, these policies still provide good advice
and guidance.
Vocational Service
Vocational Service is the Second Avenue
of Service. No aspect of Rotary is more closely related
to each member than a personal commitment to represent one's
vocation or occupation to fellow Rotarians, and to exemplify
the characteristics of high ethical standards and the dignity
of work. Programs of vocational service are those that seek
to improve business relations while improving the quality
of trades, industry, commerce and the professions. Rotarians
understand that each person makes a valuable contribution
to a better society through daily activities in a business
or profession.
Vocational Service is frequently demonstrated by offering
young people career guidance, occupational information and
assistance in making vocational choices. Some clubs sponsor
high school career conferences. Many recognize the dignity
of employment by honouring exemplary service of individuals
working in their communities. The 4-Way Test and other ethical
and. laudable business philosophies are often promoted among
young people entering the world of work. Vocational talks
and discussion of business issues are also typical Vocational
Service programs at most clubs.
Regardless of the ways in which Vocational Service is expressed,
it is the banner by which Rotarians "recognize the
worthiness of all useful occupations" and demonstrate
a commitment to "high ethical standards in all businesses
and professions." That's why the Second Avenue of Service
is fundamental to every Rotary club.
Unusual Make-up Meetings
Which Rotarians have to travel farthest
for a make-up meeting? You are right, if you guessed the
34 members of the Rotary Club of Papeete, Tahiti, which
is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is the
club that is most remote from any other. The southernmost
Rotary meeting is that of the Rotary Club of Base Marambio-Antartida
in Antarctica. To visit the northernmost club you must travel
above the Arctic Circle to the Rotary Club of Barrow, Alaska,
U.S.A. If you attend the El Aguilar club in Argentina, you
are meeting with the highest club in the world at 16,000
feet (4,880 meters) above sea level. The lowest club meets
at 40 feet (12.2 meters) below sea level at El Centro, California,
U.S.A.
It is said that there is a Rotary meeting being held someplace
in the world every hour of every day. If you attended one
meeting per day, it would take nearly 80 years to visit
all of the more than 29,000 Rotary clubs in the world, and
by that time, no doubt, there would be thousands more new
clubs to attend.
Rotary Ann’s
In many Rotary clubs throughout the world,
wives of male members are affectionately called "Rotary
Ann’s." This designation was never one of disparagement,
but rather grew out of an interesting historical occasion.
The year was 1914 when San Francisco Rotarians boarded a
special train to attend the Rotary Convention being held
in Houston. In those days few wives attended Rotary events,
and until the train stopped in Los Angeles, the only woman
aboard was the wife of Rotarian Bru Brunnier. As the train
picked up additional convention-bound delegates, Mrs. Ann
Brunnier was introduced as the Rotarian's Ann. This title
soon became "Rotary Ann." Since the clubs of the
West were inviting the Rotarians to hold their next convention
in San Francisco, a number of songs and stunts were organized
that would be performed in Houston. One of the Rotarians
wrote a "Rotary Ann" chant. On the train's arrival
at the Houston depot, a delegation greeted the West Coast
Rotarians. One of the greeters was Guy Gundaker of Philadelphia,
whose wife was also named Ann. During the rousing demonstration,
someone started the Rotary Ann chant. The two petite ladies,
Ann Brunnier and Ann Gundaker, were hoisted to the men's
shoulders and paraded about the hall. The group loved the
title given to the two women named Ann. Immediately the
same term of endearment was used for all of the wives in
attendance, and the name "Rotary Ann" was here
to stay.
Guy Gundaker became president of Rotary International in
1923 and Bru Brunnier was elected president in 1952. Thus,
each of the two original Rotary Ann’s became the "first
lady of Rotary International."
Lessons in Rotary Geography
. Were you aware that the Rotary Club of
Reno, Nevada, is farther west than the Rotary Club of Los
Angeles, California?
. Would you guess that the meetings of the Rotary Club of
Portland, Maine, are farther south than those of the clubs
in London, England?
. Can you imagine that the Rotary Club of Pensacola, Florida,
is west of the Detroit, Michigan, club?
. It's a fact that the Rotary Club of Cairo, Illinois, is
south of Richmond, Virginia.
. There are 135 Rotary clubs with the word "Tokyo"
in their club names.
. The Rotary Club of Nome, Alaska, lies west of the club
in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Santiago, Chile, club is located
east of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
. Rotary geographers will know that virtually every Rotary
club meeting in Australia is east of the Hong Kong Rotary
Club.
. What do the Rotary clubs of Quito, Ecuador; Libreville,
Gabon, Singapore, and Kampala, Uganda, have in common? You
guessed right if you said they all meet approximately on
the equator.
. There are many interesting relationships and things to
learn as you become acquainted with the 29,000 clubs in
the wide world of Rotary.
Invocations at Club Meetings
In many Rotary clubs, it is customary to
open weekly meetings with an appropriate invocation or blessing.
Usually such invocations are offered without reference to
specific religious denominations or faiths.
Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians
represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. The
religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and
nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual
from being faithful to such convictions.
At international assemblies and conventions, it is traditional
for a silent invocation to be given. In respect for all
religious beliefs and in the spirit of tolerance for a wide
variety of personal faiths, all persons are invited to seek
divine guidance and peace "each in his own way."
It is an inspiring experience to join with thousands of
Rotarians in an international "silent prayer"
or act of personal devotion. Usually all Rotary International
board and committee meetings begin with a few moments of
silent meditation. In this period of silence, Rotary demonstrates
respect for the beliefs of all members, who represent the
religions of the world.
Since each Rotary club is autonomous, the practice of presenting
a prayer or invocation at club meetings is left entirely
to the traditions and customs of the individual club, with
the understanding that these meeting rituals always be conducted
in a manner that will respect the religious convictions
and faiths of all members.
Official Directory
How do you find out when the Rotary club
meets in Toowoomba, Pondicherry or Recklinghausen? Simply
turn to the Official Directory of Rotary International.
The approximately 750-page annual publication is filled
with current information about Rotarians and Rotary clubs.
The meeting day, time and location of everyone of the more
than 29,000 clubs is listed. From the Rotary Club of Aabenraa,
Denmark, to Zwolle, Netherlands, the Official Directory
provides the name and address of each club president and
secretary, as well as the number of club members and charter
date.
The Official Directory also records a wealth of information
about the more than 525 Rotary districts, as well as the
composition and purpose of all official Rotary committees.
Included are names and addresses of the current RI Board
of Directors and all previous boards. There is a list of
all past RI presidents with a review of their themes. An
excellent directory of hotels around the world is an added
feature. For US$9 the Official Directory can be obtained
from the RI World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. It
is a perfect guidebook for making Rotary contacts when you
travel.
And, by the way, Toowoomba meets every Monday at 6:00 p.m.,
Pondicherry on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Recklinghausen
on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. Now, that's good to know!
Opportunities for Fellowship
Most Rotarians are successful professional
and business executives because they hear opportunities
knock and take advantage of them. Once a week the opportunity
for Rotary fellowship occurs at each club meeting, but not
all members hear it knocking.
The weekly club meeting is a special privilege of Rotary
membership. It provides the occasion to visit with fellow
members, to meet visitors you have not known before, and
to share your personal friendship with other members.
Rotary clubs that have a reputation for being "friendly
clubs" usually follow a few simple steps: First, members
are encouraged to sit in a different seat or at a different
table each week. Second, Rotarians are urged to sit with
a member they may not know as well as their long-time personal
friends. Third, members invite new members or visitors to
join their table just by saying: "Come join us, we
have an empty chair at this table."
Fourth, members share the conversation around the table
rather than merely eating in silence or talking privately
to the person next to them. Fifth, Rotarians make a special
point of trying to get acquainted with all members of the
club by seeking out those they may not know.
When Rotarians follow these five easy steps, an entirely
new opportunity for fellowship knocks each week. Soon Rotarians
realize that warm and personal friendship is the cornerstone
of every great Rotary club.
Club Singing
Harry Ruggles was the fifth man to join
Paul Harris in the conversations that led to the formation
of the first Rotary club in Chicago in 1905. Harry was a
fellow who enjoyed singing, and this was a popular activity
at the turn of the century. At an early meeting of the fledgling
group, Harry jumped on a chair and urged everyone to join
him in a song.
Group singing soon became a traditional part of each Rotary
meeting. The custom spread to many of the clubs in the United
States and is still a popular fellowship activity in the
Rotary meetings of such diverse countries as Australia,
Japan, Nigeria, New Zealand and Canada. Some clubs sing
a national song as the formal opening of the meeting. Social
singing, however, is seldom found in the Rotary clubs in
Europe, South America and Asia.
Senior Active Membership
"Senior active" is a form of
membership reserved for members who have provided substantial
years of service to Rotary and is usually regarded as a
mark of Rotary distinction. Being a senior active member
signifies that a Rotarian has been involved in club activities
over a long period.
A Rotarian automatically becomes "senior active"
upon completion of 15 years of service in one or more Rotary
clubs. Senior active status is also conferred upon a Rotarian
with ten or more years service who has reached the age of
60, or with five or more years of service who has reached
the age of 65. A Rotarian who serves as a district governor
also automatically becomes a senior active member.
One of the benefits of being senior active is that if a
senior active member moves to another city, he may be invited
to join Rotary without having an open classification. When
a Rotarian becomes senior active, his or her classification
is released to enable another individual to join Rotary.
It is important to remember, senior active is not a classification,
it is a type of membership. A senior active member is always
identified by "former classification," which describes
a business or profession.
Past Service Membership
A past service member is a retired person
who is not yet qualified for senior active membership. One
way a person can become a past service member is by being
an active member and retiring from his or her business or
profession. The Rotary club may also elect to past service
membership a retired executive or professional who would
have qualified for active membership when employed. In the
latter case, there is no former classification associated
with the individual. Despite a common misperception, a senior
active member can never become a past service member.
Honorary Membership
"Honorary" is one of the four
types of membership a person may have in a Rotary club and
is exercised only in exceptional cases to recognize an individual
for unusual service and contributions to Rotary and society.
An honorary member is elected for one year only, and continuing
membership must be renewed annually.
Honorary members cannot propose new members to the club,
do not hold office, and are exempt from attendance requirements
and club dues.
Many distinguished heads of state, explorers, authors, musicians,
astronauts and other public personalities have been honorary
members of Rotary clubs, including King Gustaf of Sweden,
King George VI of England,
King Badouin of Belgium, King Hassan III of Morocco, Sir
Winston Churchill, humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, Charles
Lindbergh, composer Jean Sibelius, explorer Sir Edmund Hillary,
Thor Heyerdahl, Thomas Edison, WaIt Disney, Bob Hope, Dr.
Albert Sabin, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and
many of the presidents of the United States. Truly, those
selected for honorary membership are those who have done
much to further the ideals of Rotary.
Membership in Rotary International
If you asked a Rotarian if he or she belonged
to Rotary International, the individual probably would look
puzzled and answer, "Of course I'm a member of Rotary
International" But in this instance, the confident
Rotarian would be technically wrong. No Rotarian can be
a member of Rotary International!
The explanation of this apparent contradiction is simple.
The constitutional documents of RI state that membership
in Rotary International is limited to Rotary clubs. Over
29,000 Rotary clubs belong to the organization we call Rotary
International.
A Rotary club is composed of persons with the appropriate
qualifications of good character and reputation, a business
or professional classification, and who serve in an executive
or managerial capacity. The Rotarian belongs to a club -
the club belongs to Rotary International. This technical
distinction is not obvious or even known to most Rotarians
and seldom does it create any problems or complications.
It does explain, however, why the Rotary International Board
of Directors places expectations upon and extends privileges
to Rotary clubs, rather than to individual Rotarians.
If someone asks if you belong to Rotary International, your
most accurate answer would be, "No, I belong to a Rotary
club." But it is doubtful anyone would understand the
difference, or, in fact, would really care.
District Governor
The Rotary district governor performs a
very significant function in the world of Rotary. He or
she is the single officer of Rotary International in the
geographic area called a Rotary district, which usually
includes about 45 Rotary clubs. The district governors,
who have been extensively trained at the worldwide International
Assembly, provide the "quality control" for the
more than 29,000 Rotary clubs of the world. They are responsible
for maintaining high performance within the clubs of their
district.
The district governor, who must make an official visit to
each club in the district, is never regarded as an "inspector
general" Rather, he or she visits as a helpful and
friendly adviser to the club officers, as a useful counsellor
to further the Object of Rotary among the clubs of the district,
and as a catalyst to help strengthen the programs of Rotary.
The district governor is a very experienced Rotarian who
generously devotes a year to the volunteer task of leadership.
The governor has a wealth of knowledge about current Rotary
programs, purposes, policies
and goals, and is a person of recognized high standing in
his or her profession, community and Rotary club. The governor
must supervise the organization of new clubs and strengthen
existing ones. He or she performs a host of specific duties
to assure that the quality of Rotary does not falter in
the district and is responsible to promote and implement
all programs and activities of the Rotary International
president and the RI Board of Directors. The governor plans
and directs a district conference and other special events.
Each district governor performs a very important role in
the worldwide operations of Rotary. The district governor
is truly a prime example of Service Above Self performing
a labour of love.
The International Assembly
An International Assembly is held each
year during February or March to prepare all of the district
governors-nominee from around the world for the office they
will assume on 1 July. Accompanied by their spouses, the
525 incoming governors join a host of experienced Rotarian
leaders for more than a week of training and motivational
sessions. At the assembly they meet the special Rotarian
who will serve as RI president during their year as governors
and they learn the RI theme for the coming year around which
they will build their district's conference.
The first International Assembly was held in Chicago, Illinois,
U.S.A., in 1919. Later assemblies were held in Lake Placid,
New York; Boca Raton, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee.
In recent years the assembly has been held in Anaheim, California.
But regardless of the venue, the message on the sign above
the plenary hall has remained unchanged for years: "Enter
to learn. . . go forth to serve."
The District Assembly
In view of the annual turnover of Rotary
leadership each year, special effort is required to provide
the more than 29,000 club leaders with appropriate instruction
for the tasks they will assume. The annual district assembly
is the major leadership training event in each Rotary district
of the world.
The district assembly offers motivation, inspiration, Rotary
information and new ideas for club officers, directors and
key committee chairpersons of each club. Some of the most
experienced district leaders conduct informative discussions
on all phases of Rotary administration and service projects.
The assembly gives all participants valuable new ideas to
make their club more effective and interesting. Usually
eight to ten delegates from each club are invited to attend
the training session.
Another important feature of a district assembly is a review
by the incoming district governor of the program theme and
emphasis of the new RI president for the coming year. District
goals and objects are also described and plans are developed
for their implementation.
The success of each Rotary club is frequently determined
by the club's full representation and participation in the
annual district assembly.
The District Conference
Most Rotarians have never attended a Rotary
district conference. They ha, not experienced one of the
most enjoyable and rewarding privileges of Rotary membership.
A district conference is for all club members and their
spouses, not just for club officers and committee members.
The purpose of a district conference is for fellowship,
good fun, inspirational speakers and discussion of matters
that make one's Rotary membership more meaningful. Every
person who attends a district conference finds that being
a Rotarian becomes even more rewarding because of the new
experiences, insights and acquaintances developed at the
conference. Those who attend a conference enjoy going back,
year after year.
Everyone of Rotary's more than 525 districts has a conference
annually These meetings are considered so important that
the Rotary International president selects a knowledgeable
Rotarian as his personal representative to attend and address
each conference. The program always includes several outstanding
entertainment features, interesting discussions and inspirational
programs.
One of the added benefits of attending a district conference
is the opportunity to become better acquainted with members
of one's own club in an informal setting. Lasting friendships
grow from the fellowship hour at the district conference.
The Presidents-elect Training Seminar
The Bylaws of Rotary International require
that the governor-nominee of each district, in cooperation
with the current governor, in the early month: of the year,
schedule and conduct a training seminar for the incoming
club presidents of the district. This two- or three-day
Presidents-elect Training Seminar, commonly referred to
by its acronym, PETS, is a motivational an leadership training
session designed to prepare the future club presidents for
the office they will assume on 1 July. Among the subjects
covered are t] implementation of the RI theme for the coming
year as well as information about the new and continuing
programs of RI. Time is also devoted to a review of district
operations, planning club and district programs, and organizing
other activities for the year ahead. How to prepare a budget,
goal-setting, time management and new ideas for club meetings
are just some of the useful skills that club presidents-elect
learn when they attend their district's PETS. In some areas
of the world the PETS is conducted as; joint multi-district
event.
Youth Exchange
Youth Exchange is one of the most popular
programs to promote international understanding and develop
lifelong friendships. It began in 1927 with the Rotary Club
of Nice, France. In 1939 an extensive Youth Exchange was
created between California and Latin America. Since then
the program has expanded around the world. In recent years
more than 7,000 young people have participated annually
in Rotary club- and district-sponsored exchange programs.
The values of Youth Exchange are experienced not only by
the high school-age students involved but also by the host
families, sponsoring clubs, receiving high schools and the
entire community. Youth Exchange participants usually provide
their fellow students in their host schools with excellent
opportunities to learn about customs, languages, traditions
and family life in another country.
Youth Exchange offers young people interesting opportunities
and rich experiences to see another part of the world. Students
usually spend a full academic year abroad, although some
clubs and districts sponsor short term exchanges of several
weeks or months.
Youth Exchange is a highly recommended program for all Rotary
clubs as a practical activity for the enhancement of international
understanding and good will.
No Personal Privileges
Frequently, friends ask whether Rotarians
receive special business benefits from their Rotary membership.
Should Rotarians expect a special discount or some preferential
service just because they are dealing with a fellow Rotarian?
The answer is clearly "no." The Rotary Manual
of Procedure expressly states the Rotary position on this
matter. The policy; originally approved by the RI Board
of Directors in 1933, is that in business and professional
relations "a Rotarian should not expect, and far less
should he ask for, more consideration or advantages from
a fellow Rotarian than the latter would give to any other
business or professional associate with whom he has business
relations." Over 50 years ago the concept was expressed
that "true friends demand nothing of one another, and
any abuse of the confidence of friendship for profit is
foreign to the spirit of Rotary."
On the other hand, if new or increased business comes as
the natural result of friendship created in Rotary, it is
the same normal development that takes place outside of
Rotary as well as inside, so it is not an infringement on
the ethics of Rotary membership.
It is important to remember that the primary purpose of
Rotary membership is to provide each member with a unique
opportunity to serve others, and membership is not intended
as a means for personal profit or special privileges.
"Every Rotarian an Example
to Youth"
In much of the official literature of Rotary
International relating to service to young people, a special
slogan will be found - "Every Rotarian an Example to
Youth." These words were adopted in 1949 by the Rotary
International Board of Directors as an expression of commitment
to children and youth in each community in which Rotary
clubs exist. Serving young people has long been an important
part of the Rotary program.
Youth service projects take many forms around the world.
Rotarians sponsor Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, athletic
teams, centres for disabled children, school safety patrols,
summer camps, recreation areas, safe driving clinics, county
fairs, child care centres and children's hospitals. Many
clubs provide vocational counselling, establish youth employment
programs and promote use of The 4-Way Test. Increasingly,
drug and alcohol abuse prevention and AIDS awareness projects
are being supported by Rotarians.
In every instance, Rotarians have an opportunity to be role
models for the young men and women of their community. One
learns to serve by observing others. As our youth grow to
become adult leaders, it is hoped each will achieve that
same desire and spirit to serve future generations of children
and youth.
The slogan accepted over 40 years ago is just as vital today.
It is a very thoughtful challenge - "Every Rotarian
an Example to Youth."
World Community Service
World Community Service (WCS) is the Rotary
program by which a club' or district in one country provides
humanitarian assistance to a club in another country. Typically
the aid goes to a developing community where the Rotary
project will help raise the standard of living and the quality
of life. The ultimate object of World Community Service
is to build goodwill and understanding among peoples of
the world.
One important way to find a club in some other part of the
world that needs help on a worthy project is to use the
WCS Projects Exchange, a semi-annually published list of
hundreds of worthy activities in developing areas. The exchange
list is maintained in the RI Secretariat in Evanston and
is readily available upon request. It outlines projects,
provides estimated costs and gives names of the appropriate
contacts. The WCS Projects Exchange can also be accessed
via the RI World Wide Web site at www.rotary.org.
Clubs that need assistance, or are seeking another club
to help with a humanitarian project, such as building a
clinic, school, hospital, community water well, library
or other beneficial activity, may register their needs.
Clubs seeking a desirable World Community Service project
may easily review the list of needs registered in the Projects
Exchange. Thus, the exchange provides a practical way to
link needs with resources.
Every Rotary club is urged to undertake a new World Community
Service project each year. The WCS Projects Exchange list
is an excellent tool to find a real need, a project description
and cooperating club in a developing area. The job then
is to "go to work" to complete the project, and
at the same time build bridges of friendship and world understanding.
Women's Groups Associated with
Rotary Clubs
Some very significant programs of Rotary
service are not conducted by Rotarians. This is true because
of the many projects sponsored by organizations of Rotarians'
wives and other women relatives associated with Rotary clubs
around the world.
Women's groups - often called Women of Rotary, Rotary Ann
Clubs, Las Damas de Rotary, Rotary Wives or, the more formalized
organization, The Inner Wheel- annually conduct hundreds
of notable projects of humanitarian service in their communities.
The women's groups establish schools, baby clinics, food
and clothing distribution centres, hospital facilities,
orphanages, homes for the elderly and other service activities,
and they frequently provide volunteer service on a day-to-day
basis to operate childcare centres for working mothers and
provide necessary resources for Youth Exchange students.
Usually the women's groups complement and supplement the
programs of service performed by the local Rotary clubs.
Many of the women's groups actively conduct international
service projects as well as local projects.
The Rl Board of Directors in 1984 recognized the excellent
service and fellowship of the clubs and organization of
women relatives of Rotarians, and encouraged all Rotary
clubs to sponsor such informal organizations.
Functional Literacy Program
It has been estimated that a billion people
- one-sixth of the world's population - are unable to read.
Illiteracy among adults and children is a global concern
in highly industrialized nations and in developing countries.
The number of adult illiterates in the world is increasing
by 25 million each year! In the United States, one quarter
of the entire population is considered functionally illiterate.
The tragedy of illiteracy is that those who cannot read
are denied personal independence and become victims of unscrupulous
manipulation, poverty and the loss of human dignity that
give meaning to life. Illiteracy is demeaning. It is a major
obstacle for economic, political, social and personal development.
Illiteracy is a barrier to international understanding,
cooperation and peace in the world.
Literacy education was considered a program priority by
Rotary's original Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Committee
in 1978. An early 3-H Grant led to the preparation of an
excellent source book on the issues of literacy in the world.
The Rotary-sponsored publication, The Right to Read, was
edited by Rotarian Eve Malmquist, a past district governor
from Linkoping, Sweden, and a recognized authority on reading
and educational research. The book was the forerunner of
a major Rotary program emphasis on literacy promotion.
In 1985 the Rl board declared a ten-year emphasis on literacy
education. In 1992 the board extended the emphasis until
the year 2000. In 1997 the board again extended the emphasis
until 2005. Many Rotary clubs are thoughtfully surveying
the needs of their community for literacy training. Some
clubs provide basic books for teaching reading. Others establish
and support reading and language clinics, provide volunteer
tutorial assistance and purchase reading materials. Rotarians
can play a vitally important part in their community and
in developing countries by promoting projects to open opportunities
that come from the ability to read.
Concern for the Aging
One current area of interest for Rotary
clubs focuses on providing "new opportunities for the
aging." In 1990 the Rl Board of Directors urged Rotarians
to identify new projects serving the elderly that emphasize
intergenerational activities and the integration of seniors
into society and the workplace. The following year, the
board called for an approach that stressed service "with"
the elderly as well as "for" them.
With the substantial upswing in the worldwide population
of older persons, their needs for special attention have
greatly multiplied. As citizens grow older, it becomes increasingly
important for them to retain their personal independence
and to remain in control of their own lives to the extent
this is possible.
Many Rotary clubs are seeking ways to serve the older persons
of their community who face problems of deteriorating health,
loneliness, poor nutrition, transportation difficulties,
inability to do customary chores, loss of family associations,
reduced recreational opportunities, inadequate housing,
and limited information about available social agencies
for emergency assistance. Some clubs have initiated a valuable
community service to assist older persons in retirement
planning and adjustment by organizing and sharing the wealth
of information available within the club's membership. Other
clubs have developed foster grandparent programs and other
intergenerational activities that allow seniors to use their
experience and knowledge to help young people. Rotarians
often can provide services that seniors can no longer do
for themselves.
The greatest need of aging individuals is frequently a mere
expression of real caring and concern by thoughtful friends.
All Rotarians should seriously consider how they and their
clubs may actively participate in programs for the aging.
It is one area of Community Service in which then is a growing
possibility that each of us may some day be on the receiving
end.
International Conventions
Each Mayor June, Rotary International holds
a worldwide convention "to stimulate, inspire and inform
all Rotarians at an international level." The convention,
which may not be held in the same country for more than
two consecutive years, is the annual meeting to conduct
the business of the association. The planning process usually
begins about four or five years in advance.
The RI board determines a general location and invites cities
to make proposals. The conventions are truly international
events that 20,000 to 35,000 Rotarians and guests attend.
All members should plan to participate in a Rotary International
convention to discover the real internationality of Rotary.
It is an experience you'll never forget.
Peace Conferences
From time to time Rotarians may read the
promotional literature announcing a presidential or regional
peace conference to be held some place in the world. Such
a conference is quite similar to the annual Rotary International
convention but generally smaller in attendance and serving
Rotarians and guests in a region that is a considerable
distance from the site of the international convention.
The purpose of an RI presidential or peace conference is
to develop and promote acquaintance, friendship and understanding
among the attendee as well as to provide a forum to discuss
and exchange ideas about Rotary and international affairs
related to humanitarian service and activities to promote
goodwill and understanding. Some peace conferences are sponsored
by districts with support from The Rotary Foundation.
Presidential conferences usually attract two or three thousand
individuals, and, because they are considered special events
in the Rotary calendar, are not held on any regular schedule.
The conferences are arranged by a committee appointed by
the RI president.
Rotarians from all parts of the world are always welcome
to attend.
Participating in a peace conference in another region is
an enjoyable, rewarding and fascinating experience. It provides
another facet to the international fellowship of Rotary.
Inter-country Committees
In 1931 Rotarians in France and Germany
organized the "petit comite," a small group with
the goal of fostering better relations between the people
of these two neighbouring nations. Since that time, Rotarians
throughout Europe have led the way in creating Inter-country
Committees to encourage contacts between Rotarians and Rotary
clubs across national boundaries. Inter-country Committees
have now been established in many parts of the world to
promote friendship as well as to cooperate in sponsoring
World Community Service projects, student exchanges and
other activities to improve understanding among nations.
Frequently, the Inter-country Committees sponsor visits
of Rotarians and their families across national borders
and arrange intercity meetings and conferences. In some
instances, Inter-country Committees are created between
countries separated by great distances in an effort to encourage
goodwill and friendship with matched or partner areas of
the world. The Inter-country Committees coordinate their
efforts with the district governors of their countries and
always serve in an advisory capacity to districts and clubs.
Inter-country Committees provide an additional means for
Rotary clubs and Rotarians to fulfil the responsibilities
of the Fourth Avenue of Service - international understanding,
goodwill and peace.
In 1927 Rotary International terminated
the territorial unit concept and organized Rotary clubs
by "areas" of the world. However, all of "the
rights privileges and powers of existing territorial units"
were forever protected and perpetuated. Thus, since RIBI
was the only territorial unit, it has continued to function
as an independent unit of Rotary International, subject
to certain approvals by the RI Constitution.
The RIBI form of administration is uniquely appropriate
to Great Britain and Ireland because of geography, language,
tradition and custom. Because, of this historic relationship,
RIBI maintains a slightly different administrative structure
from all the other Rotary clubs and districts in the world,
even though it is a full member of Rotary International.
RIBI
The structure of Rotary International in
Great Britain and Ireland (RIB!) forms an interesting chapter
in our history. In 1914, after Rotary expanded across the
Atlantic to Great Britain and Ireland, a British Association
of Rotary Clubs was established as part of the International
Association of Rotary Clubs. During World War I there was
little contact between the international clubs, and the
British association held the small number of Rotary clubs
together in Great Britain, Ireland and a few other European
communities.
Following the war, a new Rotary International Constitution
was adopted in 1922 that established the principle that
whenever a country had 25 Rotary clubs it could become a
"territorial unit" and thus have a
representative on the RI board and receive other specific
powers. The clubs in Great Britain and Ireland immediately
petitioned for and received the status of a "territorial
unit." No other group in the world made such a request
or received that status.
Council on legislation
In the early days of Rotary, any change
in the RI Bylaws or Constitution was proposed and voted
upon at the annual convention. As attendance at conventions
increased and open discussion became more difficult, a Council
on Legislation was created in 1934 as an advisory group
to debate and analyze proposals before they were voted upon
by the convention.
Finally at the 1970 Atlanta Convention, it was decided that
the Council on Legislation would actually become the legislative
or parliamentary body of Rotary. The council is composed
of one delegate from each Rotary district as well as several
ex-officio members. It was agreed that the council would
meet every three years at a time other than at the Rotary
convention!
The council, which next meets in 2001, has the responsibility
of considering and acting upon all "enactments,"
which are proposed changes in the Rotary International Bylaws
and Constitution and Standard Rotary Club Constitution,
and "resolutions," which are recommended changes
in Rotary policies and procedures. Proposals may be submitted
by any Rotary club, district or the RI board. The council's
actions are subject to review by all the Rotary clubs of
the world before they become final. If 10 percent of the
voting strength of the clubs oppose a council action, such
legislation is suspended and it is submitted to all the
clubs for a final vote.
The Council on Legislation provides the membership of Rotary
a democratic process for legislative change in the operations
of Rotary International.
Recreational and Vocational Fellowships
From stamp collecting to ballroom dancing,
the hobbies of Rotarians are as diverse as the membership
itself. Yet, among the more than one million Rotarians worldwide,
an amateur-radio enthusiast or a chess player is bound to
find others who share the same passions. But Recreational
Fellowship members share more than just their common interest
in sport diving or Esperanto; they share an interest in
fellowship and service and in promoting world understanding.
As such, it's no wonder that the International Skiing Fellowship
of Rotarians donates the profits from ski events to The
Rotary Foundation or that the Flying Rotarians help ferry
medical personnel and supplies.
One has only to look at the types of Vocational Fellowships
to recognize how they differ from their recreational counterparts.
With Rotarians united by their shared professional interest
in such fields as Arts and Communication and Finance/Banking,
it's obvious that Vocational Service is as important a concern
as international fellowship to the members of these groups.
Members exchange technical information and seek opportunities
to employ their expertise in service not just to their own
communities and countries, but to their professions as well.
For example, the Ophthalmology International Vocational
Fellowship organized a professional seminar on the subject
of eye surgery in developing countries.
Rotary Friendship Exchange
An interesting Rotary program of fellowship
is the Rotary Friendship Exchange. This activity, originally
recommended by the New Horizons Committee in 1981, is intended
to encourage Rotarians and spouses to visit with Rotarian
families in other parts of the world. It may be conducted
on a club-to-club or district-to-district basis.
The idea is for several Rotarian couples to travel to another
country on the Rotary Friendship Exchange. Later the hospitality
is reversed when the visit is reciprocated. After a successful
pilot experiment, the Rotary Friendship Exchange has become
a permanent program of Rotary.
The Rotary Friendship Exchange is frequently compared to
the Group Study Exchange program of The Rotary Foundation,
except that it involves Rotarian couples who personally
pay for all expenses of their inter-country experience.
Doors of friendship are opened in a way that could not be
duplicated except in Rotary.
Rotarians seeking an unusual vacation and fellowship experience
should learn more about the Rotary Friendship Exchange.
Some unusual Rotary adventures are awaiting you!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
(RYLA)
Each summer thousands of young people are
selected to attend Rotary sponsored leadership camps or
seminars in the United States, Australia, Canada, India,
France, Argentina, Korea and numerous other countries. In
an informal atmosphere, groups of outstanding young men
and/ or women spend a week in a challenging program of leadership
training, discussions, inspirational addresses and social
activities designed to enhance personal development, leadership
skills and good citizenship. The official name of this activity
is the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program (RYLA), although
these events are sometimes referred to by other names, such
as Camp Royal, Camp Enterprise, Youth Leaders Seminars,
Youth Conferences or other terms.
The RYLA program began in Australia in 1959, when young
people throughout the state of Queensland were selected
to meet with Princess Alexandra, the young cousin of Queen
Elizabeth II. The Rotarians of Brisbane, who hosted the
participants, were impressed with the quality of the young
leaders. It was decided to bring youth leaders together
each year for a week of social, cultural and educational
activities. The RYLA program gradually grew throughout all
the Rotary districts of Australia and New Zealand. In 1971,
the RI Board of Directors adopted RYLA as an official program
of Rotary International.
Rotary Community Corps
One of the programs in Rotary's panoply
of worldwide service activities and projects is the Rotary
Community Corps. Formerly known as Rotary Village Corps
(or Rotary Community Service Corps in urban areas), this
form of grass-roots self-help service was initiated by RI
President M.A.T. Caparas in 1986 as a means of improving
the quality of life in villages, neighbourhoods and communities.
Frequently there is an abundance of available lab or but
no process to mobilize men and women to conduct useful projects
of community improvement.
A Rotary Community Corps is a Rotary club-sponsored group
of non Rotarians who desire to help their own community
by conducting service projects. Rotarians provide guidance,
encouragement, organizational structure and some of the
material assistance for the Rotary Community Corps, which
in turn contributes the manpower to help its own community.
Thus, the Rotary Community Corps is another way for Rotarians
to serve in communities of great need.
In depressed urban areas, groups of committed citizens can
benefit from the organizational and managerial skills of
Rotarians when undertaking valuable self-help community
projects.
The Rotary Community Corps program offers another dimension
to the concept of service to improve the quality of life.
Rotary Volunteers
You can find them working in refugee camps,
remote clinics, makeshift hospitals, and primitive villages.
While many are physicians and dentists, they come from all
walks of life. They're Rotary Volunteers.
The Rotary Volunteers program is open to Rotarians, Rotaractors,
Foundation Alumni - even non-Rotarians can participate.
Those wishing to serve abroad must file a Rotary Volunteers
International Volunteer Personal Registration Form with
the Secretariat office serving their area. They also must
receive an invitation to volunteer from the host Rotary
club at the site where they wish to serve. There are several
sources for finding volunteer opportunities and special
needs.
The Rotary Volunteers program operates under the umbrella
of Vocational Service at the club and district level. The
Rotary Foundation occasionally provides funds to cover air
transportation and modest living expenses for Rotary Volunteers.
Volunteers do not receive a salary or honorarium for their
services. Rotary Volunteers have travelled to nearly 100
countries to give of their time and expertise.
Interact
Interact, a Rotary-sponsored youth service
club, was launched by the RI Board of Directors in 1962.
The first Interact club was established by the Rotary Club
of Melbourne, Florida, U.S.A. Interact clubs provide opportunities
for boys and girls of secondary school age to work together
in a world fellowship of service and international understanding.
The term "Interact" is derived from "inter,"
for international, and "act," for action. Every
Interact club must be sponsored and supervised by a Rotary
club and must plan annual projects of service to its school,
community and in the world.
Today there are more than 6,000 Interact clubs with 138,500
members in 96 countries. Interactors develop skills in leadership
and attain practical experience in conducting service projects,
thereby learning the satisfaction that comes from serving
others. A major goal of Interact is to provide opportunities
for young people to create greater understanding and goodwill
with youth throughout the world.
Rotaract
After the success of Interact clubs for
high school-age youth in the early 1960s, the RI board created
Rotaract in 1968. The new organization was designed to promote
responsible citizenship and leadership potential in
clubs of young men and women aged 18 to 30. The first Rotaract
club was chartered by the Rotary Club of Charlotte North
in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. In 1998 there were 139,000
members in more than 6,000 Rotaract clubs in 139 countries.
Rotaract clubs emphasize the importance of individual responsibility
as the basis of personal success and community involvement.
Each club is required to complete at least two major service
projects each year, one to serve the community and the other
to promote international understanding. Rotaract also provides
opportunities leading to greater leadership and professional
development. Rotaractors enjoy many social activities as
well as programs to improve their community. A Rotaract
club can exist only when continuously sponsored, guided
and counselled by a Rotary club.
The programs of Rotaract are built around the motto "Fellowship
Through Service."
Rotary's Float in the Rose Parade
The Rotary International float in the annual
Tournament of Roses Parade is undoubtedly the largest public
relations project of the Rotary clubs of the United States
and Canada. Since 1924 a Rotary float has been entered 21
times including every year since 1981. The famous Pasadena,
California, parade is seen by an estimated 200 million people
via worldwide television.
Funds for the construction of the Rotary parade entry are
voluntarily given by Rotarians and clubs in the U.S. and
Canada. The cost of designing, constructing and flower-covering
a Rose Parade float begins at about US$135,000. Hundreds
of Rotarians voluntarily travel to Pasadena each year to
help put flowers on the Rotary float. A multi-district Rotary
committee in southern California coordinates planning of
the Rotary float and provides hundreds of volunteer hours
of service. The Rotary float must portray the annual parade
theme, usually depicting one of the worldwide service programs
of Rotary International.
Each New Year's Day, Rotarians take pride in seeing their
attractive float and realize they have shared in its construction
by contributing a dollar or two to this beautiful public
relations project.
Still More Rotary Firsts
. Rotary first presented "Significant
Achievement Awards" in 1969 to clubs with outstanding
International or Community Service projects.
. Rotary's first Interact club was organized in Melbourne,
Florida, in 1962 to become the pioneer for about 6,000 Interact
clubs in 96 countries.
. Rotary's first convention held in the Southern Hemisphere
was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1948.
. Rotary was assigned the copyright on "The 4-Way Test"
in 1954 when its author, Herbert Taylor, became president
of Rotary International.
. Rotary's first Community Service project took place in
1907 when Chicago Rotarians led a campaign to install a
public "comfort station" in the city hall.
. 1964-65 was the first year The Rotary Foundation received
total contributions of a million dollars in a single year.
Today more than US$65 million is given annually. Contributions
since 1917 total more than US$950 million.
. Rotary's first appeal for aid to disaster victims was
in 1913 when US$25,000 was given for flood relief in Ohio
and Indiana, U.S.A.
. Rotary's motto, "He Profits Most Who Serves Best,"
was first expressed at Rotary's very first Convention in
Chicago in 1910.
RI's General Secretary
The day-to-day operations of Rotary International's
Secretariat are under the supervision of the general secretary,
the top professional officer of Rotary. Although the general
secretary is responsible to the RI Board of Directors and
president, he provides the ongoing management for nearly
500 staff members who compose the Secretariat of Rotary
International.
The general secretary serves as secretary to the RI board
and is also the chief executive and financial officer of
The Rotary Foundation, under the supervision of the trustees
of the Foundation. He is the secretary of all Rotary committees
as well as the Council on Legislation, regional conferences
and the annual Rotary convention.
The general secretary is appointed by the RI board for a
term of not more than five years and is usually re-elected.
Since 1910, nine men have served in that position. Chesley
Perry, the original general secretary, served from 1910
to 1942. Others who followed were Phil Lovejoy (1942-52),
George Means (1953-72), Harry Stewart (1972-78), Herb Pigman
(1979-86), Philip Lindsey (1986-90), Spencer Robinson, Jr.
(1990-93) and Geoffrey Large (1995-97). Herb Pigman was
re-elected to the position in 1993.
S. Aaron Hyatt was appointed in 1997.
Throughout the history of Rotary, the personal influence
and administrative skills of our general secretaries have
significantly shaped the course of Rotary programs and activities.
Selecting a President
Each year a distinguished Rotarian is selected
as the worldwide president of Rotary International. The
process begins two years in advance when a 15-person nominating
committee is elected from separate regions of the world.
To qualify for the nominating committee, a Rotarian must
have served on the RI Board of Directors and have extensive
Rotary experience and substantial acquaintanceship with
the world leaders of Rotary.
The nominating committee may consider all former RI directors
for the presidential candidate. Members of the nominating
committee and current directors are not eligible. Any Rotary
club may suggest the name of a former RI director to the
committee for consideration.
The committee convenes in September to select the Rotarian
to be the presidential nominee. His name is announced to
all clubs. Any Rotary club may make an additional nomination
before 1 December, which must then be endorsed by one percent
of all the Rotary clubs of the world (about 250).
If such an event occurs, an election is held by mail ballot.
If no additional nomination is presented by the clubs, the
person selected by the nominating committee is declared
to be the president-nominee. From that point on, that special
Rotarian and spouse will spend more than a year in preparation
and then a year serving the Rotarians of the world as the
international president.
Annual Rotary Themes
In 1955 RI President A.Z. Baker announced
a theme, "Develop Our Resources," to serve as
Rotary's program of emphasis. Since that time, each president
has issued a theme for his Rotary year. The shortest theme
was in 1961-62 when Joseph Abey selected "Act."
Other one-word themes were chosen in 1958-59 by Charles
Tennent ("Serve") and 1968-69 by Kiyoshi Togasaki
("Participate").
Carl Miller, in 1963-64, had a theme for the times when
he proposed "Guidelines for Rotary in the Space Age."
Other "timely" themes were in 1980-81 when Rolf
Klärich created "Take Time to Serve" and
William Carter in 1973-74 used "Time for Action."
Two themes have a similarity to commercial advertising:
"A Better World Through Rotary" (Richard Evans,
1966-67) and "Reach Out" (Clem Renouf, 1978-79).
Bridges have been a striking metaphor. Harold Thomas, 1959-60,
urged Rotarians to "Build Bridges of Friendship";
William Walk, 1970-71, created "Bridge the Gap";
and Hiroji Mukasa, 1982-83, declared "Mankind is One
- Build Bridges of Friendship Throughout the World."
A worldwide focus was given by Stanley McCaffrey in 1981-82
with the message, "World Understanding and Peace Through
Rotary," and again in 1984-85 by Carlos Canseco who
urged Rotarians to "Discover a New World of Service."
In other years, the individual was emphasized, as "You
Are Rotary" (Edd McLaughlin, 1960-61), "Goodwill
Begins With You" (Ernst Breitholtz, 1971-72) and "You
Are the Key" (Edward Cadman, 1985-86).
Frequently the theme urges Rotarians to become more involved
in their club, such as "Share Rotary - Serve People"
(William Skelton, 1983-84) or "Make Your Rotary Membership
Effective" (Luther Hodges, 1967-68). But whether you
"Review and Renew," "Take a New Look,"
"Let Service Light the Way" or "Dignify the
Human Being," it is clear that the RI president provides
Rotarians with an important annual program of emphasis.
In 1986-87, President M.A.T. Caparas selected the inspiring
message that "Rotary Brings Hope."
Charles Keller in 1987-88 saw "Rotarians - United in
Service, Dedicated to Peace," while Royce Abbey asked
his fellow members in 1988-89 to "Put Life into Rotary
- Your Life." Hugh Archer (1989-90) urged us to "Enjoy
Rotary!" and Paulo Costa (1990-91) asked that we "Honor
Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm." Rajendra Saboo (1991-92)
exhorted every Rotarian to "Look Beyond Yourself."
In 1992-93 Clifford Dochterman reminded Rotarians, "Real
Happiness Is Helping Others," and in 1993-94 Robert
Barth counselled Rotarians, "Believe In What You Do
and Do What You Believe In." In 1994-95 Bill Huntley
encouraged Rotarians to "Be A Friend" to their
communities. During 1995-96 Herbert Brown asked Rotarians
to "Act with Integrity, Serve with Love, Work for Peace."
In 1996-97 the theme of Luis Giay was "Build the Future
with Action and Vision;" Glen Kinross in 1997-98 proposed
the plan to "Show Rotary Cares;" and James Lacy
asked Rotarians to "Follow Your Rotary Dream"
in 1998-99.
Campaigning Prohibited
One of the interesting bylaws of Rotary
International provides that "no Rotarian shall campaign,
canvass or electioneer for elective position in Rotary International"
This provision includes the office of district governor,
Rotary International director, RI president and various
elected committees. The Rotary policy prohibits the circulation
of brochures, literature or letters by a candidate or by
anyone on behalf of such a candidate.
After a Rotarian has indicated an intention to be a candidate
for one of the elective Rotary offices, he or she must refrain
from speaking engagements, appearances or publicity that
could reasonably be construed as furthering his or her candidacy.
The only information that may be sent to clubs relating
to candidates for an elective position is that officially
distributed by the general secretary of RI.
A Rotarian who becomes a candidate for an elective position,
such as district governor or RI director, must avoid any
action that would be interpreted as giving him or her an
unfair advantage over other candidates. Failure to comply
with these provisions prohibiting campaigning could result
in the disqualification of the candidate.
In Rotary it is believed that a Rotarian's record of service
and qualifications for office stand on their own and do
not require publicity or special promotion.
The Rotary Foundation's Beginning
Some magnificent projects grow from very
small seeds. The Rotary Foundation had that sort of modest
beginning.
In 1917 RI President Arch Klumph told the delegates to the
Atlanta Convention that "it seems eminently proper
that we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing
good in the world." The response was polite and favourable,
but the fund was slow to materialize. A year later the "Rotary
Endowment Fund," as it was first labelled, received
its first contribution of US$26.50 from the Rotary Club
of Kansas City, Missouri, USA, which was the balance of
the Kansas City Convention account following the 1918 annual
meeting. Additional small amounts were annually contributed,
but after six years it is reported that the endowment fund
had only reached US$700. A decade later, The Rotary Foundation
was formally established at the 1928 Minneapolis Convention.
In the next four years the Foundation fund grew to US$50,000.
In 1937 a US$2 million goal was announced for The Rotary
Foundation, but these plans were cut short and abandoned
with the outbreak of World War H.
In 1947, upon the death of Paul Harris, a new era opened
for The Rotary Foundation as memorial gifts poured in to
honour the founder of Rotary. From that time, The Rotary
Foundation has been achieving its noble objective of furthering
"understanding and friendly relations between peoples
of different nations." By 1954 the Foundation received
for the first time a half million dollars in contributions
in a single year, and in 1965 a million dollars was received.
It is staggering to imagine that from those humble beginnings,
The Rotary Foundation is now receiving more than US$65 million
each year for educational and humanitarian work around the
world.
The Permanent Fund of The Rotary
Foundation
It was Arch Klumph, father of The Rotary
Foundation, who said, "We should look at the Foundation
as being not something of today or tomorrow, but think of
it in terms of the years and generations to come."
That's why the Foundation's Permanent Fund is considered
the most important way to assure the future of Rotary's
educational and humanitarian programs. Contributions to
this fund, formerly called the Endowment for World Understanding
and Peace, are invested for the future. Only earnings from
their investment are used to support Foundation programs.
Ultimately, it is intended that the Permanent Fund will
provide a steady and secure supplement to Foundation support,
always guaranteeing a minimum level of program activity
and allowing for the possibility of new and expanded programs
in the future.
The Foundation gives special recognition to anyone who includes
a substantial gift to the Permanent Fund in his or her estate
plan or gives outright a minimum cash gift of US$1, 000
to the fund. Such a donor is designated as a Rotary Foundation
Benefactor. In 1998 there were more than 36,000 Benefactors
worldwide.
Ambassadorial Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships
program is the world's largest privately funded international
scholarships program. In 1947, 18 "Rotary Fellows"
from 11 countries were selected to serve as ambassadors
of goodwill while studying in another country for one academic
year. Since that time, approximately US$335 million has
been expended on some 30,000 scholarships for people from
more than 125 countries, studying in 105 countries around
the world.
The purpose of the scholarships program is to further international
understanding and friendly relations among people of different
countries. Scholars are expected to be outstanding ambassadors
of goodwill to the people of the host country through both
informal and formal appearances before Rotary and non-Rotary
groups. Each scholar is assigned a host Rotarian counsellor
to facilitate involvement in Rotary and integration into
the host culture.
Since 1994-95 The Rotary Foundation has offered two new
types of scholarships in addition to the Academic- Year
Ambassadorial Scholarships.
The Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship is awarded for
two or three years of specific degree-oriented study abroad.
The Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship provides funding
for three or six months of intensive language study and
cultural immersion in another country.
In addition to being an investment in the education of tomorrow's
leaders, Rotary Foundation scholarships create personal
links between countries and are an important step toward
greater understanding and goodwill in the world.
Group Study Exchange
One of the most popular and rewarding programs
of The Rotary Foundation is Group Study Exchange. Since
the first exchange between districts in California and Japan
in 1965, the program has provided educational experiences
for about 35,000 business and professional men and women
who have served on about 6,500 teams. The GSE program pairs
Rotary districts to send and receive study teams. Since
1965, almost US$59 million has been allocated by The Rotary
Foundation for Group Study Exchange grants.
One of the attractive features of GSE is the opportunity
for the visiting team members to meet, talk and live with
Rotarians and their families in a warm spirit of friendship
and hospitality. Although the original Group Study Exchanges
were male only, in recent years teams have included both
men and women.
In addition to learning about another country through visits
to farms, schools, industrial plants, professional offices
and governmental establishments, the GSE teams serve as
ambassadors of goodwill. They interpret their home nation
to host Rotarians and others in the communities they visit.
In recent years, teams of a single vocation or cultural
group have been exchanged. Some GSE teams help create humanitarian
projects between their countries. Many of the personal contacts
blossom into lasting friendships.
Truly, the Group Study Exchange program has provided Rotarians
with one of its most enjoyable, practical and meaningful
ways to promote world understanding.
Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H)
Grants
In 1978 Rotary launched its most comprehensive
humanitarian service activity with the Health, Hunger and
Humanity Program. The 3-H Program is designed to undertake
large-scale service projects beyond the
capacity of individual Rotary clubs or groups of clubs.
By 1995 more than 185 different 3-H projects had been approved
and undertaken in 58 different countries, with an appropriation
at more than US$45 million. The objective of these projects
is to improve health, alleviate hunger and enhance human,
cultural and social development among peoples of the world.
The ultimate goal is to advance international understanding,
goodwill and peace.
The first 3-H project was the immunization of 6 million
children in the Philippines against polio. This was the
birth of what we now know as the. PolioPlus program. As
3-H progressed, new programs were added to help people in
developing areas of the world. Now, in addition to the mass
polio immunization of more than one billion children in
various countries, 3-H has promoted nutrition programs,
vocational education, improved irrigation to increase food
production, polio victim rehabilitation and other activities
that benefit large numbers of people in developing countries.
AIl3-H projects are supported by the voluntary contributions
of Rotarians through The Rotary Foundation. In years to
come the 3-H Program may well be considered Rotary's finest
service activity, showing how Rotarians care and are concerned
about people in need, wherever they may be.
Matching Grants
Among the programs of The Rotary Foundation
are the Matching Grants that assist Rotary clubs and districts
in conducting International Service projects. Since 1965
more than 6,200 grants have been awarded for projects in
about 165 countries, totalling more than US$56 million.
A club or district must contribute an amount at least as
large as that requested from The Rotary Foundation with
at least half the funds that the Foundation will match coming
from a country outside of the country where the project
will take place. Grant have been made to improve hospitals,
develop school programs, drill water wells, assist the disabled
or persons requiring special medical attention, provide
resources for orphanages, create sanitation facilities,
distribute food and medical supplies and many other forms
of international community service in needy areas of the
world. Some grants are for projects in the magnitude of
from US$15,000 to US$50,000, but most are in the range of
US$5,000 to US$10,000.
Matching Grants are not approved to purchase land or construct
buildings, except for low-cost shelters for underprivileged
families, and they may not be used for programs already
under way or completed.
Personal participation by Rotarians is required and the
benefits should extend beyond the recipients. .
The Matching Grants program is a very significant part of
The Rotary Foundation and provides an important incentive
for clubs to undertake worthwhile International Service
projects in another part of the world.
They certainly foster goodwill and understanding, which
is in keeping with the objectives of The Rotary Foundation.
Carl P. Miller Discovery Grants
The late Carl P. Miller, president of Rotary
International in 1963-64, was a strong believer in humanitarian
work that could be accomplished at the grassroots level.
Through the Matched Club and District Program, launched
during his year in office, he encouraged Rotarians to find
opportunities for service in another country through "people-to-people"
contact. The pairing of clubs and districts became an essential
component
of World Community Service.
A successful newspaper publisher, Carl, along with his wife,
Ruth, made a generous endowment gift to The Rotary Foundation
to establish the Carl P. Miller Discovery Grant program.
Discovery Grants are intended to stimulate international
involvement by clubs and districts, providing up to US$3,000
for travel and related expenses incurred in developing an
International Service project. A Discovery Grant does not
fund the project itself, but, rather, supports the "people-to-people"
contact necessary in the preliminary stages to bring the
project to fruition. Only clubs and districts or groups
of clubs and districts are eligible to receive these special
grants that are awarded by The Rotary Foundation twice yearly
in August and February.
PolioPlus
PolioPlus is Rotary's massive effort to
eradicate poliomyelitis from the world by 2000. It was launched
in 1985 with the goal of raising US$120 million to immunize
the developing world's children against polio for five years.
The Polio Plus fundraising campaign that concluded in 1988
raised a record US$220 million, and by 2005, Rotarians'
contributions to the global polio-eradication effort will
approach US$425 million. Of even greater significance has
been the huge volunteer army mobilized by Rotary International.
Hundreds of thousands of volunteers at the local level are
providing support at clinics or mobilizing their communities
for immunization or polio-eradication activities.
In 1988, Rotary joined the World Health Assembly in committing
itself to the eradication of polio by 2000, with certification
of the medical milestone in 2005, Rotary's 100th anniversary.
Rotary works with the World Health Organization, UNICEF,
national governments and others in the global Polio Eradication
Initiative, the world's most extensive public/private health
undertaking. By 1998, some 120 nations around the world
had benefited from Polio Plus grants for polio immunization
and eradication efforts, and thanks to the immunization
efforts during the decade after 1988, as many as four million
children who might have been polio victims were walking
and playing normally. As a result of the efforts of Rotary
International and its partners, more than one billion children
have received oral polio vaccine and are protected from
poliomyelitis. In 1994 Rotary helped celebrate the elimination
of polio from the Western Hemisphere. The Western Pacific
is on its way to being certified as polio-free, and efforts
are now focused on Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
Polio can be eradicated for as little as US$0.50 worth of
vaccine per child.
Achieving eradication will be difficult (only one other
disease, smallpox, has ever been eradicated) and expensive
(estimated cost to the international community is nearly
US$2 billion). It requires National Immunization Days to
immunize all of a polio-endemic country's children under
the age of five, continuing routine immunization of children
worldwide, systematic reporting of all suspected cases,
rapid response to outbreaks, and establishment of laboratory
networks.
No other non governmental organization has ever made a commitment
of the scale of PolioPlus. It may be considered the greatest
humanitarian service the world has ever seen. Every Rotarian
can share the pride of that achievement.
PolioPlus Partners
Since 1996 PolioPlus Partners have provided
opportunities for clubs and districts to support mobilization
activities necessary for National Immunization Days in polio-endemic
countries. PolioPlus Partners supply Rotary T-shirts, caps,
aprons and vests for immunization volunteers; or posters,
banners and leaflets for public announcements of immunization
days.
Other PolioPlus Partners supply refrigerated vaccine carriers,
vehicles and other equipment needed to deliver vaccine to
remote areas of the world.
The partners' projects also support surveillance laboratories
necessary to confirm polio eradication. Most PolioPlus projects
are eligible for Rotary Foundation Matching Grants. Polio
Plus Partners are essential to the completion of the goal
to achieve a polio-free world.
Disaster Relief Program
When great natural tragedy strikes some
area of the world, it is quite possible that within hours
the Rotary Disaster Relief program may be at work relieving
suffering of hapless victims. Modest Rotary grants of up
to US$5,000 may be immediately provided by the RI president
to people left homeless by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods,
fires and other disasters.
Following an initial grant, the Secretariat will customarily
issue a call for help, which could be answered by gifts
of money, supplies, food, clothing and household items from
Rotarians around the world. Usually the process continues
for several months as additional assistance is sent to the
appropriate clubs and districts in the disaster area.
The Rotary Disaster Relief Fund was established by the Trustees
of The Rotary Foundation to provide small grants that could
be immediately available when a catastrophe strikes. The
president of Rotary International may act to meet the immediate
needs of food, blankets, shelter and first-aid supplies
for disaster victims, working through the district governor
in the area of the tragedy.
The Disaster Relief Fund is one of the significant ways
that gifts to The Rotary Foundation build goodwill and understanding
around the world.
Rotary Peace Programs
A special program of The Rotary Foundation
was originally labelled the "Rotary Peace Forum."
The concept of a centre or educational program to promote
greater understanding and peace in the world was originally
discussed in 1982 by the New Horizons Committee and the
World Understanding and Peace Committee. In 1984 it was
further explored by a New Programs Committee of The Rotary
Foundation.
The essence of the Rotary Peace Program is to utilize the
nongovernmental but worldwide resources of Rotary to develop
educational programs around the issues that cause conflict
among nations in the world as well as those influences and
activities that promote peace, development and goodwill.
The program includes seminars, publications or conferences
as a means to initiate a global dialogue to find new approaches
to peace and world understanding.
Specific Rotary Peace Programs are selected twice a year
by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. Many peace programs
are held each year in conjunction with presidential conferences.
Paul Harris Fellows
Undoubtedly the most important step to
promote voluntary giving to The Rotary Foundation occurred
in 1957, when the idea of Paul Harris Fellow recognition
was first proposed. Although the concept of making US$1,000
gifts to the Foundation was slow in developing, by the early
1970s it began to gain popularity. The distinctive Paul
Harris Fellow medallion, lapel pin and attractive certificate
have become highly respected symbols of a substantial financial
commitment to The Rotary Foundation by Rotarians and friends
around the world.
The companion to the Paul Harris Fellow is the Paul Harris
Sustaining Member, which is the recognition presented to
an individual who has given, or in whose honour a gift is
made, a contribution of US$100, with
the stated intention of making additional contributions
until US$1,00O is reached. At that time the Paul Harris
Sustaining Member becomes a Paul Harris Fellow.
By 1998 more than 625,000 Paul Harris Fellows and 215,000
Sustaining Members had been added to the rolls of The Rotary
Foundation.
A special recognition pin is given to Paul Harris Fellows
who make additional gifts of US$1,000 to the Foundation.
The distinctive gold pin includes a blue stone to represent
each US$1,000 contribution up to a total of US$5,000 in
additional gifts. Red stone pins signify gifts of US$7,000
to US$9,000. A Diamond Circle pin is given to donors for
major gifts in excess of US$10,000.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition provides a very important
incentive for the continuing support needed to underwrite
the many programs of The Rotary Foundation that build goodwill
and understanding in the world.
Citation for Meritorious Service
and Distinguished Service Award
Two very special awards of recognition
occasionally are presented by the Trustees of The Rotary
Foundation to Rotarians who render outstanding service to
The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation Citation for
Meritorious Service recognizes significant and dedicated
service by a Rotarian to promote the programs of The Rotary
Foundation and thus advance the Foundation's goal of better
understanding and friendly relations among people of the
world.
The second award, called the Distinguished Service Award,
is presented to a Rotarian whose outstanding record of service
to The Rotary Foundation is on a much broader basis and
spreads beyond the district level and continues over an
extended period of time. The Distinguished Service Award
acknowledges the efforts of a Rotarian who has already received
the Citation of Meritorious Service, for continuing efforts
to promote international understanding.
Both of these select awards are presented for exemplary
personal service and devotion to the Foundation rather than
for financial contributions. No more than 50 Distinguished
Service Awards are granted by the trustees in anyone year
and there is only one recipient of a Citation for Meritorious
Service in any district each year. A recipient of the Citation
for Meritorious Service is not eligible for nomination for
a Distinguished Service Award until two or more years have
elapsed.
It is a very proud distinction for any Rotarian to be selected
for one of these high levels of recognition by The Rotary
Foundation Trustees.
Public Relations of Rotary
Historically Rotarians perpetuated a myth
that Rotary should not seek publicity, but rather let our
good works speak for themselves. A 1923 policy stating that
"publicity should not be the primary goal of a Rotary
club in selecting an activity" of Community Service
was frequently interpreted to mean that Rotary clubs should
avoid publicity and public relations efforts. Actually,
the 1923 statement further observed that "as a means
of extending Rotary's influence, proper publicity should
be given to a worthwhile project well carried out."
A more modern public relations philosophy was adopted in
the mid1970s that affirms that "good publicity, favourable
public relations and a positive image are desirable and
essential goals for Rotary," if it is to foster understanding,
appreciation and support for its Object and programs and
to broaden Rotary's service to humanity. Active public relations
is vital to the success of Rotary.
A service project well carried out is considered one of
the finest public relations messages of Rotary. It is essential
that Rotary clubs make every effort to inform the public
about their service projects that have been well performed.
As Rotary clubs and districts consider effective public
relations, it is important to remember that when Rotarians
think of Rotary, we think of our noble goals and motives.
But when the world thinks of Rotary, it can only think of
our actions and the service we have performed.
Use of "Rotary" and the
Rotary Emblem
The Rotary International emblem and the
word "Rotary" are officially registered with the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as trademarks and "service
marks," which gives RI certain rights regarding their
use and puts unauthorized individuals on notice against
any infringing use. The Rotary emblem should not be altered
or modified in any way.
Rotarians are encouraged to wear the emblem as a lapel button.
It is frequently used on jackets, pens, caps and other personal
items manufactured by firms or individuals licensed by the
RI Board of Directors. Rotary badges, banners, road signs
and official Rotary club stationery naturally use the emblem
as a mark of identification.
The Rotary emblem cannot be used for any commercial purpose.
It is not permissible to use it in a political campaign
or in connection with any other name or emblem not recognized
by Rotary International. Individual Rotarians should not
use the Rotary emblem on business cards or stationery or
for any other use intended to promote business. Nor is it
considered proper for Rotarians to use the emblem on doors
or windows of their business premises.
It is the responsibility of all Rotarians to use the emblem
with pride. The restrictions are provided to assure that
the Rotary emblem will not be misused and that it will always
bring distinction to the organization.
Special Rotary Observances
In the annual Rotary calendar several months
are designated to emphasize major programs of Rotary International.
. January is Rotary Awareness Month. This is a time to expand
knowledge of Rotary and its activities among our membership
and throughout the community.
. February is designated as World Understanding Month. This
month was chosen because it includes the birthday of Rotary
International, 23 February. During the month, Rotary clubs
are urged to present programs that promote international
understanding and goodwill, as well as launch World Community
Service projects in other parts of the world.
. World Rotaract Week is the week in which 13 March falls.
It's a time when Rotary clubs and districts highlight Rotaract
by joining in projects with their Rotaract clubs.
. April is set aside as Rotary's Magazine Month. Throughout
the month, clubs arrange programs and activities that promote
the reading and use of THE ROTARlAN magazine and the official
regional magazines of Rotary.
. July is Literacy Month, a time for clubs to develop their
own literacy projects, as well as raise awareness of Rotarians'
efforts worldwide to eradicate illiteracy.
. August is Membership and Extension Month, a time to focus
on Rotary's continuing need for growth, to seek new members
and form new clubs.
. September is New Generations Month. Rotary clubs of the
world give special emphasis to the many Rotary-sponsored
programs that serve children and young people. During this
month many clubs give increased attention to Youth Exchange
activities.
. October is Vocational Service Month. During this period,
clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional
life of each Rotarian. Special activities promote the vocational
avenue of service.
. November is selected to be Rotary Foundation Month. Clubs
and districts call attention to the programs of The Rotary
Foundation and frequently cultivate additional financial
support for the Foundation by promoting contributions for
Paul Harris Fellows and Sustaining Members.
Each of these special months serves to elevate the awareness
among Rotarians of some of the excellent programs of service
which occur within the world of Rotary.
Extending Rotary
Every 14 hours of every day a new Rotary
club is chartered in one of the more than 150 countries
in which Rotary exists. This steady growth in new clubs
is extremely important in extending the worldwide programs
and influence of Rotary International. New Rotary clubs
may be established anywhere in the world where the fundamental
principles of Rotary may be freely observed and wherever
it can reasonably be expected that a successful club can
be maintained.
A club must be organized to serve a specific "locality"
or clearly identified territory in which there are enough
business or professional persons of good character engaged
in proprietary or management positions. A minimum of 40
potential classifications is necessary for a proposed new
club, and from that list a permanent membership of at least
20 members must be enrolled. Occasionally an existing club
will cede a portion of its territory or will share the same
territory with a new club.
In the process of organizing a new club, the first step
is to conduct a survey of the locality to determine the
potential for new club extension.
The district governor's special representative guides the
organization of the new club. Among the requirements for
a new club is the adoption of the Standard Rotary Club Constitution,
a minimum of 20 charter members with clearly established
classifications, payment of a charter fee, weekly meetings
of the provisional club and the adoption of a club name
that will distinctly identify it with its locality. A provisional
club becomes a Rotary club when its charter is approved
by the board of Rotary International.
It is a great opportunity and special duty of all Rotarians
to assist and cooperate in organizing new clubs. Knowing
that two new Rotary clubs will be chartered someplace in
the world today, tomorrow and every day provides a strong
endorsement of the vitality and extension of Rotary service
throughout the world.
Colourful Governors' Jackets
One of the newest Rotary traditions began
in 1984-85 when the district governors decided to wear a
distinctive yellow sport coat to official Rotary events.
In succeeding years the president of Rotary International
has selected a colourful jacket for the district governors
and other international officers of Rotary. The distinctive
yellow jacket of CarIos Canseco was followed by such blazing
colours as Paulo Costas's "green coats" (1990-91),
Clifford Dochterman's "red coats" (1992-93), Luis
Giay's "brick coats" (1996-97), and Glen Kinross'
"sea foam green" (1997-98). President Rajendra
Saboo selected "wheat-coloured tan" (1991-92)
and Hugh Archer picked maroon (1989-90). Other traditional
navy blue jackets were worn during the years of Charles
Keller (1987-88), Bill Huntley (1994-95), Herbert Brown
(1995-96) and James Lacy (1998-99). An array of colours
and shades has been picked by other presidents. Rotarian
leaders annually speculate on the jacket colour to be worn
by the incoming world Rotary president.
Urban Peace
By the year 2000, the United Nations estimates
more than half the world's population will live in urban
and suburban areas, many in cities of over 10 million inhabitants.
The challenges of life in such densely populated areas with
increasingly shared resources will no doubt lead to rising
tensions.
Many problems, once associated with poverty and urban decay
in large cities, are spreading into communities remote from
large cities. These include:
. The negative impact of drug and alcohol abuse;
. The spread of street gangs and community violence;
. The growing number of homeless people; and
. The rising rate of teenage pregnancy.
The causes of these problems are many:
. Unemployment and unemployability;
. Poverty and hunger;
How have clubs responded? Some have contributed
financial support to drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation
agencies. Others have created projects that educate communities,
provide alternative activities to youth at risk of using
drugs, and match young people with Rotarian mentors who
help build their self-esteem. To help assure a healthy,
hope-filled future, Rotary clubs must continue to aggressively
confront substance abuse today.
. Erosion of family values;
. Domestic violence;
. Lack of literacy and numeracy skills
. Deterioration of inner cities.
All people have the right to enjoy life
free of the fear of violence and crime. Rotary gave special
attention to these issues in 1996-97, sponsoring seven urban
Peace Conferences; and more than 6,000 Rotary Conferences
for New Generations were held worldwide. Rotarians returned
to their communities, empowered by the realization they
could make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Recognizing the magnitude of the need, the RI Board of Directors
approved a three-year emphasis on Urban Peace, beginning
in 1997, to focus the organization's resources on this central
aspect of Community Service. Rotarians and Rotary clubs
can survey residents to identify the problems that threaten
their communities and - working to unite local civic groups,
governmental and nongovernmental organizations develop plans
of action to help solve them.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Drug and alcohol abuse has grown to alarming
proportions worldwide. The problem is closely linked to
crime, violence, poverty, child and spousal abuse, AIDS,
homelessness and other ills in society.
Rotary International launched an anti-drug campaign in the
early 1980s, urging clubs to assess the problem in their
communities and identify resources to combat it. Concluding
that preventive education is the best investment of Rotary's
efforts, RI focused attention on substance abuse prevention
through forums, recognition of clubs and districts for outstanding
projects, and highlighting them in THE ROT ARIAN magazine
and other RI publications.
In 1992 the RI board renewed its commitment to substance
abuse prevention, making it a 10-year emphasis of the organization.
RI encourages Rotary clubs to work with government and non-government
agencies to:
. increase awareness among members and the community about
local programs dealing with substance abuse;
. undertake or support substance abuse prevention programs
that instil positive values and self-esteem in young people;
. support local family-based substance abuse treatment programs.
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