RI Board reinforces strategic priorities, goals

By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 30 November 2010

RI President Ray Klinginsmith says the actions constituted progressive moves by the Board and represented a historic week for Rotary.

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At its November meeting, the RI Board approved a number of recommendations and actions to reinforce the priorities and goals of the RI Strategic Plan.

The changes, which include endorsing the concept of flexible attendance and meeting requirements and allocating US$4 million for Public Relations Grants, are designed to keep Rotary vibrant and attractive to current members and prospective members from younger generations.

"By focusing on strategic issues throughout the week, the Board was able to reach consensus on several strategic decisions, which constitute progressive moves by the RI Board," says RI President Ray Klinginsmith.

Among other actions, the Board

Agreed to the concept of amending RI policy on meeting attendance, meeting options, and member termination in order to support and strengthen clubs by allowing them more flexibility. The changes will require revisions to the RI Constitution and the Standard Rotary Club Constitution in the form of legislation submitted to the 2013 Council on Legislation.
Agreed to fund US$4 million in PR grants annually, starting in 2011-12 for at least three years, to advance the strategic priority of enhancing public image and awareness.
Supported the creation of an annual Rotary Citation beginning in 2012-13 that would replace future Presidential Citations. The new citation would be based on clubs achieving predetermined goals that are aligned with the clubs' and RI's strategic direction.
Agreed to transform RI programs to a “resource and support” model to help clubs and districts in their service efforts and advance the strategic priority of focusing and increasing humanitarian service.
Agreed to replace the vision statement in the RI Strategic Plan with a core essence statement, which uses more contemporary language and better expresses what Rotary is and does.
Agreed to conduct four new pilot programs -- associate member, corporate member, satellite clubs, and innovative and flexible Rotary clubs -- to promote membership diversity and improve recruitment, beginning 1 July. Two hundred clubs will be accepted for each three-year pilot.
Encouraged districts with more than 100 clubs and over 4,000 members to split into two or three new districts as early as 1 July 2012.

The Strategic Planning Committee suggested many of the changes to help move the organization toward an emphasis on active and engaged membership.

"Rotary must change its culture from one of attendance to one of engagement," says RI Director Stuart B. Heal, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. "It is our belief that in the next decade this must become our culture as we become more innovative and continue serving around the world."

Says Klinginsmith: "It was a historic week for Rotary."

22 Comments:

At 8:23AM on 19 January 2011, PDG David Forster D9810 wrote: This change in emphasis from attendance to engagement (participation) is long overdue. In concert with pilots on membership categories, it has the potential to help bring Rotary into the 21st Century. However, we are still stuck in a 3 year Council of Legislation cycle to amend our practices. Surely we can move past this slow cycle and get on with implementing change without a three yearly administrative speed bump. We have the means to consult and discuss issues in a more timely fashion - let's use them.

At 2:54PM on 29 December 2010, James Jolliffe wrote: Hopefully this is not "Change for Changes sake" . Our Rotary movement has been very successful in changeing to suit the times for over a century now, a century which the world will hopefully never witness again. The world of emerging nations will continue to require assistance throughout the next century so should we not be asking ourselves, How do we improve our present actions ? rather than, "Lets experiment with some new radical ideas? The present major concern is "Membership growth". There is a huge number of the so called "Ideal aged group" out there, many of whom would rally to the cause if our selective pricing structure for membership was abolished and the cost of Rotary was made more attainable to them. Sure, a few positions in Chicago would go but the ensuring growth in energetic and enthusiastic new members would outway that loss.

At 9:32AM on 9 December 2010, George J. Wade DGE 5230 wrote: Change is a normal part of life! Rotary has been a part of that change for 100+ years. Rotary is not a monument to life but a laboratory of life.

At 8:51AM on 8 December 2010, George Ssozi wrote: I think change is part of life! These proposed changes might help the Rotary fraternity to survive the current economic waves and pave way for bigger and bolder clubs. We should support the proposed changes and maje our clubs more dynamic. Masaka RC, Uganda.

At 8:38AM on 7 December 2010, Jeff Hunston wrote: The proof of the pudding will be in the eating. It is unclear as to the definition of 'engagement" because Rotary is based on fellowship borne of being together at club meetings - attending meetings is all about engagement and commitment - and I wonder if we are fixing the symptom rather than root cause. Time will tell. I hope the result is not just trying to emulate Kiwanis, Lions, or Elks clubs or Chambers of Commerce or else Rotary will die. If it goes that path I will be doing something else. I look forward to some explicit information and rationale for the new direction. The crux is it if is change for the sake of change or meaningful change in the right direction.

At 8:36AM on 7 December 2010, Clie Amos wrote: Congratulations to the Board. Long overdue decisions, but welcome nevertheless. As a member for 33 years, I welcome the emphasis on attracting younger members.

At 8:36AM on 7 December 2010, Jim McClellan wrote: I have a sense that Rotary is scrambling to maintain it's membership in these recessionary times by diluting the terms of membership and discarding our traditional structure. We are in a very difficult economic environment and we should not be precipitious with our fundamental structure. We should aim for quality and engagement will follow. As a 35 year member and past club president (and a lot of other positions over the years) I regret seeing expediance trump important structural elements in the name of short-term membership growth. We are the world's premier service club (and if we don' t mean club we should take it our of our name) and we should invigorate local leadership to be relevant to our communities.

At 2:30PM on 6 December 2010, PDG Michael Hayes wrote: It was disappointing to see that RI intends to explore further the notion of corporate memberships. Sure, it would be nice to have representation from large organizations which have resources that can be tapped into but a corporate membership would miss the fundamental strength of Rotary which depends on the commitment of individuals, both with respect to time and treasure. We don't need a pilot to tell us that corporate members would take us away from this fundamental strength.

At 2:28PM on 6 December 2010, THRAP-OLSEN Einar wrote: These changes will help Rotary clubs in Latin countries to modernize See on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=14804&post=95182&uid=356291803196#!/group.php?gid=356291803196

At 9:40AM on 6 December 2010, Gregory Haeseler wrote: I am relatively new to the Rotary Organization (7 years) and am very active in the Long Beach, CA club (which has over 300 members). This update is very encouraging. Has there been any talk about re-writing the "Objectives" of Rotary to make it more understandable, especially for someone who is new to the organization? To this day, I am still trying to interpret what exactly are the "Objectives".

At 9:38AM on 6 December 2010, Bankole Adeshina wrote: I think the concept of Associate and Corporate Membership in Rotary isn't really new. This is because, like in District 9110, Nigeria, local clubs have been practicing it, inducting captain of industries and politicians to become honorary members. This has promoted easier assess for sponsorship and collaborative efforts with Rotary on facilitation of projects and programmes. However, what is more of significance to me is the approval of special grant for the renewed and sustainable image of Rotary across the world. The $4million grant, if judiciously and transparently executed, would open a new window of opportunity for membership growth. Bankole Adeshina Rotaract Club of Egbe, Rotaract District 9110, Nigeria

At 9:37AM on 6 December 2010, c.v.srinivasasetty wrote: setty writes Rotary should become rural oriented.Membership should be tied with chamber and other assiciates(professional).

At 9:33AM on 6 December 2010, Mark Doyle wrote: Bravo! What great potential for significant expansion and extension is contained within the proposed ideas for membership categories and (satellite) club creation. A huge step forward into the future.

At 9:30AM on 6 December 2010, Ginger Taylor McDonald wrote: Inviting potential members to become engaged versus to attend Rotary, has such a positive appeal. It's just a word, but it carries much greater meaning, respect and appreciation for the individual you ask. Congratulations. this is truly a winner and a major step forward for Rotary. Anxious to learn more about the PI PR funds.

At 9:25AM on 6 December 2010, Helen reisler wrote: I congratulate the RI Board members for their exciting actions, and timely decisions, which will help our Rotary organization become more visible and more attractive to modern day thinkers.

At 9:25AM on 6 December 2010, Paul Jackson wrote: Congratulations on some real direction and objectives from the "top". It was much needed. Re associates we prefer "Friends of Rotary". One club Ascot in our Didtrict 1090 developed a successful programme gaining the bulk of their new members this way.

At 4:09PM on 3 December 2010, Nancy Rhodes, DGE 6270 wrote: These are exciting new opportunities for Rotary clubs. We have had associate members in my club(West Allis, USA) for about a year, and it encourages greater participation, and allows large companies to again become members who are active, not just in name only

At 10:51AM on 2 December 2010, Kelly Kyle wrote: BRAVO ~ RI has listened to the new movement of tomorrow. Our club, is doing a lot of this already. We see the hand writing on the wall and use the programs we do be wonderful ways to do makeups. With 3-4 programs a month, we always have lots to choose from. Rotary will change, it already is.....we need better ways to keep people engaged.....Why don't we sponsor a drag car...or a hydroplane, a PRO sports team?.... why not??? People listen & watch that stuff too....just like a rose parade float!

At 10:50AM on 2 December 2010, AG FARID NEWTON RID: 3280 wrote: We need: Associate member, corporate member, satellite clubs, and innovative and flexible Rotary clubs -- to promote membership diversity and improve recruitment, beginning 1 July. Two hundred clubs will be accepted for each three-year pilot. very good master plan, salam with best regards, AG Farid Newton RC Aarong Dhaka BANGLADESH

At 8:30AM on 2 December 2010, Mike Montgomery wrote: Not sure I understand what a "Corporate member" would be. If, as I suspect, it means a company would be the member and pay dues, and would send its mangers/ officers to attend meetings from time to time, then just how does that differ from a Chamber of Commerce?

At 9:16AM on 1 December 2010, C RAY CARLSON wrote: "Rotary must change its culture from one of attendance to one of engagement," and "become more innovative and continue serving around the world." These are radical words and mark an exciting new direction in Rotary. But engaging most Rotarians in anything innovative , and tending to the urgent need for jobs everywhere, will require a culture shift in most clubs. The New Generations will have to lead the way and show us how major improvements in others' lives can be achieved better, more quickly, and cheaper in this 21st century.

At 9:15AM on 1 December 2010, Geof Irish wrote: Associate membership has been raised before in my group of clubs and the idea was not followed up.. However it now seems more appropriate as increasing our membership becomes more difficult. Perhaps it could be tied in with Corporate membership.

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