4 General Program of Rotary

The program of Rotary is expressed in its Object as set forth in article IV of the RI constitution and article III of the standard Rotary club constitution, namely:

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Four “avenues” of service in Rotary reflect the elements of this Object: ClubService, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service. The RI Board has agreed that the four explanatory statements in the Object of Rotary are of great and equal significance and that they are actions which must be taken simultaneously. (96)

A Balanced Service Program

Recognizing the importance of a balanced service program that encompasses all Avenues of Service — Club, Vocational, Community, and International— the RI Board encourages each club to consider carefully the size and scope of its program to ensure a balance across the Four Avenues of Service. (89)

Community Concerns

Clubs are further encouraged to focus on addressing real community concerns by analyzing their service activities on a regular basis to ensure that the projects being undertaken have relevance to the communities being served.  In developing service projects to meet community needs, clubs should:

1)                   assess the real needs of the community, utilizing all the information resources available;

2)                   design and carry out projects that effectively address the identified needs;

3)                   utilize Rotary resources in carrying out these projects, including club talent and expertise, district committees, RI committees or taskforces and the many resources available through RI and its Foundation;

4)                   mobilize the community to support the goals of the projects and participate in their implementation wherever possible.

Participation in Fund-Raising Activities

In participating in or identifying itself with any plans to collect funds, or any other activity, a club should be continually careful not to indulge in undignified practices which do not contribute to the strengthening of the club’s prestige.(46)

RI Emphases

RI emphases focus the attention of the entire organization, for a specific period, on a particular area of service of universal importance which demands the increased involvement of Rotarians. The length of such emphases shall be no more than three years, whereupon the RI Board shall evaluate the level of club and district activity to determine if the emphases are still required, or if the RI Board should take any alternative action. There shall be no more than four RI emphases at any given time, and no more than one new RI emphasis shall be designated in any given Rotary year. (89, 96)

RI  President’s Annual Message

is the only theme which should be utilized, and the use of other themes should be discouraged. (96)

Rotary Action to Address the Needs of Women

The RI Board has adopted the following statement with respect to RI’s position on the needs and progress of women:

Rotary International, recognizing that:

1)                   all women in the Rotary movement, serving as Rotarians, spouses and in associated groups, are valuable contributors to the achievement of the Object of Rotary;

2)                   the status of women is inherently related to the well-being of children and families;

3)                   improvements in the situation of women benefit all society;

4)                   women play a pivotal role in Building the Future

a)   encourages all Rotarians to increase their awareness about issues that affect the                            development and progress of women in communities;

b)       encourages women Rotarians to network with other women Rotary club members at the community, district and international levels, to foster fellowship, share experiences, encourage more women’s involvement in Rotary, and generate additional projects that address women’s needs;

c)       encourages women Rotarians to identify the needs of women in their communities;

d)        encourages Rotary clubs to:

• address the key issues affecting women through existing Rotary programs such as World Community Service and Rotary Village Corps;

• ensure that all children in their communities, both boys and girls, are able to attend and complete primary school as a minimum in order to achieve basic literacy and numeracy skills;

• establish and/or support refuge centers with social and legal services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence;

• increase their number of women members with the goal of enhancing opportunities to select service projects that address the needs of both genders;

• organize Interact and Rotaract clubs in more communities to provide greater leadership development opportunities for young men and women;

• share information about women’s issues with the members of their Interact and Rotaract clubs, and encourage Interactors andRotaractors to address issues which impact women;.

• work in partnership with other non-governmental organizations in addressing women’s issues;• recognize the outstanding contributions of spouses and various associated groups to the Rotary movement, preferably at a special event such as the district conference, and encourage their continued valuable service to Rotary.(96)

The RI Service Above Self Award

The RI Service Above Self Award is given to individual Rotarians who have rendered significant humanitarian Rotary service which embodies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” The award recognizes outstanding efforts in the promotion of RI objectives in any avenue of Rotary service and constitutes Rotary’s highest honor for a Rotarian. (95)

Current and immediate past governors and current and past directors may submit nominations. Nomination forms describing the Rotarian’s service rendered through Rotary are to be submitted by the prescribed deadline of 15 September for consideration by the RI Board. Up to 150 recipients will be selected each year. It is desirable that the award be presented by the governor at a significant district function. (91)

Effective with the 2001-2002 Rotary year, nominees for the Service Above Self Award must have previously been awarded the Four Avenues of Service Citation for Individual Rotarians. (97)

The Four Avenues of Service Citation for Individual Rotarians

The Four Avenues of Service Citation is awarded to recognize the “grass-roots” efforts of individual Rotarians. Through the 1998-99 Rotary year, no present, past or incoming RI officers are eligible to receive this award. (97) However, the RI Board has determined that past district governors (except for immediate past governors) will be eligible for the citation beginning with the1999-2000 Rotary year. (97)

Recognition for Significant Achievement of Clubs

The Significant Achievement Awards Program is a presidential recognition program designed to give district recognition to club activity which addresses a significant problem or need. The purpose of the award is to encourage new projects on the part of every club and to promote an increased awareness of the importance of exemplary club efforts. The following criteria will aid governors in making their selections of clubs to receive recognition for significant achievements:

1)               The project or achievement should address a significant problem or need as manifested in, but not restricted to, the local community;

2)               The project should involve most or all of the club members in personal, in addition to monetary, service and should be commensurate with the size of the club and the available resources, and should enhance the image of Rotary in the community;

3)               The project should be capable of emulation by other Rotary clubs as appropriate;

4)               The project need not be solely initiated in the current Rotary year, but must be currently active or reach a conclusion in the current Rotary year for which the award is given;

5)               No club may receive an achievement award more than once for the same project;

6)               Exhibition of the project at the district conference is encouraged.

The following is suggested as the procedure for the district selection process:

1)                   By 1 August, the governor chooses and announces a district selection committee to review all entries. The governor should be an ex-officio member of this committee;

2)                   The governor should publicize this committee, together with the selection criteria, in the monthly letter, announcing the deadline for entries to be submitted to the committee chairman;

3)                   The district selection committee will meet not later than 1 February and choose not more than five club projects as candidates to receive the award, forwarding those selections to the governor by 1 March;

4)                   From the five, the governor makes a selection, in consultation with the district selection committee;

5)                   The governor submits notification of the selection, with documentation, by 15 March to the RI president;

6)                   Significant Achievement Awards will be endorsed by the RI president prior to 1 May. (91).

5.  Vocational Service

Vocation refers to one’s “regular employment, calling, business, profession or occupation.” In the term “Vocational Service,” Rotary employs the word “service” in its broadest sense, referring not merely to the merchandise sold or work done in any business or professional transaction, but also to the giving of due consideration to the needs and circumstances of the one served and to the continual thoughtfulness of others. Vocational Service is stressed in Rotary’s Object in these words: “To encourage and foster high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

”Statement on Vocational Service

Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations. Inherent in the Vocational Service ideal are:

1)                   adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including faithfulness and fidelity to employers, employees, and associates, fair treatment of them and of competitors, the public, and all those with whom one has any business or professional relationships;

2)                   the recognition of the worthiness to society of all useful occupations, not just one’s own or those which are pursued by Rotarians;

3)                   the contribution of one’s vocational talents to the problems and needs of society. Vocational Service is both the responsibility of a Rotary club and of its members. The role of the club is to implement and encourage the objective by frequent demonstration, by application to its own actions, by example and by development of projects that help members contribute their vocational talents. The role of members is to conduct themselves, their businesses and their professions in accordance with Rotary principles and to respond to projects which the club has developed.

Declaration for Rotarians in Businesses and Professions

The 1989 Council on Legislation adopted the following declaration for Rotarians in businesses and professions:

As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to:

1)       Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve;

2)       Be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country, and to the moral standards of my community;

3)       Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation;

4)       Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship;

5)       Recognize the honor and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;

6)       Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community;

7)       Adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to the public concerning my business or profession;

8)       Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship. (89-148)

Reproduction and Use of The 4-Way Test

All reproductions of The 4-Way Test should be in the following form:

THE 4-WAY TEST

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?

     The sole purpose of any reproduction or use of The 4-Way Test should be the development and maintenance of high ethical standards in human relations. Any reproduction should not be a direct part of any advertisement intended to increase sales or profits. It may, however, be used in a letterhead or literature, if done in a way to explain that a sincere attempt is being made to have all of the human relations of the firm, organization or institution conducted along the lines of The 4-WayTest. (55)

When The 4-Way Test is reproduced as a part of or in connection with anything to be distributed by a Rotary club or group of clubs, the reproduction should be followed by reference to the club or group of clubs so as to appropriately associate the club(s) with the attempt being made to promote the conduct of all human relations along the lines of The 4-Way Test. The 4-Way Test should not be referred to as a“code” in any sense.

Vocational Guidance

The activity of assisting young people in the selection of careers is an activity of the club Vocational Service committee. It is suggested that clubs appoint a sub committee on “Career Development” under the Vocational Service committee to, among other things, promote, in cooperation with the youth committee, the activity of assisting young people in the selection of careers. (55)

Vocational Service Activities

Clubs should arrange at their own meetings and encourage other groups in their communities to present programs on cultural, economic and geographical conditions in other countries. The purpose of such programs is to help overcome possible difficulties arising from language barriers and differences in cultural and social backgrounds as a result of the mass movement of workers from one country to another. Clubs should consider taking steps to initiate or support citizens’ advisory bureaus for the purpose of assisting new arrivals in the community to assimilate into their new environment. The attention of members should be drawn to consideration of the extent to which the policies of states and governments depend upon negotiations and agreements between the leaders of trade associations and union leaders, and the consequent opportunity for club members to strive to play a leading part in  their trade associations and thus to have the possibility of influencing the establishment of policies in this field. (63)

Rotary clubs are encouraged to establish communication with chambers of commerce and industry in their communities to explore service opportunities. When appropriate, clubs should develop service projects which would be more productive if undertaken jointly. Such projects might include employee training, post retirement service opportunities, functional literacy programs, workplace drug abuse prevention and treatment programs, employment counseling and vocational recognition programs. The dimensions of Vocational Service are limited only by the imagination and ingenuity of clubs and Rotarians. Because Rotarians are classified in their clubs on the basis of their vocations, Vocational Service is an essential element in the execution of all Rotary programs; its effect is felt throughout the other Avenues of Service. The RI Board urges clubs to obtain the advice of legal or liability insurance counsel with respect to the need for protection against liability resulting from Vocational Service activities, including the desirability of securing insurance or implementing other risk management practices as appropriate.

Rotary Volunteers

The Rotary Volunteers program was established to create greater awareness among Rotarians of the volunteer opportunities within Rotary sponsored service projects as well as worthy projects of other organizations. The program assists clubs and districts in identifying those volunteers possessing expertise and skills unavailable locally, who can help in the completion of those service projects. (88)

Rotarians and spouses with Rotarians, as well as Rotaractors, Foundation alumni and non Rotarians (where Rotarians are not immediately available) may participate in the program. (88, 90)

The RI Board has established a limit of up to one percent of the total number of Rotarians in any district who may serve as registered Rotary Volunteers. In addition, Volunteers are expected to have a proven level of professional and technical skill and should be a minimum of 25 years of age. (96)

Club presidents and governors should appoint Rotary Volunteer subcommittees within Vocational Service committees to enhance the use of services of Rotarians and non Rotarians as Rotary Volunteers as well as the development of projects in which Rotary Volunteers can be utilized. (91)

RI maintains a registry which serves as an information resource for individual Rotarian and non-Rotarian volunteers and possible community and international service sites, as well as a resource list of organizations that place, train or fund volunteers. (Trustees 91)

Rotarians, Foundation alumni and Rotaractors serving as international volunteers between four to eight weeks may apply to the “Grants for Rotary Volunteers” program of The Rotary Foundation. (Trustees 91)

Vocational Service Month

The RI Board has established “Vocational Service Month” to be observed annually in October as a special month devoted to Vocational Service, to emphasize the involvement of clubs, and not just individual Rotarians, in the everyday practice of the ideals of Vocational Service. (78, 81)

Specific activities recommended to clubs during “Vocational Service Month” are:

1)       the recognition of a Rotary Volunteer at a district-level event;

2)       promotion of involvement in Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships;

3)       sponsorship of a Vocational Service activity or project; and

4)       promotion of membership development in open classifications.(97)

Business and Professional Relations Among Rotarians

The policy of Rotary with regard to business and professional relations among Rotarians is that a Rotarian should not expect, and far less should a Rotarian ask for, more consideration or advantages from a fellow Rotarian than the latter would give to any other business or professional associate. As an obligation to competitors and in the spirit of Vocational Service, a Rotarian shall not grant to a fellow Rotarian privileges that would not normally be accorded to others with whom the Rotarian has a business or professional relationship. Any use of the fellowship of Rotary as a means of gaining an advantage or profit is contrary to the spirit of Rotary. (33, 79)

No commercial firm should sign letters “Yours Rotarily.” (29)

6. Community Service

Rotarians have been deeply involved in serving their communities since the establishment of the first club. The history of every Rotary club contains a record of projects reflecting the third part of Rotary’s Object: “The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life.” (RIC IV; SRCC III)

Policy Toward Community Service Activities

   1923 Statement on Community Service

The policy of Rotary toward Community Service is set forth in the following statement adopted at the 1923 convention and amended at subsequent conventions. In Rotary, Community Service is to encourage and foster the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life. In carrying out this application of the ideal of service many clubs have developed various Community Service activities as affording opportunities for service by their members. For the guidance of Rotarians and Rotary clubs and to formulate a policy for Rotary toward Community Service activities, the following principles are recognized and accepted as sound and controlling:

1)                   Fundamentally, Rotary is a philosophy of life that undertakes to reconcile the ever present conflict between the desire to profit for one’s self and the duty and consequent impulse to serve others. This philosophy is the philosophy of service — “Service Above Self” — and is based on the practical ethical principle that “He profits most who serves best.”

2)                   Primarily, a Rotary club is a group of representative business and professional people who have accepted the Rotary philosophy of service and are seeking: First, to study collectively the theory of service as the true basis of success and happiness in business and in life; and second, to give, collectively, practical demonstrations of it to themselves and their community; and third, each as an individual, to translate its theory into practice in business and in everyday life; and fourth, individually and collectively, by active precept and example, to stimulate its acceptance both in theory and practice by all non-Rotarians as well as by all Rotarians.

3)                   RI is an organization that exists

a)                    for the protection, development, and worldwide propagation of the Rotary ideal of service;

b)                   for the establishment, encouragement, assistance, and administrative supervision of Rotary clubs;

c)                   as a clearing house for the study of their problems and, by helpful suggestion but not compulsion, for the standardization of their practices and of such Community Service activities, and only such Community Service activities, as have already been widely demonstrated by many clubs as worthwhile and as are within, and will not tend to obscure, the Object of Rotary as set out in the RI constitution.

5)                   Because they who serve must act, Rotary is not merely a state of mind, nor Rotary philosophy merely subjective, but must translate itself into objective activity; and the individual Rotarian and the Rotary club must put the theoryof service into practice.Accordingly, corporate actionby Rotary clubs is recommended under the safeguards provided herein. It is desirable that every Rotary club sponsor a major Community Service activity each fiscal year, varied from year to year if possible and to be completed if possible before the end of the fiscal year. This activity is to be based upon a real community need and should require the collective cooperation of all its members. This is to be in addition to the club’s continuing its program for the stimulation of the club members to individual service within the community.

6)                   Each individual Rotary club has absolute autonomy in the selection of such Community Service activities as appeal to it and as are suited to its community; but no club should allow any Community Service activity to obscure the Object of Rotary or jeopardize the primary purpose for which a Rotary club is organized; and RI, although it may study, standardize and develop such activities as are general and make helpful suggestions regarding them, should never prescribe nor proscribe any Community Service activity for any club.

7)                   Although regulations are not prescribed for an individual Rotary club in the selection of Community Service activities, the following rules are suggested for its guidance:

a)                    Because of the limited membership of Rotary, only in a community where there is no adequate civic or other organization in a position to speak and act for the whole community should a Rotary club engage in a general Community Service activity that requires for its success the active support of the entire citizenship of the community, and, where a chamber of commerce exists, a Rotary club should not trespass upon nor assume its functions, but Rotarians, as individuals committed to and trained in the principle of service, should be members of and active in their chambers of commerce and as citizens of their community should, along with all other good citizens, be interested in every general Community Service activity, and, as far as their abilities permit, do their part in money and service;

b)                   As a general thing, no Rotary club should endorse any project, no matter how meritorious, unless the club is prepared and willing to assume all or part of the responsibility for the accomplishment of that which it endorses;

c)                   While publicity should not be the primary goal of a Rotary club in selecting an activity, as a means of extending Rotary’s influence, proper publicity should be given to a worthwhile club project well carried out;

d)                   A Rotary club should avoid duplication of effort and in general should not engage in an activity that is already being well handled by some other agency;

 e)           A Rotary club in its activities should preferably co-operate with existing agencies, but where necessary may create new agencies where the facilities of the existing agencies are insufficient to accomplish its purpose. It is better for a Rotary club to improve an existing agency than to create a new and duplicative agency

f)                   In all its activities a Rotary club acts best and is most successful as a propagandist. Rotary club discovers a need but, where the responsibility is that of the entire community, does not seek alone to remedy it but to awaken others to the necessity of the remedy seeking to arouse the community to its responsibility so that this responsibility may be placed not on Rotary alone but on the entire community where it belongs; and while Rotary may initiate and lead in the work, it should endeavor to secure the co-operation of all other organizations that ought to be interested and should seek to give them full credit, even minimizing the credit to which the Rotary club itself is entitled;

g)                   Activities which enlist the individual efforts of all Rotarians generally are more in accord with the genius of Rotary than those requiring only the mass action of the club, because the Community Service activities of the Rotary club should be regarded only as laboratory experiments designed to train members of a Rotary club in service. (23-34, 26-6, 36-15, 51-9, 66-49)

1992 Statement on Community Service

The 1992 Council on Legislation adopted the following statement on Community Service (to be used in conjunction with convention resolution 23-34 as subsequently amended):

Rotary Community Service encourages and fosters the application of the ideal of service to the personal, business and community life of every Rotarian. In carrying out this application of the ideal of service, a variety of activities developed by Rotary clubs have afforded significant opportunities for service by their members. For the guidance of Rotarians and to formulate a policy for Rotary toward Community Service activities, the following principles are recognized:

Community Service is an opportunity for every Rotarian to exemplify “Service Above Self.” It is the commitment and social responsibility of every Rotarian and Rotary club to improve the quality of life for those who live in the community and to serve the public interest.

In this spirit, clubs are encouraged to:

1)                   review regularly service opportunities within their communities and involve each club member in an assessment of community needs;

2)                   capitalize on the unique vocational and a vocational talents of members in implementing their Community Service projects;

3)                   initiate projects in accordance with the needs of the community and commensurate with the club’s standing and potential in the community, recognizing that every Community Service activity, however small, is important;

4)                   work closely with the Interact clubs, Rotaract clubs, and Rotary Village Corps and other groups, which they sponsor, in order to coordinate Community Service efforts;

5)                   identify opportunities to enhance Community Service projects through Rotary programs and activities at the international level;

6)                   involve the community, when desirable and feasible, in implementing Community Service projects, including the provision of required resources;

7)                   co-operate with other organizations in accordance with RI policy, to achieve Community Service objectives;

8)                   achieve proper public recognition for their Community Serviceprojects;

9)                   act as catalysts to encourage other organizations to work together in Community Service efforts;

10)                transfer responsibility for continuing projects, when appropriate, to community, service, or other organizations, so that the Rotary club can become involved in new projects. As an association of clubs, RI has the responsibility to communicate news of Community Service needs and activities, and from time to time suggest programs or projects which advance the Object of Rotary and which would benefit from the concerted efforts of Rotarians, clubs and districts who wish to participate. (92-286)

Participation in Community Service Activities by Clubs and Districts

Not withstanding action by governmental and private agencies in relation to some community needs, diverse and challenging opportunities remain for Rotary clubs and Rotarians to undertake effective and non duplicative service in their communities. As a basis for effective Community Service, all Rotary club presidents are encouraged to appoint Rotarians to serve on Community Service sub-committees, as needed, within the following groups: Human Development, Community Development, Environmental Protection, and Partners in Service. These sub-committees are urged to:

1)                   ascertain community needs by comprehensive survey and analysis of the particular relative circumstances in their respective localities;

2)                   encourage individual club members to supplement and strengthen such survey and analysis by exploring the locality of the club in their personal and vocational capacities for the purpose of discovering community needs;

3)                   meet with other community organizations for discussion and exchange of ideas where such meetings can be undertaken in harmony with established policy;

4)                   include as a factor in considering prospective members, their demonstrated active interest in and familiarity with community needs. (63, 90)

The RI Board has encouraged clubs to initiate and promote “hands-on” Community Service projects in addition to those involving financial commitment. (97)

District Community Service Committee

All governors are encouraged to appoint a district Community Service committee. The role and responsibilities of this committee are to:

1)                   help identify new trends, issues or problems within the district that clubs may want to address;

2)                   visit clubs within the district to speak about successful Community Service projects and provide information on Rotary programs and emphases to help strengthen their projects;

3)                   encourage and assist club Community Service chairmen in carrying out their responsibilities;

4)                   encourage clubs to organize a Rotary Village Corps (RVC) if appropriate, and organize district level RVC meetings to exchange project developmentideas;

5)                   maintain inter-committee communication with other district committees -such as Rotaract, Rotary Volunteers, Preserve Planet Earth, and World Community Service —in order to coordinate projects and resources;

6)                   organize district-level club Community Service chairmen meetings in connection with the district conference, district assembly and other meetings, to exchange ideas and promote projects;

7)                   identify areas for co-operation between club Community Service projects and local non-Rotary service organizations by sharing information and helping clubs to set goals;

8)                   request regular reports on successful Community Service projects from club Community Service chairmen, for promotion through the governor’s monthly letter and report to RI for possible publication;

9)                   organize exhibits of outstanding Community Service projects at district and zone meetings;

10)                organize district-wide Community Service activities. (89)

Community Service Activities of Special Interest

Environmental Protection

The 1992 Council adopted the following resolution to encourage clubs and Rotarians to assist in protecting the environment: IT  IS  RESOLVED by Rotary International that Rotary International encourages its member clubs — which are in a unique position to bring these facts to the attention of government leaders, communities and industries —to help create better and necessary living conditions, make it possible for our earth to survive as a good place for mankind, and give emphasis to the protection and improvement of the environment in their community and World Community Service projects. IT  IS  FURTHER  RESOLVED by Rotary International that it is the responsibility of every Rotarian to support action directed at improving the environment and protecting animals and plants from extinction. (92-287)

In 1995, the Council adopted the following resolution to encourage support of organizations involved in providing safe water: IT  IS  RESOLVED by Rotary International that the Board of Directors of RI, recognizing the vital importance of safe water, encourage all districts and clubs to support efforts which help people to provide themselves with safewater reasonably close to their homes using simple sustainable technology.(95-165)

Preserve Planet Earth Program

The purpose of the Preserve Planet Earth program is to focus the attention of all of Rotary — the individual Rotarian, clubs, districts, and RI — on the worldwide critical need to preserve planet earth, its soil, water, atmosphere, and other natural resources for the balanced benefit of present and future generations of its inhabitants. The goals of the program are to:

1)                   motivate Rotarians — and through them others — to practice environmentally sound lifestyles;

2)                   increase the number and diversity of environmental service projects carried out by clubs and districts and encourage inter-club cooperation in preserving planet earth;

3)                   incorporate environmental components in all Rotary service projects to ensure that these projects conform with the purpose of the program;

4)                   develop a worldwide image of Rotary clubs and Rotarians as environmentally concerned organizations and persons dedicated to preserving planet earth;

5)                   promote greater awareness among all Rotarians of the critical environmental issues affecting their communities, their countries and the world. (90)

The RI Board has recommended that clubs review the potential impact of their projects to ensure that they promote environmental betterment. Clubs and districts also are encouraged to plan environmental projects that are appropriate for their local communities, to develop environmentally sound business practice guidelines in their communities and to observe the United Nations World Environment Day in pursuing their Preserve Planet Earthgoals. (95)

 A handbook containing examples of successful environmental projects and useful resources to assist clubs in undertaking their own projects is available from the Secretariat.

Functional Literacy

The RI Board has designated July as“Literacy Month.” (97)

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

The RI Board has adopted the following statement on drug and alcohol abuse prevention.Recognizing:

1)                   that drug and alcohol abuse is a pervasive problem affecting almost every community around the world;

2)                   the destructive nature of such abuse, which drains the physical, intellectual and economic resources of each individual affected, as well as their families, communities and nations;

3)                   the value of community based programs that teach positive values and help instill self-esteem in young people as effective deterrents to drug and alcohol abuse;

4)                   that awareness and preventative programs must be designed to address local problems;

the RI Board endorses and supports the efforts of its clubs working, as appropriate, with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to:

1)                   increase awareness among their membership and the broader community about local drug and alcohol abuse programs;

2)                   undertake or support drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs that focus on instilling positive values and selfesteem in young people;

3)                   support local family-based drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs.(92)

Clubs are encouraged to promote drug and alcohol abuse prevention to Interact and Rotaract clubs they sponsor. (96)

Urban Peace

Urban peace encompasses a multitude of areas involving one’s community. With an ever shrinking world due to computerization, travel and other means of communication, an Urban Peace Emphasis encompasses the entire world of communities of all sizes, and not just large metropolitan areas .Areas of emphasis include but are not limited to community terrorism, gun violence, domestic/family violence, ethnic and religious intolerance, deteriorating inner cities, lack of recreational facilities, hunger/homelessness, unemployment and unemployability. (96)

Concern for the Aging

Rotary clubs, after assessing local needs, are encouraged to give consideration to undertaking one or more of the following activities on behalf of theaging:

1)       retirement training or planning programs;

2)       identification of post-retirement employment opportunities (voluntary and part time);

3)       encouragement of Probus clubs or similar organizations;

4)       provision for health care services;

5)       projects concerned with mental health;

6)       provision of transportation or the means of mobility;

7)       projects which address housing needs;

8)       provision of opportunities for further education;

9)       financial counseling;1

10)    activities which bridge the inter-generational gap;

11)    provision of opportunities forleisure activities. (85)

AIDS Education

Rotary clubs are encouraged to work as appropriate with government health agencies and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness among their membership and the broader community about AIDS education and prevention. They should also undertake or support AIDS education and prevention programs, enhancing AIDS awareness, simultaneously using caution and good judgment to work within cultural and community sensitivities. (92)

Rotary Village Corps (RVC)

The RI Board has adopted the following statement of purpose and goals of Rotary Village Corps:

Purpose

To improve community living and enhance the enjoyment of life by encouraging community members to contribute to these goals by acting in the spirit of service to the community and their fellow human beings.

Goals

1)                   To encourage individuals to take responsibility for the improvement of their village, neighborhood or community;

2)                   To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations;

3)                   To mobilize self-help activities and collective work to improve the quality of life;

4)                   To encourage the development of human potential to its fullest, within the context of the local culture and community. (85)

The membership of each corps shall consist of a minimum of ten adults with good character and leadership potential. Membership shall be open to men and women who are residing, employed or studying in or near the corps’ village or community. (85, 91)

Where the Rotary Village Corps name is not considered appropriate, the alternative name “Rotary Community Service Corps” may be used. (95)

Corps shall mention after their name “sponsored by the Rotary Club of (name).”(86) The members of the corps are not members of the sponsoring club and are not to be considered as associate or apprentice Rotarians. The emblem of the Rotary Village Corps shall be preserved for the exclusive use and benefit of its members. Members shall be entitled to wear or otherwise display the emblem in a dignified and appropriate manner during the period of their membership. Each member shall relinquish such entitlement upon termination of his or her membership or upon termination of the corps. A corps is organized, sponsored and counseled by a Rotary club(s) and is established following the endorsement of the governor upon certification and recognition by RI. It can be created and sustained in no other way, and its continued existence depends upon the continued sponsorship of its sponsoring Rotary club and continued recognition by RI. Within the framework established by RI, the sponsoring Rotary club is responsible for organizing the corps and for providing it with guidance and counsel there after. Rotary clubs and Rotary district conferences inviting corps members to participate in the programs of such clubs and conferences should subscribe to sufficient travel accident and liability insurance to protect the Rotary club or district conference against any possible legal liability.

Rotary Village Corps Organization

As a pre-requisite to its organization and certification, each corps shall adopt the guidelines for the Rotary Village Corps and shall automatically adopt all amendments thereto subsequently made by the RI Board. Each corps shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the guidelines for the Rotary Village Corps and with policy established by RI. Such bylaws shall be subject to the approval of the sponsoring Rotary club.

A corps may be organized and sponsored jointly by more than one Rotary club under the following conditions:

1)                   the governor must give approval, stating in writing that, in the governor’s considered judgment, the best interests of the district, the Rotary clubs concerned and the Rotary Village Corps program would be served by the proposed joint sponsorship;

2)                   a substantial percentage of the members of the proposed corps must be drawn from within the territorial limits of each sponsoring Rotary club;

3)                   the circumstances must be such that the organization of separate corps, each sponsored by a single Rotary club, would create or result in an artificial division of what is essentially a single body of individuals within a community;

4)                   a joint RVC committee must be created with effective representation from each of the sponsoring Rotary clubs.

A corps may be terminated:

1)                   by RI for failure of the corps to function in accordance with the guidelines for Rotary Village Corps or for other causes;

2)                   by its sponsoring Rotary club upon withdrawal of its sponsorship of the corps;

3)                   by the corps upon its own determination and action.

Rotary Village Corps Organization Beyond the Corps Level

Governors are requested to assign responsibility for promotion and administration of the Rotary Village Corps program at the district level to the district Community Service committee, and consider appointment, within the district Community Service committee, of an RVC sub committee, with continuity in membership, to provide specific support and guidance to Rotary club sponsors of RVC in the district.(89, 91)

Rotary Village Corps Activities Beyond the District Level

All meetings, projects and activities undertaken by Rotary Village Corps beyond the district level shall comply with the policy for multi district service activities and projects established by the RI Board in Chapter 2, “The District.”

Financing the Rotary Village Corps Program

Any fees, dues, or assessments to be paid by the membership of the corps shall be nominal and shall be for the sole purpose of meeting administrative costs. Funds for activities and projects undertaken shall be raised apart from such fees, dues or assessments. Once each year, a thorough audit by a qualified person shall be made of all financial transactions and reported to the members of the corps and to the sponsoring Rotary club.

Leadership Training Meetings for Corps Members

Governors are requested to hold leadership camps or meetings for RVC leaders at no expense to RI, to train them in leadership techniques, public speaking, communication, planning and implementing RVC projects, and other skills to foster the goals of the Rotary Village Corps program. (86)

7. International Service

The Purpose of International Service

The development of understanding and goodwill among Rotarians and among the people at large is the specific task of International Service in Rotary. (51)

Basic Policy of Rotary in International Service

The aim of International Service in Rotary is expressed in the fourth Avenue of Service; namely, to encourage and foster the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. (RIC IV; SRCC III) Freedom, justice, truth, sanctity of the pledged word, and respect for human rights are inherent in Rotary principles and are also vital to the maintenance of international peace and order and to human progress. (51, 53)

In concept, International Service can be broken down into four general areas as follows:

1)       World Community Service Activities;

2)       International Educational and Cultural Exchange Activities;

3)       Special International Observances and Events;

4)       International Meetings. (85)

Responsibility of the Individual Rotarian

Each Rotarian is expected to make an individual contribution to the achievement of the ideal inherent in the fourth Avenue of Service. Each Rotarian is expected to be a loyal and serving citizen. Each Rotarian, wherever located, working as an individual, should help to create a well-informed public opinion. Such opinion will inevitably affect governmental policies concerned with the advancement of international understanding and goodwill toward all peoples. A world-minded Rotarian:

1)                   will look beyond national patriotism and share responsibility for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill andpeace;

2)                   will resist any tendency to act in terms of national or racial superiority;

3)                   will seek and develop common grounds for agreement with peoples of other lands;

4)                   will defend the rule of law and order to preserve the liberty of the individual so that all may enjoy freedom of thought, speech, and assembly, freedom from persecution and aggression, and freedom from want and fear;

5)                   will support action directed towards improving standards of living for all peoples, realizing that poverty anywhere endangers prosperity everywhere;

6)                   will uphold the principles of justice for mankind, recognizing that these are fundamental and must be worldwide; will strive always to promote peace between nations and will be prepared to make personal sacrifices for that ideal;

7)                   will urge and practice a spirit of understanding of every other person’s beliefs as a step towards international goodwill, recognizing that there are certain basic moral and spiritual standards which, if practiced, will ensure a richer, fuller life. (51, 53)

Responsibility of the Rotary Club

Rotary clubs should not engage in any corporate effort to influence governments, world affairs, or international policies, but should encourage the development of an enlightened and constructive attitude in each Rotarian. A Rotary club may properly provide a forum for the presentation of public questions where such a course of action is designed to foster the fourth Avenue of Service. Where such questions are controversial, it is essential that both sides be adequately presented. The policy of RI does not preclude a balanced program of discussion in Rotary clubs of international issues, including the nuclear age and international trade, which are appropriate subjects for serious thought and debate within the framework of the pursuit of peace. (84)

When international subjects are presented and discussed in a Rotary club, the speaker should be cautioned to avoid giving offense to peoples of other countries and it should be made clear that a Rotary club does not necessarily assume responsibility for opinions expressed by individual speakers at its meetings. A Rotary club should not adopt resolutions of any kind dealing with specific plans relating to international affairs. It should not direct appeals for action from clubs in one country to clubs, peoples or governments of another country or circulate speeches or proposed plans for the solution of specific international problems. In all cases where international tensions develop between countries in which Rotary clubs exist, the utmost caution should be exercised by the clubs of the countries concerned and by clubs of other countries lest any action may increase ill will and misunderstanding. (51, 53)

Rotary clubs and Rotarians are urged to intensify their efforts to encourage and foster the advancement of understanding and goodwill among peoples of the world — at all times observing established policy of RI and avoiding scrupulously any act, utterance, correspondence or published statement which might have a tendency to cause misunderstanding, create ill will, or retard efforts to achieve and maintain peace. (See also “Rotary and Politics,”Chapter 1; “Policy in Community, National and International Affairs,”Chapter 3, and SRCC, XI.) (73)

Rotary International and International Service

Criticisms of Laws and Customs of a Country

In the development of understanding and goodwill among Rotarians, it must be recognized that there may be many things that are illegal in one or more countries, although they may be legal in other countries. There are also practices that are customary in some countries which may not be customary in other countries. Rotarians should avoid criticism of and interference with the laws or customs of other countries. (32)

World Community Service (WCS)

The WCS Program consists of activities within international service through which Rotarians conduct projects to improve lives and meet human needs, and thus promote international understanding and goodwill by means of material, technical and professional assistance. (85)

Goals

1)       to improve the quality of life of those in need through international Rotary service;

2)       to encourage cooperation between Rotary clubs and districts in different countries in their efforts to carry out international service projects;

3)       to provide an effective framework for the exchange of information on project needs and offers of assistance;

4)       to increase awareness among Rotarians of international development and cultural issues, and the importance of implementing projects that help people help themselves;

5)       to provide WCS program services to participants of related RI and Foundation programs and emphases;

6)       to educate Rotarians about funding opportunities for their WCS projects through The Rotary Foundation and other sources;

7)       to communicate successful WCS experiences to other Rotarians;

8)       to foster international understanding, goodwill and peace. (93)

      The WCS Program includes:

1)                   promotion of increased knowledge of Rotary’s international service objectives through WCS opportunities and activities;

2)                   promotion and use of the WCS Projects Exchange;

3)                   promotion of cooperation between the International Service and Rotary Foundation committees at district and club levels, as appropriate;

4)                   expansion of Inter country committees as vehicles for International Service, including WCS activities;

5)                   promotion of support for disaster relief projects;

6)                   promotion of 23 February, “World Understanding and Peace” day;

7)                   use of the Donations-in-kind Information Network to support WCS projects with donated goods and services;

8)                   use of Carl P. Miller Discovery Grants and Matching Grants as resources in the implementation of WCS projects;

9)                   commendation of International Projects Advisory Committees (IPACs) aims and achievements in areas where these provide a useful framework for WCS activities;

10)                personal involvement by Rotarians in WCS activities, including international volunteer service. (85)

It is recommended that districts and clubs establish International Service committees to include WCS sub-committees with the objective of promoting greater awareness, direct lines of communication, and accountability for all types of International Service. (85)

Club presidents and governors are encouraged to appoint their WCS sub-committee chairmen as ex-officio members of their Community Service committees, where appropriate. (88, 90)

Where a WCS or other International Service project may involve clubs in more than two districts, the policy under the heading “Multi district Activities” in Chapter 2 should be consulted.

The district WCS committee or sub-committee should:

1)                   encourage each Rotary club in the district to link itself with a Rotary club in another country for WCS purposes; it is recommended that this linkage be coordinated through the district WCS committee;

2)                   promote an understanding of and participation in the WCS program through regular contacts with each club in the district and through district and intercity meetings;

3)                   encourage clubs in the district to determine local needs which qualify for WCS help from Rotary clubs in other countries;

4)                   screen WCS projects reported by clubs within the district and report them to the governor and assist with the registration of projects in the WCS Projects Exchange where appropriate;

5)                   encourage clubs in the district to locate resources in their communities through which assistance can be offered for WCS activities;

6)                   publicize WCS in all appropriate communication media — Rotary and non-Rotary — in the district;

7)                   administer district-wide WCS projects;

8)                   maintain records of WCS activities in the district and report periodically to the governor and to the Secretariat;

9)                   encourage funds to be made payable to RI and be sent to World Headquarters for forwarding.(88)

Requests from districts or clubs for cooperation and assistance with a specific WCS activity are not subject to the limitation placed upon general circularization rules where such requests are directed to one or a limited number of districts or clubs. (66)

World Community Service Projects Exchange

The Secretariat maintains a “registry” of WCS projects for which the sponsoring Rotary, Rotaract or Interact clubs or Rotary Village Corps have requested assistance. A Rotary club can use this registry in two ways:

1)                   A club which needs help for a Community Service project can submit, on a Projects Exchange Data Form, a description of a project. This form is sent to the World Headquarters via the governor and the district WCS committee chairman. Project information from the form is then published in the biannual WCS Projects Exchange List which is sent to all governors, governors-elect and district WCS chairmen;

2)                   A club interested in supporting a WCS project can submit a WCS Projects Exchange Information Request Form. This describes the kind of aid the club might provide and indicates a geographical preference. When the form is received, the World Headquarters will send the club information about one or more projects that match interests and potential for support. The request for information does not obligate the Rotary club to undertake any WCS Exchange project. (88)

It is appropriate for governors and Rotary clubs to work in co-operation with other organizations whose purposes and activities are consistent with those of Rotary, when such co-operative activities and projects serve to enhance significantly the implementation of WCS. (85, 88) (See also “Rotary International Cooperation with Other Organizations” in Chapter 3, and “Disaster Relief” in this chapter.)

Donations-in-kind Information Network (DIN)

The Donations-in-kind Information Network (DIN) is a recommended activity within the WCS program providing an information system to assist Rotarians wishing to link offers of donated goods with Rotary projects (or others) that can utilize such donations, primarily in developing countries. (85)

The goals of this system are to pro-vide:

1)                   Rotarians wishing to donate goods or services in support of WCS activities with the opportunity to advertise their donation offers;

2)                   an additional resource for Rotarians requiring assistance with their WCS projects;

3)                   an effective complement to the WCS Projects Exchange as a support mechanism for all WCS activities in general and to serve as an information resource for all Rotarians. (88)

World Community Service Resource Network

The World Community Service Resource Network is composed of Rotarians with proven expertise and experience in developing WCS projects and facilitating the international shipment of donated goods, who are willing to assist clubs and districts in implementing their international service projects. Specifically, the Network provides comprehensive information and advice to clubs and districts on successful approaches to carrying out international service projects, funding opportunities available through The Rotary Foundation and other sources, and international shipping procedures for donated materials. (96, 97)

Disaster Relief

In connection with disaster relief efforts, Rotary clubs in the stricken areas often organize programs to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the disaster and are willing to receive and administer contributions from others in support of such efforts. Not withstanding the interests of the clubs and the obvious merits of such disaster relief efforts by Rotary clubs and Rotarians, no club or group of clubs is at liberty to circularize other Rotary clubs or Rotarians to solicit financial aid or other assistance in connection with providing disaster relief unless it first has requested and received approval from the RI Board. (80-115)

Disaster Relief Notice System

At the request of a governor of an affected district, RI issues a Notice of Disaster — a brief description of the crisis and information on how to meet the resulting needs, such as financial contributions, volunteer services or donated goods. The notices are circulated worldwide, giving Rotarians at the local and international levels an opportunity to respond. (See also “Disaster Relief Grants” under “Matching Grants for International Humanitarian Projects” in Chapter 17.)

Requests for Humanitarian Aid and Equipment

RI receives requests from various organizations to contribute to various campaigns to supply humanitarian aid and equipment. Numerous agencies are in existence to handle the promotion of these various campaigns to supply humanitarian aid and equipment. Because of this and the large number of such campaigns that are continually developing, RI does not ally itself with such movements. Rotary clubs are autonomous and, accordingly, may take such action in matters of this kind as they may desire. (42)

Alleviation of Hunger

The RI Board has adopted the following statement with respect to RI’s position on the alleviation of hunger:

Whereas RI recognizes that:

1)       the objective of alleviating hunger must receive high priority;

2)       in this respect, children, mothers and the aged are a particularly vulnerable group and require our primary concern;

3)       the struggle against hunger is the shared responsibility of all people worldwide;

4)       a substantial reduction in hunger and malnutrition is possible through the enhancement of existing programs;

5)       the problem of famine and malnutrition represents now the most important socio-political challenge toward world understanding and peace;

6)       a social mobilization is required to gain world community consent and support.

RI therefore supports and agrees to encourage efforts to meet the following four goals during this decade:

1)       The alleviation of starvation and death caused by famine;

2)       a substantial reduction in malnutrition and mortality among children;

3)       a tangible reduction of chronichunger;

4)       the elimination of major diseases, a consequence of inadequate nutrition.(91)

Rotary Friendship Exchange

The Rotary Friendship Exchange is a program of RI in which Rotarians and their families carry out reciprocal visits and homestays with Rotarians and their families in other countries to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace through people-to-people contacts across national boundaries. There are two types of Friendship Exchanges. The first is a club-to-club visitor program in which individual Rotarians, who may be accompanied by family members, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in another country. The second is a district-to-district team program in which four to six Rotary couples visit several communities in the host district for a period of up to one month. The number of couples and/or length of stay may be varied by agreement of the districts involved. Both are coordinated by a district Friendship Exchange committee and are carried out at no expense to RI. Also, districts are encouraged to consider arranging uni-vocational exchanges; that is, exchanges where host and guest Rotarians are of the same occupation. [The pamphlet “Rotary Friendship Exchange Guide-lines” (702-EN) contains complete details on the program and is available from the Secretariat.]

World Understanding Month World

Understanding Month is observed annually in February as a special month in which clubs are urged to present club programs and other activities emphasizing understanding and goodwill as essential for world peace and with programs structured around WCS. (77, 81)

World Understanding and Peace Day

Twenty third of February, the anniversary of the first Rotary club meeting, is observed as World Understanding and Peace Day. On that day, each club should give special recognition and emphasis to Rotary’s commitment to international understanding, friendship and peace. (83)

Intercountry Meetings

Inter-country meetings should been encouraged by giving publicity to successful inter-country meetings in THEROTARIAN, the Rotary World  and district and regional publications; great care must be exercised in organizing such meetings and they should be organized only with the approval of the governors concerned. (32)

Inter-country meetings shall neither adopt nor circulate resolutions or views, nor take corporate action dealing with world affairs or international policies of a political nature. Inter-country meetings shall not direct appeals to clubs, people or governments, or circulate letters, speeches or proposed plans for the solution of specific international problems of a political nature. Inter-country meetings shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any meeting the merits or demerits of any such candidate. (69)

Inter-country Committees

In order to encourage contacts between Rotarians and clubs in two or more countries and to promote fellowship and intercultural understanding among the peoples of different nations, Rotarians, Rotary clubs or districts are urged to establish Inte-rcountry committees, formulated by or with the approval of their governors. The purpose of Inter-country committees is twofold:

1)                   to increase international understanding and goodwill by encouraging Rotarians to visit each other’s countries and homes;

2)                   to strengthen friendships so formed by encouraging clubs and districts to link with clubs and districts in other countries by jointly participating in WCS or other international projects.

The Structure of an Inter-country Committee

The Inter-country committee shall consist of country representatives who are strongly encouraged to meet at least once a year, alternating from one country to the other. The Inter-country committee shall act only in an advisory capacity to the governors.(60, 69)

The formation of Inter-country committees should not be limited to neighboring districts or countries. Where Inter-country committees and contact clubs are established between countries separated by great distances, the members of such Inter-country committees should be appointed from among Rotarians who contemplate a visit to the “partner” country. It is understood that participation by Rotary clubs or districts from a “partner” by no means indicates or necessitates participation by all clubs or districts from that country.The name of such a committee may include each of the “partner” countries while it should also identify only those participating Rotary clubs and districts.

Establishing an Inter-country Committee

When Inter-country committees are proposed, the governor(s) of the country or group of adjoining districts interested in establishing an Inter-country committee should appoint a qualified Rotarian as national coordinator to assist in supervising and promoting the activity of the committee. This includes the arrangement of contacts between clubs and districts in the “partner” countries. The governor(s) concerned should appoint such a Rotarian for a term of up to three years to assure continuity in the work of such committees. National sections comprised of groups of clubs or districts in an individual country participating in an Inter-country committee also may be formed to coordinate the activities connected with the realization of established objectives. Each section shall be run by a board elected for three years and shall consist of a president, a secretary and a treasurer. Having established or approved the Inter-country committee, the governor(s) concerned may:

1)                   consult one another and cooperate in sponsoring or promoting exchange, fellowship and service projects which foster the Object of Rotary;

2)                   seek the help of past governors and experienced Rotarians in the area by setting up interdistrict committees, in addition to a possible national section, to advise and support them in leading their clubs to implement the projects they have jointly approved, provided that no member of an Inter-country committee should serve for more than three consecutive years. (58)

Because the organization and functioning of such committees are the independent activities of Rotary clubs and districts, Inter-country committees shall function without financial support from RI. However, committees undertaking on going service activities, such as a WCS project, which extend more than one year in length should comply with RI’s policy for “Multi-district Activities” (see Chapter 2). (93)

Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships (RRVF)

Rotarians who share a common interest in worthwhile recreational or a vocational activities or who are within the same business, professional or vocational field are encouraged to associate themselves in groups for the purpose of furthering international fellowship and service. These fellowship groups conduct activities independently, provided they are in harmony with established Rotary policy and provided that the Rotary name and emblem are not used by such groups in connection with their activities in any way contrary to established policy, and with the understanding that any expenses are provided by the groups themselves. (65, 87)

It is recommended that governors appoint a district fellowship activities committee with a chairman and at least three members to be responsible for the various organized fellowship activities among the clubs of the district, and contacts with similar activities of other districts and with related international fellowship activities. (68)

All recreational and vocational fellowships seeking the recognition of Rotary International must meet the following criteria and receive approval of the RI Fellowships Committee and the RI Board.

 A Fellowship:

1)                   shall be a group of Rotarians, adequate in number and representing at least three countries, sharing common interest in a worthwhile recreational or vocational activity;

2)                   shall have the approval of the governors in a minimum of three different districts in three different countries;

3)                   shall be organized with a president (or chairperson or other administrative head) and at least two other officers; the head must be willing and able to serve as a member-at-large of the Fellow-ships Committee;

4)                   shall be self-sustaining financially, administratively and other wise;

5)                   shall be organized and function in harmony with established Rotary policy and must not use the Rotary name and emblem in any way contrary to established Rotary policy;

6)                   shall have for its objective and provide opportunities for the furtherance of acquaintance and fellowship among Rotarians exclusively, with no financial, commercial or political goals, expressed or implied;

7)                   shall have a potential international membership base open to any interested and qualified Rotarian and his/her spouse, each pledging a willingness to correspond and cooperate;

8)                   shall maintain and publish a roster of members, revised annually and shared with the RI Secretariat;

9)                   shall organize an annual forum through which fellowship members in good standing can interact; such forum shall take the form of either a newsletter sent to all members of that fellowship, an annual meeting for fellowship members, or other activity appropriate to the fellowship; and shall provide a copy of any such mailings or other important fellowship documents to the RI Secretariat;

10)                shall respond to inquiries from members, potential members and the RI Secretariat; failure to respond to communication from the Secretariat for a two year period will result in withdrawal of RI recognition of the fellowship;

11)                shall not exist or function in any country in violation of the laws of such country;

12)                shall understand and accept that recognition of the existence of the group by RI in no way implies legal, financial or other obligation or responsibility on the part of RI, or any RI district or Rotary club, other than co-operation in furtherance of activity along with other fellowship groups participating in the Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships program of RI;

13)                shall not duplicate an existing Fellowship representing a particular field of recreation or vocation within the program. (97)

   Fellowship groups represent a variety of activities such as fishing, music, dentistry and investments. With respect to the election of officers of the various fellowship groups, the term of a fellowship chairman should be a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years. The chairman should be nominated by the immediate past chairman and two past chairmen of the fellowship (if possible) not later than 15 January of each election year. Such nominations should be communicated to the fellowship members by a ballot-by-mail. The name of the chairman-elect must be reported to the general secretary as soon as possible, to allow publication on a timely basis. (85)

RRVF groups are encouraged to arrange pre-convention and post-con-vention activities in connection with the convention, with the understanding that such activities are at no expense to RI. (72) Space is made available at the annual international convention for use by RRVF groups, for display and promotion purposes, under the supervision of the RI RRVF Committee or committee chairman. Such booths are staffed by members of the various fellowships, through prior arrangements made with the convention manager. The Secretariat annually publishes a directory of the principal officers of recognized fellowship groups included in “Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships: A Handbook” (729-EN)and in the Official Directory (007-EN).

8. Rotary’s Programs for New Generations

Mission

It is the responsibility of each Rotarian to prepare the New Generations —all young people up to the age of 30 —by improving their life skills to ensure a better future, while recognizing the diversity of their needs. All clubs and districts are encouraged to undertake projects that support the fundamental needs of the New Generations: health, human values, education, and self development.

Programs

The following programs and activities are components of Rotary’s programs for New Generations:

Health:

Polio Plus

Health Education

Early childhood development

Drug and alcohol abuse prevention

AIDS awareness

Support to the disabled

Poverty programs

Hunger programs

Human Values:

Promotion of universal human values in the community

Serving as an example to family and community

Parent mentor programs

Involving families in Club Service projects

Intergenerational programs

Character education programs

Conflict resolution programs

Supporting Rotary’s policy on the Rights of Children

Giving freely of your time

Education:

Functional literacy

Scholarships

Youth Exchange

Vocational training

Work experiences and internships for young people

Preserve Planet Earth

Developing a positive image of youth in the community

Enhancing community awareness of the needs of New Generations

Self-Development:

Rotary Conferences for New Generations

 Mentor programs

Interact and Rotaract clubs

 Leadership training for Interact and Rotaract club members

 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Establishing a youth advisory council in the community

 Peer support programs

 Fostering the productive use of leisure time

New Generations Month

The month of September is designated as New Generations Month to focus upon all Rotary activities that support the development of young people up to the age of 30. (96) Rotary clubs are encouraged to use the slogan “Every Rotarian an Example to Youth” in club bulletins and publicity material during New Generations Month. (79, 96)

Conferences for New Generations

At the community level, Rotary clubs should provide a forum for the New Generations to share with leaders of the community their concerns; express their hopes, dreams and ambitions; and seek solutions to the problems that beset them and the communities in which they live. (96) The purpose of New Generations conferences is to create a forum for dialog between community leaders and young people at the local level to:

1)                   provide young people with an opportunity to voice their concerns, articulate their vision of the future and identify the support they need to achieve their goals;

2)                   encourage community leaders to include young people in the process of examining community needs;

3)                   instill a shared sense of responsibility for the success of the community.

Rights of Children

The RI Board has adopted the following statement with respect to RI’s position on the rights of children:

Rotary International, recognizing that:

1)       children, because of their vulnerability, need special care and protection;

2)       in all countries of the world there are children who are living in exceptionally difficult conditions;

3)       all children should be able to grow into adulthood in an environment of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom and equality;

endorses and supports the rights of all children to food, shelter, health care, education and freedom from abuse and violence. Rotary clubs around the world are committed to protecting these rights for all children, regardless of race, creed or nationality. (90)

Youth with Disabilities

Involvement by the disabled in youth projects should be sought and Rotary clubs and districts should contact and give every assistance to existing organizations with experience in providing service to the disabled. The statement concerning a club’s proper relationship to youth service organizations is also applicable to a club’s relationship to organizations that provide service to the disabled. (79)

Rotary clubs and districts also are encouraged to:

1)       invite youth with disabilities to join Interact clubs when possible;

2)       invite the disabled to participate in career conferences and, at such meetings, have disabled workers or members of organizations that deal with the disabled provide information with respect to careers available after their schooling is finished;

3)       invite disabled young people to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program;

4)       contact local, national and international organizations which are involved with the disabled in order to find out how to be of assistance to them, and involve the disabled in local projects and others which are suggested through contact with such organizations.(79, 80)

Addressing Youth Problems

Clubs are encouraged to study the involvement of youth in criminal conduct and determine what can be done to alleviate the problem in light of local circumstances, seeking the help of Rotaract and Interact clubs where appropriate. (82)

Clubs and districts are encouraged to initiate and promote peer support programs through all appropriate vehicles available. (89)

Interact

The RI Board has adopted the following statement of the purpose and goals of Interact:

Purpose

Interact clubs are organized for the purpose of providing an opportunity for young people to work together in a world fellowship dedicated to service and international understanding. Students at the secondary school or pre university level or young people ages14 to 18 are eligible for Interact clubmembership.

Goals

1)       to recognize and develop constructive leadership and personalintegrity;

2)       to encourage and practice thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others;

3)       to create an awareness of the importance of home and family;

4)       to build respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual;

5)       to emphasize acceptance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success, community improvement and group achievement;

6)       to recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve society;

7)       to provide opportunities for gaining increased knowledge and understanding of community, national and world affairs; and

8)       to open avenues of personal and group action leading to the advancement of international understanding and goodwill toward all peoples.

     In no sense are Interact clubs to be considered part of or as a legal affiliate of the sponsoring Rotary club or of RI. Members of Interact clubs are not to be called or considered as “junior Rotarians” nor may they use or wear the Rotary emblem. An Interact emblem, dissimilar to the Rotary emblem, is provided for their exclusive use and benefit. (61)

An Interact club is organized, sponsored and supervised by a Rotary club or clubs and is established following the endorsement of the governor upon certification and recognition by RI; it can be created and sustained in no other way, and its continued existence depends upon the continued sponsorship of its sponsoring Rotary club and continued recognition by RI. Within the framework established by RI, the sponsoring Rotary club is responsible for organizing the Interact club and for providing it with guidance and counsel thereafter and has complete control and supervision over all activities, policies and programs of the Interact club. Where the Interact club is school connected, control and supervision of the sponsoring Rotary club shall be exercised in full co-operation with the school authorities. Such clubs are subject to the same regulations and policies established by the school authorities for all student organizations and extra-curricular activities of the school. Rotary club sponsorship of community based Interact clubs organized other than in connection with educational institutions is encouraged. (74)

There is a standard Interact club constitution prescribed by RI and subject to amendment only by the RI Board. As a pre-requisite of its organization and certification, each Interact club shall adopt the standard Interact constitution and shall automatically adopt all amendments there to subsequently made by the RI Board. Each Interact club shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the standard Interact club constitution and with policy established by RI. Such bylaws shall be subject to the approval of the sponsoring Rotary club.Each Interact club shall be sponsored by a Rotary club whose territorial limits embrace the area of residence or the school(s) from which the Interact members are drawn, unless written authority is granted by the RI Board to organize an Interact club outside the territorial limits of the sponsoring Rotary club. An Interact club may be organized and sponsored jointly by more than one Rotary club under the following conditions:

1)                   the governor must give approval, stating in writing that in the governor’s considered judgment, the best interests of the district, the Rotary clubs concerned and the Interact program would be served by the proposed joint sponsorship;

2)                   a substantial percentage of the members of the proposed Interact club must be drawn from within the territorial limits of each sponsoring Rotary club;

3)                   the circumstances must be such that the organization of separate Interact clubs, each sponsored by a separate Rotary club, would create or result in an artificial division of what is essentially a single body of young people within the school or community;

4)                   a joint Interact committee must be created with effective representation from each of the sponsoring Rotary clubs.

An Interact club may be terminated:

1)       by RI, with or without the consent, approval or concurrence of the sponsoring Rotary club, for failure to function in accordance with its constitution or for other cause;

2)       by its sponsoring Rotary club; or

3)       by the Interact club itself upon its own determination.

    The RI Board does not recognize the right of any individual or organization except RI to circularize Interact clubs for any purpose.

Governors are requested to appoint district Interact committees, composed of Rotarians from various parts of the district, to assist the governor in publicizing the Interact program, promoting the organization of new Interact clubs, and administering the program of Interact within the district. Where feasible and practicable in the appointment of district Interact committees, there should be provision for continuity of membership by appointing one or more members for a second term. Rotary district Interact committees, in carrying out their duties, might benefit from consultation with members of Interact clubs. Rotary clubs and Rotary district conferences inviting members of Interact clubs to participate in the programs of such clubs and conferences should subscribe to sufficient trip accident and liability insurance to protect the Rotary club or district conference against any possible legal liability. (65)

As a matter of principle, Interact clubs are not authorized to assume membership or merge with other organizations regardless of the purpose of such organizations.

Interact Organization and Meetings Beyond the Club Level

If, within a district of RI there are five or more Interact clubs, a district of Interact clubs may be established, the boundaries of the district to be coterminous with the RI district embracing the respective sponsoring Rotary clubs. The Interact clubs in such district may elect an Interact representative from among their membership. The method of election shall be determined by the Rotary district Interact committee. The district Interact representative will be guided and counseled by the governor and the Rotary district Interact committee, or other appropriate Rotary district committee, and shall assist the district committee in arranging district-wide meetings. The representative shall preside at such meetings, shall give counsel to and provide encouragement and inspiration to the Interact clubs of the district, particularly with respect to broadening and deepening the program of Interact within the district, and shall help focus their attention on the worldwide extent of Interact and the potential and achievements of the program on behalf of international understanding. If a district of Interact clubs has been established, there may be, with the approval of the governor, a district organization which will provide, in addition to the district representative, for a district secretary and two or more zone representatives, each responsible for a certain number of clubs and such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the district representative. Within a district of RI, any two or more Interact clubs conveniently located with respect to each other are encouraged to hold meetings with representatives from each club, with the advice, guidance and presence of one or more members of the district Interact committee. The purpose of such meetings is to increase friendship, exchange ideas, gain inspiration, and strengthen, broaden and deepen the program of Interact within the district. When distances permit, such meetings may be held on a district-wide basis, under the guidance of the district Interact committee, with one or more members of this committee present. The purpose of a district-wide Interact meeting is to provide encouragement, enlightenment and inspiration to the Interact clubs with respect to school and community service and to focus attention on the worldwide potential and achievements of Interact on behalf of international understanding. No meeting of members of Interact clubs beyond the club level shall have any legislative authority nor shall be so organized or conducted as to give the appearance of having such authority. Nevertheless, such a meeting may include the opportunity for expressions of ideas which might be of value as advisory observations to those who are involved in the district or other levels with the administration of Interact. Meetings of Interact club members from more than one district, particularly from districts in more than one country, are recommended and encouraged wherever feasible. Such meetings are to be held under the guidance of the host governor and the Interact committee, with one or more members of the committee present and in conjunction with the host Interact representative and Interact presidents, and subject to the approval of the RI Board. Requests of the RI Board for holding multidistrict meetings of Interact clubs must be accompanied by:

1)                   information including the date, location, purpose, program and participants of the proposed meeting;

2)                   a copy of the anticipated budget for the meeting with assurance that the sponsors are in a position to and will assume complete responsibility for contractual and financial obligations inherent in the meeting;

3)                   proof of adequate liability insurance covering the event;

4)                   assurance that the planning and implementation of the proposed meeting will be carried out under the direct supervision of Rotarians;

5)                   a statement of approval of the plan for holding the meeting from the director or immediate past director in the area in which the meeting is to be held. (65)

Financing the Interact Program

It is the responsibility of the Interact club to raise the funds necessary to carry out the program of the club. Rotary clubs sponsoring Interact clubs should not contribute more than occasional or incidental financial assistance to such Interact clubs. Interact clubs should not make general solicitations for financial assistance from Rotary clubs or from other Interact clubs. Interact clubs should not solicit financial assistance from individuals, businesses or organizations in their respective communities without giving something of value in return. Any dues or assessments on the membership of any Interact clubs should be nominal and should be only for the purpose of covering the cost of administering the club. Funds for activities and projects undertaken by Interact clubs should be raised by such clubs apart from such dues or assessments. (65)

Leadership Training Meetings for Interact

Rotary districts are encouraged to provide for one-day training meetings for the leaders of Interact clubs in the district, such meetings to be conducted under the direction of the Rotary district Interact committees, aided by the Interact representative. (71)

Rotaract Clubs

The RI Board has adopted the following statement of the purpose and goals of Rotaract:

Purpose

The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service.

Goals

1)       To develop professional and leadership skills;

2)       To emphasize respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual;

3)       To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve;

4)       To recognize, practice and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities;

5)       To develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide;

6)       To provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international understanding and goodwill toward all people. (87)

Rotaract clubs are composed of young adults, between the ages of 18and 30 inclusive, who are residing, employed or studying within the vicinity of the sponsoring Rotary club. On 30 June of the Rotaract year in which a member becomes 30 years old his or her Rotaract membership will end. (91)

A Rotaract club year should be the same as the Rotary club year. All Rotary Foundation Scholars who are within the age guidelines adopted by the RI Board for the Rotaract pro-gram shall be eligible for guest Rotaract club membership during the period of their study in another country. (91)

Any former member of a Rotaract club who has been a member of one or more clubs for a period of at least four years and has terminated membership in the former club only because of age limitations for membership or relocation outside the territorial limits of the club, shall be eligible to be elected to additional active membership in a Rotary club if otherwise qualified. (4.020.1.3.; SRCC V, 4c)

To insure continuity in the membership of a Rotaract club, a balance in age should be maintained at all times, to the extent possible. (67)

The governing body of each Rotaract club shall be aboard of directors composed of the president, immediate past president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and additional directors whose number shall be determined by the club. All shall be elected from among members in good standing of the club. Election of officers and directors shall be held annually prior to 1 March by methods compatible with local customs and procedures, but in no case shall more than a simple majority of members present and in good standing be required for election. (90)

Each Rotaract club should be strongly encouraged to mention after its name“ sponsored by the Rotary Club of (name).” Each Rotaract club also shall include on all of its stationery the name of its sponsoring Rotary club. (91)

Rotaract clubs are not considered part of or as a legal affiliate of the sponsoring Rotary club or of RI. Members of Rotaract clubs are not to be called or considered as “junior Rotarians,” nor may they use or wear the Rotary emblem. A Rotaract emblem, dissimilar to the Rotary emblem, is provided for the exclusive use of Rotaract clubs and their members. When displayed by individual club members, the emblem may be used without further information. When the emblem is used to represent a club, the name of the club should appear with the emblem. When the emblem is used to represent Rotaract clubs in a given Rotary district, it may be used only in conjunction with reference to the district and its number. No publication may bear the Rotaract emblem without the name of the club or number of the district except those published by or under authority of RI for the use of Rotary or Rotaract clubs in establishing or carrying on the affairs of one of the sponsored clubs. No other use of the emblem is permitted by RI which has legal control of the emblem. (89

A Rotaract club is organized, sponsored and counseled by a Rotary club or clubs and is established following the endorsement of the governor upon certification and recognition by RI; it can be created and sustained in no other way, and its continued existence depends upon the continued sponsorship of its sponsoring Rotary club and continued recognition by RI. In the event that the sponsoring Rotary club’s membership in RI is terminated, the governor of the Rotary district will seek to install another sponsoring club. If a club cannot be found within 120 days, the Rotaract club will be terminated.(91)

Within the framework established by RI, the sponsoring Rotary club is responsible for organizing the Rotaract club and for providing it with guidance and counsel thereafter. The RI Board requires each sponsoring Rotary club to designate one or more members of its club to attend the meetings, at least once a month, of its Rotaract club and encourages Rotary clubs which sponsor Rotaract clubs to invite Rotaractors on at least a quarterly basis to their regularly scheduled meetings, project planning meetings and special events.(87, 91)

However, Rotaractors are not authorized to make up their attendance at meetings of Rotary clubs. (96)

Where the Rotaract club is university based, control and counsel by the sponsoring Rotary club shall be exercised in full co-operation with the university authorities, with the understanding that such a club is subject to the same regulations and policies established by the authorities for all student organizations and extracurricular activities of the university.* Rotary club sponsorship of community based Rotaract clubs organized other than in connection with educational institutions is also encouraged. (74)

Rotary clubs and Rotary district conferences inviting members of Rotaract clubs to participate in the programs of such clubs and conferences should subscribe to sufficient travel accident and liability insurance to protect the Rotary club or district conference against any possible legal liability. As a matter of principle, Rotaract clubs are not authorized to assume membership or merge with other organizations regardless of the purpose of such organizations. (67)

Rotaract Motto

The following motto has been adopted for appropriate use by Rotaract clubs and their members: “Fellowship Through Service.” (77)

World Rotaract Week

The RI Board encourages Rotary and Rotaract clubs to observe the week including 13 March as World Rotaract Week, to involve Rotary and Rotaract clubs around the world in a common activity of international scope and visibility as determined by the president.(90, 92)

As used in this statement of policy, the term “university” is intended to include all institutions of higher education.

Rotaract Organization

There is a standard Rotaract club constitution prescribed by RI and subject to amendment only by the RI Board. As a prerequisite of its organization and certification, each Rotaract club shall adopt the standard Rotaract club constitution and shall automatically adopt all amendments there to subsequently made by the RI Board. Each Rotaract club shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the standard Rotaract club constitution and with policy established by RI. Such bylaws shall be subject to the approval of the sponsoring Rotary club. Only upon written authority granted by the RI Board can a Rotaract club be organized outside the locality of the sponsoring Rotary club. A Rotaract club may be organized and sponsored jointly by more than one Rotary club under the following conditions:

1)                   the governor must give approval, stating in writing that, in the governor’s considered judgment, the best interests of the district, the Rotary clubs concerned and the Rotaract program would be served by the proposed joint sponsorship;

2)                   a substantial percentage of the members of the proposed Rotaract club must be drawn from within the territorial limits of each sponsoring Rotary club;

3)                   the circumstances must be such that the organization of separate Rotaract clubs, each sponsored by a single Rotary club, would create or result in an artificial division of what is essentially a single body of young adults within the community or university;

4)                   a joint Rotaract committee must be created with effective representation from each of the sponsoring Rotary clubs.

   A Rotaract club may be terminated:

1)       by the club upon its own determination and action;

2)       by the sponsoring Rotary club upon withdrawal of its sponsorship, after consultation with the governor and district Rotaract representative; or

3)       by RI for failure to function in accordance with its constitution or for other cause. (87)

   The RI Board does not recognize the right of any individual or organization except RI to circularize Rotaract clubs for any purpose except in the case of Rotaractors responsible for organizing Rotaract club, district and multi-district meetings. (88)

Governors are requested to appoint district Rotaract committees, composed of Rotarians from various parts of the district, to assist the governor in publicizing the Rotaract program, promoting the organization of new Rotaract clubs, and administering the program of Rotaract within the district. Where feasible and practicable in the appointment of district Rotaract committees, there should be provision for continuity of membership by appointing one or more members for a second term. District Rotaract committees, in carrying out their duties, should work in co-ordination with the district Rotaract representative and the representative’s committee. (67)  

Rotaract Organization and Meetings Beyond the Club Level

A Rotary district with at least two Rotaract clubs shall elect a district Rotaract representative and in those districts with only one Rotaract club, the district Rotaract representative shall be the most recent past Rotaract club president. (91)

 The method of election shall be determined by the Rotaract membership. Each Rotaract representative must have served as a Rotaract club president or as a member of the district Rotaract committee for one year. The district Rotaract representative will be guided and counseled by the governor, the district Rotaract committee or other appropriate district committee. Each district is encouraged to develop district Rotaract organizations, headed by the district Rotaract representative, to carry out the following responsibilities:

1)       develop and distribute a district Rotaract newsletter;

2)       plan, arrange and hold a district Rotaract conference;

3)       encourage attendance and participation at the Rotary district conference;

4)       conduct Rotaract promotion and extension activities throughout the district in coordination with the district Rotaract chairman;

5)       serve as Rotaract information liaison to the Secretariat for thedistrict;

6)       plan and implement service activities (if approved by three-fourths of the Rotaract clubs in the district);

7)       provide advice and support to Rotaract clubs in implementing their projects;

8)       work with the district Rotaract chairman to help coordinate Rotary/Rotaract activities in thedistrict;

9)       coordinate public relations activities for Rotaract at the districtlevel;

10)    work with the district Rotaract chairman to plan and implement a training session for Rotaract club officers in the district.

     The purpose of the district wide meeting of Rotaract clubs is to promote Community Service projects, increase international understanding and enhance professional development in a context of friendship and camaraderie. (87)

No meeting of members of Rotaract clubs beyond the club level shall have any legislative authority nor shall be so organized or conducted as to give the appearance of having such authority. Nevertheless, such a meeting may include the opportunity for expression of ideas which might be of value as advisory observations to those who are involved at the district or other levels of Rotaract administration.

At a district Rotaract meeting, a three-fourths majority of the Rotaract clubs in a district may vote to undertake a district service project and to establish a district Rotaract service fund to raise funds for this project. Contributions to such a fund must be voluntary. Such a project and service fund must be approved by the governor, and specific plans and instructions for the administration of the district project and use of the fund also must have the approval of the governor and three fourths of the Rotaract clubs in the district. The governor must appoint a district fund committee to be responsible for collecting and administering the district fund, such committee to be composed of Rotaractors from the district and at least one Rotarian from the district Rotaract committee. The district service fund must be kept in a bank account which clearly indicates that the fund is the property of the Rotaract clubs in the district and not the personal property of any individual Rotaractor or Rotaractclub. (80, 87)

All district Rotaract activities shall be financed by the Rotaract clubs in the district. No expenses of district Rotaract club meetings shall be paid by RI. The cost of such meetings shall be minimal and within the financial means of those participating. (67, 87)

Rotaract Multidistrict Policy

Rotaract sponsored service projects involving clubs in two or more districts may be implemented provided tha tsuch projects:

1)                   are, in nature and scope, within the capability of the clubs and Rotaractors in the districts to undertake successfully without interfering with or detracting from the scope and effectiveness of club activities in furthering the program of Rotaract at the club level;

2)                   shall not be undertaken initially unless each district Rotaract representative concerned has agreed to such a joint project and then, only after approval of two thirds of the clubs in each district;

3)                   shall be undertaken with the approval of the governors concerned;

4)                   shall be under the direct supervision of the district Rotaract representatives concerned; the custody of all funds contributed or collected for such projects shall be the responsibility of the district representatives concerned, through a committee of Rotaractors from within the districts involved, who may be appointed to assist in administering any such project and related funds;

5)                   shall be undertaken only after the district Rotaract representatives have jointly secured the authorization of the general secretary, acting on behalf of the RI Board, to undertake the project;

6)                   shall involve the participation by Rotaract clubs and/or individual Rotaractors on a voluntary basis, clearly presented as such; the cost of participation by a club or individual Rotaractor, if any, should be kept to a minimum, and not be implicitly or directly made an obligation in the form of a per capita tax, assessment or otherwise.

     Districts may develop a multi-district organization for the purpose of disseminating information and facilitating communication between Rotaract clubs in the districts concerned, provided that:

1)       there is no objection by the governors of each of the districts concerned;

2)       approval is secured from the RI Board to develop such an organization;

3)       Rotaract representatives of the districts concerned comprise the membership of such organizations. Each district Rotaract representative may appoint a member of the district organization, as needed, to carry out the activities of the multidistrict organization;

4)       funds needed to implement the organization’s activities (i.e., production and distribution of regional club directories and newsletters, dissemination of Rotaract program information, general correspondence) shall be obtained on a voluntary basis only;

5)       the organization has no decision making or legislative powers, except for decisions concerning the activities of the organization, for which each member (district Rotaract representative) shall have one vote.

Rotaract Multi-district Meetings

Rotaract worldwide meetings shall require the approval of the host governor(s) and director(s) from the zone(s),and shall also require approval of the RI Board. Proposals for such meetings shall be submitted by the host district Rotaract representative and the proposal shall describe: date, location, facilities, participants, program, budget, and include proof of adequate liability insurance. Rotaract multi-district meetings (not at a worldwide level), shall require that the host district Rotaract representative provide a copy of the meeting proposal which describes date, location, facilities, participants, program, budget and includes proof of adequate liability insurance to the governors concerned. It also requires the approval of the host governor. The district Rotaract representative shall inform the director(s) from the zone(s) and the general secretary of the event. Rotaract exchange teams are encouraged when undertaken in accordance with the guidelines established by the RI Board. As part of the official program of the annual convention, a special Rotaract forum one day prior to the commencement of the convention shall be arranged and implemented by RI, to include discussion of issues identified by the Rotaract committee as important to Rotaractors. The Rotaract pre-convention forum may be used as an opportunity to gauge informally Rotaract opinion on policy or program matters, with each district represented having one vote. Any recommendations made at the pre-convention meeting shall be forwarded to the Rotaract committee for its review and consideration.(87, 91)

Financing the Rotaract Program

Upon organization, each Rotaract club or its sponsoring Rotary club pays an RI Rotaract organization fee equivalent to US$20.00 with its “Rotaract Organization List” which covers Rotaract dues payment for the first Rotary year or part of a year. Each Rotaract club or its sponsoring Rotary club is required to pay annual RI Rotaract dues equivalent to US$20.00,through the district Rotaract representative, to the Secretariat. (90)

Individual Rotaractors shall pay annual membership fees to their Rotaract club to cover the cost of club administration. Rotaract clubs also pay annual fees or dues to their district Rotaract organization to cover the cost of district administration.  Sponsoring Rotary clubs shall pay for the attendance of their Rotaract club officers, directors and committee chairmen at district level leadership training meetings (or, when circumstances dictate, these meetings shall be paid for through mutually agreed upon financial arrangements involving the sponsoring Rotary clubs, the Rotary district and the Rotaract participants). Rotary districts shall pay for the attendance of their districts’ Rotaract representatives at multi-district leadership training meetings. Rotaract program financial policy includes the following:

1)                   RI shall provide for Rotaract activities at the international convention and shall provide program materials to district Rotaract chairmen and representatives;

2)                   no part of the expenses of meetings of Rotaract clubs or groups of Rotaract clubs shall be paid by RI, with the exception of the annual Rotaract pre-convention meeting;

3)                   any fees, dues or assessments on the membership of any Rotaract club shall be for the purpose of meeting the administrative costs of the club; funds for activities and projects undertaken by the club shall be raised apart from such dues or assessments;

4)                   a thorough audit by a qualified person shall be made once each year of all the club’s financial transactions (91);

5)                   it is the responsibility of the Rotaract club to raise the funds necessary to carry out the program of the club;

6)                   Rotary clubs and Rotary district conferences inviting members of Rotaract clubs to participate in the programs of such clubs and conferences should subscribe to sufficient travel accident and liability insurance to protect the Rotary club or district conference against any possible legal liability;

7)                   Rotaract clubs should not make general solicitations for financial assistance from Rotary clubs or from other Rotaract clubs; contributions to funds for Rotaract district service projects must be voluntary and cannot be made enforceable upon the individual Rotaractor or Rotaract club. (80, 87)

Leadership Training Meetings for Rotaract

      All incoming Rotaract club officers shall be provided with leadership training at the district level, such training to include a one to two day leadership training seminar conducted by the district Rotaract representative in co-ordination with the RI district Rotaract committee for all incoming Rotaract club officers, directors, and committee chairmen to be paid for by the sponsoring Rotary clubs. Where circumstances dictate, other mutually agreed upon financial arrangements may be made involving the sponsoring Rotary clubs, Rotary district and the Rotaract participants. Rotary districts shall provide leadership training of Rotaract district committees on a multi district basis. (87)

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

       Rotary Youth Leadership Awards(RYLA) is a program for young people usually aged 14 through 18 and 19 through 30, age groupings which are meant to address varying needs and maturity levels. The RI Board encourages clubs and districts to consider inviting socially and economically disadvantaged youth with leadership potential to participate in RYLA programs.(98)

     RYLA is intended to develop qualities of leadership, good citizenship and personal development among the young people of their communities. RYLA programs may be conducted at the club or district level, and most often occur in either a seminar or leadership camp format. (71, 95) The objectives of a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program are:

1)       To further demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth;

2)       To encourage and assist selected youth leaders and potential leaders in methods of responsible and effective voluntary youth leadership by providing them with a training experience;

3)       To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth by youth;

4)       To publicly recognize the qualities of many young people who are rendering service to their communities as youth leaders. (82)

    RYLA programs should include a core curriculum addressing the following topics:

1)       The fundamentals of leadership;

2)       The ethics of positive leadership;

3)       The importance of communication skills in effective leadership;

4)       Problem solving and conflict management;

5)       What Rotary is and what it does for the community;

6)       Building self confidence and self esteem;

7)       The elements of community and global citizenship, while reflecting issues of local relevance and carried out in a manner appropriate to local customs. (96, 98)

Youth Exchange

Guidelines for the Youth Exchange Program

Youth exchanges are commended as a worthwhile activity in the advancement of international understanding and goodwill throughout the world. The Board, with a view to promoting Youth Exchange as an opportunity for the development of international understanding, encourages governors to appoint district Youth Exchange officers or committees, and to provide to the general secretary early in the year the names and addresses of such officers or committee chairmen. It is recommended that the Youth Exchange officers or committee chairmen, with the consultation of future governors, be appointed to perform in their function for no more than three years. The general secretary shall publish annually a list of all Youth Exchange officers or district exchange committee chairmen serving one district, more than one district or all the districts in one country. This list shall be revised and distributed annually to governors and to those who are included on the list. The district Youth Exchange officers or committees are under the supervision of their respective governors and shall report to them. The RI Board encourages the involvement of people with disabilities in Youth Exchange programs and other youth projects where and when this is possible and agreed upon between the sponsoring and receiving clubs or districts. The RI Board recommends that governors appoint one member of their district Youth Exchange committee to be responsible for encouraging and aiding in the participation of people with disabilities in both long term and short term exchanges. Employment regulations in various countries make it impractical for Rotary clubs and districts to engage in any international youth exchange programs in which participants are paid wages. However, individual Rotarians may provide support to other organizations that are properly equipped to undertake this type of international exchange of youth. RI will not issue credentials or letters of introduction to sons and daughters of Rotarians or other young people. The following guidelines are provided to assist clubs and districts undertaking Youth Exchange activities. Clubs and districts are encouraged to adopt and follow these guidelines in organizing and implementing their programs.

1)                   It is recognized that many successful exchanges are made for less than a full academic year and that in the interest of international understanding and good will, not all programs need be reciprocal .By mutual consent of the parties concerned, any of the responsibilities indicated may be assigned to someone other than the party specified.

2)                   A Rotary Youth Exchange program is not a privilege for sons and daughters of Rotarians only, but welcomes any young people who meet the requirements of the program and who are recommended and sponsored by a Rotarian, a Rotary club or a district.

3)                   Careful selection of all individuals involved in Rotary Youth Exchange programs shall be of paramount concern and be done with the utmost care and consideration.

a)        Exchange candidates of ages acceptable to both sending and receiving districts should submit a written application and shall undergo a selection process including personal interviews with the applicant and applicant’s parents at the club and district levels.

b)        The hosting Rotary club or district should conscientiously screen and select host families on the basis of a written application and personal interview. For long-term exchanges, it is preferable for a student to be hosted by three or four successive families.

c)        The hosting Rotary club shall select a Rotarian counselor for each exchangee to serve as a liaison between the exchangee and the Rotary club, host family and the community at large. The club counselor should not be a member of the student’s host family and should be trained in responding to problems or concerns which may arise during the exchange. In cases where the counselor hosts the student initially for a brief period of time to establish a relationship, another club member should be identified as a temporary counselor.

4)                   The sending Rotary club or district should arrange for orientation for the exchangees and parents including a briefing about the local Rotary club and its activities, and should arrange for the exchangee to be accepted by a receiving Rotary club or district. The receiving club or district also should provide an orientation program for incoming students. Because local laws and customs in one country may differ greatly from those in other parts of the world, orientation should include information on local laws and customs which may apply to young people.

5)                   The parents of each exchangee shall provide health, accident and liability insurance with respect to each exchangee in amounts satisfactory to the receiving Rotary club or district, with coverage from the time of the exchangee’s departure from home until the exchangee’s return home. Evidence of coverage of all insurance with a responsible insurance company or companies satisfactory to the host Rotary club or district prior to the beginning of the exchange shall be submitted to and received by the host Rotary club or district. Such insurance shall provide not less than US$500,000 or equivalent for medical expense coverage, and not less than US$10,000 or equivalent for accidental death or dismemberment.

6)                   The parents of the exchangee are responsible for providing appropriate clothing and roundtrip transportation to and from the host district.

7)                   The exchangee shall undertake no travel outside the immediate area of the community in which the receiving Rotary club is located without the consent of the exchangee’s parents and of the participating Rotary clubs and districts.

8)                   The exchangee SHALL NOT under any circumstances be permitted to operate or drive a motorized vehicle of ANY kind during the period of the exchange, or to own a motorized vehicle in the host country.

9)                   The exchangee and the prospective host family should communicate with each other before the exchangee leaves home.

10)                The host family must provide room and board for the exchangee and exercise appropriate supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the exchangee’s well-being.

11)                All individuals involved in the exchange, including exchangees and their parents, must agree in writing to all the requirements of the program as determined by the sending and receiving clubs and districts. All participants must display comportment at all times reflecting credit on self, the home country and Rotary and must respect each other and act responsibly, befitting their role in the program. Exchangees should strive to adapt to the way of life of the host country and host family members should assist exchangees in ways to ease that transition. The exchangee must accept the supervision and authority of the host family and the receiving Rotary club or district during the period of the exchange. Exchangees must return home at a time and by a route agreed upon by their parents and the receiving Rotary club and district.

12)                Any participant who does not comply with the requirements of the program should be removed from participation in the program. In the case of exchangees ,they should be returned home by the receiving club or district at the earliest practical time by a route agreed upon between the parents or the sponsoring club or district. All parties involved in the exchange, including hosting and receiving Rotary clubs and districts, host families and the student’s parents, should be fully informed prior to the student being sent home.

13)                All Rotarians and Rotary clubs involved in establishing exchange activities are urged to be sure that preliminary agreements accurately reflect what they expect from the group with which the exchange is arranged, especially in the area of selection and orientation.

14)                The hosting and sending Rotary clubs and districts shall provide exchangees with a list of individuals to contact in the case of a problem or emergency. This list should include the name and contact information for the student’s Rotarian counselor, hosting Rotary club president, hosting district chairman, hosting district governor, sponsoring district chairman, sponsoring district governor and sponsoring club president.

15)                Clubs and districts are encouraged to use the standard Youth Exchange applications available through the Secretariat.

16)                Participants should be between the ages of 15 and 18 1/2 at the beginning of the exchange unless a different age range is mutually agreed upon by the participating Rotary clubs or districts. They should be above average in their school work, preferably in the upper third of their school class.Long term exchanges should be for one academic year, but maybe extended to include part or all of the holiday periods immediately preceding and immediately following the academic year.

17)                For long term exchanges, the hosting club should provide for all educational expenses, arrange an appropriate academic program, and provide a program of orientation and continued contacts to familiarize the exchangee with the host community.

18)                or long term exchanges, the receiving Rotary club or district should provide a modest monthly allowance for the exchangee in an amount to be jointly determined by the parties concerned. Where meals eaten at school are not otherwise provided for, the monthly allowance should be sufficient to include the cost of such meals.

19)                Following their return, exchangees and their parents should be encouraged to attend a meeting conducted by the district Youth Exchange committee for debriefing of recently returned exchangees for the purpose of assisting them to return to their home, school and community environment.

20)                Any other provisions consistent with the foregoing and which are deemed necessary or convenient for the operation of an exchange program may be adopted by Rotary clubs or districts concerned.

Multi district Exchange Programs

Each governor has the responsibility for the supervision of the Youth Exchange program within his or her district. It is recognized that there may be instances where clubs in two or more districts wish to cooperate in jointly undertaking an activity or program. The RI Board has no objection to such co-operative effort, provided any activity or project is not undertaken as a joint activity or project unless twothirds of the clubs in each such district have first approved participation in such joint activity or project, and unless the governors of the respective districts have secured in advance specific authorization of the RI Board to undertake and participate in such activity or project. Each such proposal to the RI Board shall be evaluated on its merits. Each governor is urged to do all possible to foster Youth Exchange activities in the district, while retaining authority over the program. Each governor should take steps to ensure that no personal financial profit is being made from such activities and that appropriate risk management measures are in place. Multi-district activities shall be administered by a committee composed of current Youth Exchange chairmenand other officers appointed by the respective governors of participating districts.Such a multi-district committee is responsible for reporting in writing no tless often than annually on its work and finances to all governors in the participating districts.

International Travel by Youth Exchangees

No Rotary club should assist or cooperate in sending a young person abroad on an international travel activity unless careful plans are made in advance covering every aspect of the proposed trip. In particular, no Rotary club should provide an identification card, letter of introduction, request for assistance or other credential or document intended to identify or introduce a young person to a Rotary club or clubs in another country, unless complete mutual agreement has been reached in advance with respect to the hospitality or assistance to be provided by the host Rotary club .No Rotary club is obliged to provide hospitality or assistance to any young person from another country, despite any demonstrated or claimed sponsorship of a Rotary club, unless the receiving Rotary club has explicitly agreed in advance to provide such hospitality or assistance. It is the prerogative of any Rotary club to determine what assistance, if any, it will offer to young persons. (96)

Family Week

The RI Board encourages Rotarians to demonstrate their commitment to family and community through projects, activities and events in celebration of “Family Week” during the second week of February each year. (95)

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Last modified: November 20, 2001