Council gets ready to meet in Chicago

By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 22 April 2010

Delegates review proposed legislation during the 2001 Council in Chicago. Rotary Images

Delegates from Rotary's 531 districts will be convening in downtown Chicago next week to debate changes to the policies governing Rotary International and its member clubs.

The Council on Legislation, established in 1933, meets every three years to consider changes to the RI Constitution, RI Bylaws, and the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. Over the years, the Council has evolved from an advisory body that convened during a convention plenary session into an independent legislative arm of Rotary International.

This year's Council meets 25-30 April and will be considering more than 200 pieces of legislation submitted by Rotary clubs, districts, and the RI Board of Directors, and compiled by RI staff.

Look for news stories, daily roundups, and vote totals from the Council at www.rotary.org beginning 26 April.

Among other items, delegates will be determining the fate of e-clubs, Rotary clubs that meet online. A select number of e-clubs were chartered as part of the Rotary E-Club pilot project set to expire 30 June.

The proposed legislation would allow up to one e-club per district. E-clubs would hold a regular meeting once a week by posting an interactive activity on the club's website. Rotarians would be counted as present at an e-club meeting if they participated in the interactive activity during the week it was posted.

If the legislation is not approved, pilot e-clubs would be required to become traditional clubs or terminate their membership in RI.

Delegates will also be considering a proposal from the RI Board of Directors seeking a slight increase in the per capita dues Rotary clubs pay to RI. Per capita dues are presently set in the bylaws at $50 for 2010-11. The proposal would affect the subsequent three years.

Delegates will also consider legislation that would

Alter the requirement that all members receive a subscription to The Rotarian or another Rotary World Magazine Press publication
Affect the frequency of meetings
Create a new category of membership for corporate members
Add youth service as a fifth Avenue of Service
Request that the Board consider promoting EarlyAct, RotaKids, and Elderact as structured programs of RI

See a full list of proposed legislation. Download a list of delegates. (PDF)

For more information:

9 Comments:

At 8:34AM on 4 March 2011, Dadson Jon Nwakalo wrote: It is never too late to say a big thank you to the council for approving the establishment of 2 eclubs per District. However, it is very important that the District officers be fully informed during their respective trainings on the importance of eclubs and educate them on the processes on how to approve the esterblishment of eclubs. Those high networth Rotary materials will be captured through eclubs. More kudos to the council. Dadson

At 8:49AM on 5 November 2010, Me E. Berkel wrote: Am very interested in starting an Rotakids club. I have written a book and am invited in schools to speak about it. Would be wonderful if we can the kids involved in projects helping the elderly in homes. Already talk to a home for the Elderly and they are very interested in getting children in their home to do art projects, to read etc.

At 9:22AM on 26 April 2010, sn agrawal wrote: Great work - the COLs are shaping Rotary. Some of the changes having far reaching effects have been framwd at COL. I hope that they allow e clubs - one per district - its the change needed with new time.

At 9:23AM on 26 April 2010, Akintunde Olawale wrote: Rotary as an organisation will always occupy a unique place in all aspect of Service to humanity. Her service and goal is wholesome.

At 9:58AM on 26 April 2010, Juhani Rouhesmaa wrote: During my official governor visits to the Rotary clubs of District 1390 I was frequently asked, whether all the personnel at the Rotary headquarters is really needed. My answer was that every organization can be streamlined. Therefore, I ask COL kindly to consider cutting some unnecessary functions of the RI organization instead of increasing the per capita dues?

At 9:27AM on 26 April 2010, PDG Kishabhau Godbole wrote: e-Clubs will be only internet forum . Wonder how they will carry projects. Coming together in person has its own advantages and charm. e-clubs won't take Rotary forward.

At 4:02PM on 23 April 2010, Dadson Jon Nwakalo wrote: As the world is becoming a truely a global village and Internet is fast becoming an every day activity for the world people, I support the idea of eClub and encourage the council members to vote positively for the establishment of eClubs worldwide. Please go for it. Dadson Jon Nwakalo Rotary club of Maryland Nigeria District 9140.

At 3:00PM on 23 April 2010, Sumer agarwal wrote: No doubt Rotary is doing GOOD work but we need to take into consideration the exchange rate of INdia ando also the per capita income before deciding on the increase. As it is, even now many small clubs in small cities cannot function

At 2:53PM on 22 April 2010, michael isaha wrote: it is amazing how far rotary has fraternize and globalized the whole world. the organization ic certainly God's gift to humanity.

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