Daily Council highlights

 

 

A roundup of action taken by the Council on 30 April.

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D uring five days of deliberation, the Council on Legislation discussed more than 200 proposed enactments and resolutions, voting to increase dues, make e-clubs a permanent part of Rotary International, and create a fifth Avenue of Service. On 30 April, the Council

• Approved an enactment to revise the Board's authority to change district boundaries. The enactment would amend the RI Bylaws by changing the minimum number of clubs per district from 30 to 33 and Rotarians per district from 1,000 to 1,200 by 1 July 2012. The Board would be able to eliminate or change the boundaries of a district that falls below the new minimums, but only after consulting with and providing a reasonable opportunity for the governor and clubs involved to provide another recommended change. Opponents argued that merging districts could lead to a decline in membership. Proponents argued that it could save RI money and encourage clubs to be proactive in recruiting new members.
• Approved an ammendment that will expand the Rotaract Committee to include Interact. The joint committee will still consist of six members, each of whom would serve a term of three year, with two members appointed each year.  
• Approved the addition of a travel reimbursement policy to the RI Bylaws. The policy would require that anyone traveling at the expense of RI or The Rotary Foundation, except certain senior Rotary leaders, be ticketed or reimbursed according to the lowest available economy fare. Proponents stated that the measure would reduce costs for RI and the Foundation.
• Rejected a measure to eliminate the requirement that Council representatives be past RI officers. Proponents said that allowing Rotarians who have not been officers to be eligible would bring fresh viewpoints to the Council and ensure that the best qualified representative attends. Opponents said that the level of knowledge necessary to attend the Council makes serving as an RI officer essential.
• Approved a resolution to encourage the RI Board to support the use of Comely Bank, the Chicago home of Rotary founder Paul P. Harris, as an archive for past RI presidents’ documents and memorabilia. Proponents said the Comely Bank archive would educate future generations about the history of Rotary and serve as an attraction for Rotarians visiting Chicago. The resolution notes that the Paul and Jean Harris Home Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, has not been receiving enough donations to make necessary repairs. RI would incur costs to restore and maintain the building.

For more information

• See a full list of proposed legislation, and download a list of representatives. (PDF)
• Read daily Council highlights for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Read about the vote on e-clubs and a dues increase.
• Check on vote totals.