Rotary coordinators to start in 2010

By Jennifer Lee Atkin
Rotary International News -- 7 January 2010

RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith believes Rotary coordinators will provide a vital link between RI and clubs. Rotary Images

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Rotarians will soon gain a new resource – someone who will be well-versed in the many programs of Rotary International and knowledgeable about Rotary club and district best practices.

That new resource will be a Rotary coordinator (RC).

“We want clubs to be assured that they are the most important thing in Rotary,” says RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith, who championed the RC program. “If we don’t take care of the clubs, the clubs won’t take care of Rotary International.”

Adopted by the RI Board of Directors at its November meeting, the program will launch on 1 July. Klinginsmith is appointing the initial 41 RCs, who will serve the same geographical regions as the regional Rotary Foundation coordinators (RRFCs), with at least one RC serving each Rotary zone.

“RCs will be people who have senior leadership experience and a good, strong background in Rotary,” says Duane R. Sterling, a member of the Rotary Club of Warrensburg, Missouri, USA, and Rotarian coordinator for the 2010-11 RI president. Many RCs will be former RRFCs and past regional Rotary International membership coordinators, Sterling says.

“They already know the territory,” Klinginsmith adds.

Similar to RRFCs

Just as RRFCs are knowledgeable about The Rotary Foundation’s programs, RCs will be a resource when it comes to multiple aspects of Rotary International and its programs, providing a vital link of communication between RI senior leaders and Rotary clubs.

RCs will focus on offering guidance and tools in three areas: RI programs such as the youth programs, Rotary Fellowships, and Rotarian Action Groups; best practices that strengthen clubs and districts such as strategic planning, effective public relations, and leadership development; and building membership through stronger clubs and districts.

Through their work, RCs will support the three priorities of the RI Strategic Plan : support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service, and enhance public image and awareness. Clubs will also find RCs to be a valuable resource in determining how to meet the annual requirements for the Presidential Citation, Klinginsmith says.

In addition, RCs will assist at Rotary institutes, governors-elect training seminars, and other zone-level meetings. They may also plan and conduct district and regional seminars and workshops where needed, with the assistance and support of district leaders.

Because they will operate in the same geographical areas, RCs and RRFCs will be able to work closely with each other, as well as with the RI director for the zone, Klinginsmith notes.

Moving forward, RCs will be appointed by the RI president-elect and serve three-year terms. Appointees will attend a March institute to prepare for their new role.

Also in November, the Board amended the Rotary Code of Policies to create the RC program and dissolve the RRIMC program, effective 1 July.

35 Comments:

At 11:35AM on 3 January 2011, Bill Thompson, DG 7850 wrote: Great innovation! Our Zone 32 RC Ernie Luise has proven to be a valuable resource on several occasions!

At 2:16PM on 23 July 2010, Ranjit Majumder wrote: New concept! New energy! Wonderful opportunity to get the clubs excited about the Rotary International. Our Rotary Coordinator Bevin Wall is on a Listening Tour in our District 7530.

At 9:04AM on 22 April 2010, Sarjiv Patel wrote: great idea. Selection of people should be on merit and try to avoid PDGS from this task and use dedicated knowledgeable Rotarian

At 4:06PM on 25 March 2010, ahmed wrote: Great job to the rotary team and also i enjoyed it alooot

At 11:14AM on 18 March 2010, bharat dholakia pdg wrote: great idea. Selection of people should be on merit

At 10:56AM on 15 March 2010, PDG Aswini Kar wrote: Rotary has introduced a new Rotary Coordinator program in lieu of RRIMC program. RCs will support the three priorities of the RI Strategic Plan: support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service, and enhance public image and awareness. Clubs will also find RCs to be a valuable resource in determining how to meet the annual requirements for the Presidential Citation. RI Strategic Plan initially included seven priorities, each supported by a set of goals. But as per the revised strategic plan it has three priorities. RC will support the three priorities of the RI Strategic Plan. Membership Development or strengthening membership is the prime mover which in turn will support the other priorities of the strategic plan. If we do not have members how we are going to support the programs and strengthen foundation. More members mean more people to create awareness, more members mean more hands to serve, and more members mean more support to foundation. The Rotary Coordinator will not be able to focus on all the priorities. His focus will get diluted. There fore in my opinion the RRIMC program should continue, which will focus on Membership. Rotary needs to strengthen its membership base.

At 9:09AM on 15 March 2010, Ayoub wrote: This is a new challenge to all clubs and Rotarians: to work more vigorously in bridging the gaps, connecting continents, creating awareness and exceeding the 1.2m membership this R-year.

At 9:30AM on 16 February 2010, Rtn. R.P.SHARMA wrote: wonderful idea need to be implimented to make the rotary strong

At 11:35AM on 25 January 2010, PDG RAJKUMAR RAJGARIA,RI DIST 3291 wrote: I congratulate our leaderRI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith for focusing that RI is nothing without a club and taken a bold step to appoint RC for the next year to strenghen the movement of Rotary

At 11:40AM on 20 January 2010, Rtn. PP Charanjit Singh wrote: Great idea. Rotary's extension and quality membership growth is possible only if the clubs are guided and mentored by RC to follow the best practices and remain focused to the Rotary's objectives and goals.

At 11:28AM on 18 January 2010, PP Santosh Marathe wrote: It is a very good idea, but how can these 41 RC's work with clubs? Isn't the District Governor actually doing this work with the help of the AG's?

At 11:03AM on 15 January 2010, DGE Dr. Jayant Kulkarni,3140 wrote: Since RRFCs will continue, presumably, RCs will have different duties to perform. Good idea to support clubs. Effectiveness of such ideas, during implementation , need to be evaluated & monitored. The abbreviation 'RC' can get confused with 'Rotary Club'.

At 3:42PM on 12 January 2010, Dipankar Purakaayastha wrote: Great ideas, but it would be challenging to see if these can be put in practice since the Rotarians and the Rotary Clubs must rise above discriminations and deliver Service Above Self. Otherwise it is just talk & talk.

At 9:21AM on 12 January 2010, Dr.Suhas Nambiar wrote: New post of RC is an excellent idea provided it won't need any election procedure to choose them. Otherwwise one more post to augment power struggles in already perverted districts. How do they help to utilize alumni's of RI especially ambassadorial scholars for increasing the image of rotary?

At 9:21AM on 12 January 2010, PDG Luis Norman PELAEZ wrote: Excellent!!!. They must be the best aidees to the Governors. Congratulations

At 9:53AM on 12 January 2010, Graham Money wrote: To: President Elect Ray Klinginsmith. Dear Ray, I am extremely excited about this development, for I have always believed the Rotary Club to be the most important entity in the organisation. Having been both a RIMC and RFC in the past and having personally founded 3 Rotary Clubs, if the position of RC for Southern Africa has yet to be filled, I would like to be considered for the position. I do have the time and I am sure you are aware of my passion for Rotary. Regards, Graham Money

At 10:30AM on 11 January 2010, Bob Eurich DG 5230 wrote: Great step forward in the Rotary World. The selection of Don Kremer in Zone 26 is an outstanding choice.

At 9:24AM on 11 January 2010, Margaret Reeve DGE 9970 wrote: As PDG Dr P Narayana wrote - this is an excellent idea. It is very inportant that the areas of operation are clearly specified as effective coordination with District Governors will strengthen the outcome.

At 9:27AM on 11 January 2010, David Tai wrote: RRFC is indeed a welcome catalyst to cement closer relationship between Clubs and RI and in the promotion of Rotary on the ground. It will provide RI the link to channel vibrations from the ground to the Board. These vibrations provide valuable inputs to the Board's Strategic Plan to ensure Rotary remains relevant under changing environments.

At 9:48AM on 11 January 2010, PP RTN VED PRAKASH LAKHOTIA (R.I.DISTT.3090) SRIGANGANAGAR wrote: This is a very good idea, But I think the post of RC nominated by RIP at distt. lable for success & fulfill the desires of RI President-elect Mr.Ray .Good wishes........

At 10:31AM on 11 January 2010, Mark Doyle PDG D 9250 PRRFC wrote: What a wonderful seed has been sown! I expect it to flourish into a giant treen in the future. This is a very useful link in giving Rotary the 'bottom-up' governance that is desirable. A well informed club is an effective club; in its community and within Rotary.

At 10:31AM on 11 January 2010, Rui Manuel Amandi de Sousa wrote: I am confident that the Rotary Coordinators will play a very important role in helping to bring back to tracks the effectiveness of the Rotary Clubs in all senses. Club good practices are very important to refresh and motivate the real spirit of Rotary in the Clubs. Among other benefits, will be a fresh wind that, I am sure, will help to increase not only their own membership but also in other Clubs which fundamental for the future of Rotary. Rui Amandi RD1970, PDG

At 10:32AM on 11 January 2010, CHEW Ban Seng, Rotary eClub of 3310 wrote: Wonderful idea but who are these Rotary coordinators? Are they selected from the existing pool of PDGs? What about PPs who are explemary Rotarians at both Clubs and District levels? Hope appointment of such does not create another unnecessary level to Rotary's already complicated hierarchy. Otherwise, congratulations on the new initiative!! :-)

At 10:50AM on 11 January 2010, Barrie Davis wrote: Everything we do to connect the local Rotary club with Rotary International and our international efforts to bring about world understanding and peace will help grow Rotary. Too many Rotarian are not aware of Rotary's work around the world. Helping members of the loca club feel a direct connection with Rotary International will build in them a pride of being a Rotarian. Rotarians never should feel their clubs are separate entities going their separate ways. We are one Rotary!

At 4:52PM on 8 January 2010, John Eberhard, PRID wrote: This is a very constructive move for Rotary and RIPE Ray is to be congratulated for finding a practical means of implementing RI's new strategic direction. The position will compliment the role now being played by RRFCs on behalf of the Rotary Foundation, indeed, will be complimentary to the good work that they now do. This will also provide a vehicle for Clubs and Rotarians to better understand the purposes of youth programs, Rotary Fellowships, and Rotarian Action Groups. There will be widespread approval of this innovation! - Congratulations

At 4:13PM on 8 January 2010, ray taylor wrote: The three areas chosen are vital if RI is to remain relavant to individual members and to society...all clubs need help in telling their story to the community as well as the mission of Rotary International

At 4:14PM on 8 January 2010, PAG & Club President Michael J. Buchheit wrote: In order to fulfill the desires of RI President-elect Ray in his statement as follows, we need more that on RC in each 41 Region. Perhaps the increased numbers of DCs will allow a greater penetration to make contact and spread knowledge to the District, Club and between the Regions. A great start, but please reconsider the goal vs. the coverage. “"We want clubs to be assured that they are the most important thing in Rotary,” says RI President-elect Ray Klinginsmith, who championed the RC program. “If we don’t take care of the clubs, the clubs won’t take care of Rotary International.” I hope that this suggestion will be taken to heart. Thank you for your consideration.

At 4:15PM on 8 January 2010, Trevor Taylor PP PHF wrote: This is a very good idea, I believe that anything that helps and advises clubs on how to operate better is good, but the worry is will this one person be able to do enough to make a difference in multiple Districts?? I don't believe our CLub members have heard of a RRFC let alone had one come to visit the Club, discuss the areas where Clubs can get more involved, and offer assistance or advice if required. Maybe they could work in with the AG's as well as the RRFC and try to contact as many Clubs as possible that way??

At 4:17PM on 8 January 2010, Michael Henstra, D5240 New Generations Dir. wrote: While I am in total support of the concept of RCs as described above, I fear that Rotary's Programs for New Generations will continue to struggle at the club and district level unless and until RI focuses on the importance of strengthening these four RI programs for the future of our communities and Rotary International.

At 2:45PM on 8 January 2010, PDG Steve Laine wrote: Ray, very creative... see you in Montreal!

At 9:23AM on 8 January 2010, PDG Aswini Kar wrote: It is an excellent move by the RI Board. TRF is focused on two thing foundation contribution and foundation programs. The RRFC are focused on this Therefore TRF is doing well. Similarly Rotary International should have focus on its activities. I am sure Rotary Coordinator concept will do well. They will educate and focus on RI activities, programs, protocols.They will focus on the priorities which are: Support and strengthen clubs. Focus and increase humanitarian service. Enhance public image and awareness.

At 9:23AM on 8 January 2010, Brian Carmichael DGN 2011-2012 D-7080 wrote: This new position which "will focus on offering guidance and tools in.... best practices that strengthen clubs and districts such as strategic planning, effective public relations, and leadership development; and building membership through stronger clubs and districts." has the potential to be of an enormous benefit to clubs and districts. Too often "how" club and district success stories were accomplished is never shared and the opportunity to grow is lost. The choice of rhe right RC will be 1 of the keys to the success of this program

At 9:22AM on 8 January 2010, Maureen Merrill, DGN wrote: May I suggest that RI choose coordinators whose own clubs and districts are doing well, especially in membership growth and retention?

At 9:21AM on 8 January 2010, Isidro Hernandez 5720921 wrote: I am very interested in seeing how this new program turns out. congratulations.

At 9:21AM on 8 January 2010, PDG. Dr.P.Narayana wrote: Excellent idea. Only suggestion is to specify the areas of their operation and ensure proper coordination with the District Governors.

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