Board decisions & COP_2017/10/24
“July” 2017
The 2017–18 RI Board held its first meeting on 16 June 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
RI Administration
The Board
- welcomed the 2017–18 appointments of Dean Rohrs as RI vice president and Mikael Ahlberg as RI treasurer;
- recognized the proposed Rotary Action Group for Family Safety: Breaking the Family Violence;
- approved a 2017–18 Rotary Foundation budget for program award expenditures of US$99,335,000 from unrestricted contributions
- adopted the 2018–19 annual goals for Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation as follows:
Goals for Priority 1—SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN CLUBS
1. Retain current members.
2. Increase current club membership.
3. Start new clubs.
4. Increase the number of female members, members under 40, and Rotaractors joining Rotary.
Goals for Priority 2—FOCUS AND INCREASE HUMANITARIAN SERVICE
5. Increase cash and district DDF contributions to End Polio Now.
6. Increase local and international, district and global grants funded with DDF.
7. Encourage Interact and Rotaract clubs to engage in service projects – including projects for the environment – with their local Rotary club and community.
8. Increase contributions to the Annual Fund and build the Endowment Fund to US$2.025 billion by 2025.
Goals for Priority 3—ENHANCE PUBLIC IMAGE AND AWARENESS
9. Publicize the role of Rotary and Rotarians in polio eradication.
10. Build awareness of Rotary, and promote the People of Action campaign.
11. Increase awareness of Rotary club projects by using Showcase, Ideas and creating a club history.
June 2017
The 2016-17 Rotary International Board held its fourth meeting 5-8 June 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It clarified its decision 96 January 2017 pertaining to clubs, districts and other Rotary Entities’ activities involving guns and other weapons by amending the Rotary Code of Policies, as shown in Exhibit B-18.
RI Administration and Finances
The Board
- adopted the following new vision statement:
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. - created a new Board Governance Committee that shall review issues related to the governance of Rotary International, including governance procedures used by the Board, and provide advice and recommendations to the Board as it deems appropriate or at the request of the Board;
- designated conveners and meeting places for RI director nominating committees that will meet in September 2017 to select directors for election at the 2018 RI (Toronto) Convention. Directors will be selected from Zones 4, 6A, 10A, 13A, 22A, 26, 29, and 30;
- agreed that it shall use electronic voting on all substantive items on its agenda and that any director can demand an electronic vote on any item;
- clarified its policy pertaining to clubs, districts, and other Rotary Entities’ activities involving guns and other weapons;
- to promote committee continuity, encouraged the president to consider appointing as committee chairs individuals who have previously served as vice chair or as a member of the committee;
- adopted the 2017–18 RI budget, reflecting revenues of US$102,561,000, operating expenses of $104,182,000, use of general surplus funds of $1,418,000, use of convention reserves of $1,108,000 resulting in an excess of revenues, general surplus funds and convention reserve over expenditures of $905,000.
Club and District
The Board
- made further adjustments to the new zone structure that it had approved at its January 2017 meeting, including sections, zone numbers, and the director nomination schedule. This new zone structure will be posted to rotary.org;
- amended the district leadership plan (effective 1 July 2019) by
- combining the District Membership Attraction and Engagement Committee and the District New Club Development Committee into the District Membership Committee;
- eliminating the Member Benefit Committee;
- combining responsibilities of Vocational Service and Youth (New Generations) Service Committees into the Community Service Committee;
- combining responsibilities of Rotary Community Corps and Rotary Fellowships Committees into the Community Service Committee;
- eliminating the District Club Service Committee;
- requested governors of districts with US-based clubs to appoint a district insurance representative to help communicate to clubs about the Club and District Insurance program;
- agreed that as of 1 July 2020 governor-nominee training should cover:
- governor-nominee responsibilities;
- assessing your district;
- creating a calendar;
- financial management;
- convening training events and district conference;
- governors-nominee and governors-elect should meet jointly to learn about
- succession planning;
- district leadership plan;
- strategic planning;
- communication;
- and that governor-elect training will not include district organization.
RI Programs, Communications, and Meetings
The Board selected Geeta Manek to serve as one of two lead facilitators on the 2018 Regional Leaders Training Institute planning team with the moderator and another lead facilitator appointed by the Trustees.
January 2017
The 2016-17 Rotary International Board held its third meeting 24-26 January 2017 in Evanston, Illinois, USA. It reviewed eight committee reports and recorded 61 decisions. Here are the highlights.
Clubs and Districts
The Board:
- Agreed to a realignment of the 34 Rotary zones, in accordance with the RI Bylaws requiring the Board to review the composition of zones at least every eight years. See the new zone structure.
- Affirmed that for any Rotarian who is a member of more than one club at the same time, Rotary will officially recognize only the membership in the club to which the Rotarian pays dues
- Agreed in concept with testing a global membership model that is not club-based, in accordance with the findings from Rotary’s strategic planning effort
- Approved regional membership initiatives that align with the new zone structure, to include annual funding tailored to each zone for training and other membership-related initiatives
- Approved a national redistricting plan in Brazil
Programs and Awards
The Board:
- Approved a new Rotary Service Awards and Recognition program
- Recognized the proposed Hepatitis Eradication Rotarian Action Group
- Approved 117 recipients of the 2016-17 RI Service Above Self Award
- Designated the week (Monday through Sunday) that includes 7 October as Rotary Alumni Reconnect Week
Administration and Finances
The Board:
- Approved President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s proposed 2017-18 committee structure and appointments
- Amended its policy to encourage candidate interviews at director nominating committees and further stipulated that if candidate interviews are conducted, the committee will ensure that:
- Each candidate is asked the same questions
- Each interview lasts the same amount of time
- The committee conducts all interviews on the same day and at the same location
The Board approved the 2017-18 budget assumptions, which includes a list of enterprise projects.
September 2016
Board minutes — September 2016
The 2016-17 Rotary International Board held its second meeting 19-22 September 2016 in Evanston, Illinois, USA. It reviewed 12 committee reports and recorded 64 decisions. Here are the highlights:
Clubs and Districts
The Board:
- Approved the creation of three regional teams that will develop rezoning proposals for the Board to consider at its January 2017 meeting, and it approved criteria, guidelines, and a timetable for rezoning
- Reaffirmed that developing the Rotary vision and strategic plan is a top priority for the Board, Trustees, and Secretariat, and approved an action plan for the Strategic Planning Committee to execute and monitor
- Amended the specific duties of a district governor to add responsibilities for districtwide strategic planning
- Requested Rotary institute conveners to provide comprehensive governor-nominee training at their institutes starting 2020-21, and agreed that Rotary would subsidize this
- Agreed to shorten the International Assembly by one day, starting in 2021
- Received a report on membership trends that included these figures as of 1 July 2016:
- Membership: 1,207,913 Rotarians (down 1,578 from a year ago)
- Clubs: 35,399 (up 285 from a year ago)
- Average club size: 34 members
Meetings
The Board:
- Agreed that every seven years, Rotary may consider convention bids from cities that do not meet the critical criteria for a Rotary International Convention host city, provided that:
- No other city in the bidding city’s country meets the criteria for conventions
- The city has no more than three modifications to the criteria
- The total financial impact of accepting such a bid does not exceed $1.5 million
- The city be subject to limits on the number of registrants or to other convention product modifications as defined by the general secretary
- Accepted the proposal of Districts 7010, 7070, 7080, and 7090 to host the Rotary International Convention 24-27 June 2018 in Toronto
Programs and Awards
The Board:
- Agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Lufthansa to help grow its Entrepreneurship Camp model for a term ending in 2020
- Broadened its policy on Rotary Friendship Exchanges to allow non-Rotarians to participate and experience cultural immersion and intercultural exposure, foster greater international understanding, and enhance their vocational skills, all while making new connections and friendships, and, when possible, building a foundation for collaborative service projects
- The expanded policy will also offer a unique educational opportunity for young professionals and businesspeople, helping them develop leadership skills to address their communities’ needs
- Selected the recipients of the 2016-17 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award and Rotary Alumni Association of the Year award, to be announced at the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Supported RI President John F. Germ’s plan to grant the Rotary Award of Honor to golfer Jack Nicklaus and singer-songwriter Dolly Parton
Administration and Finances
- The Board elected Brenda M. Cressey, Past RI President K.R. Ravindran, and Michael F. Webb to be trustees of The Rotary Foundation, beginning 1 July 2017. The Board further elected Mary Beth Growney Selene to fill the unexpired term of Thomas M. Thorfinnson, who resigned as a trustee to take the role of chief strategy officer at the Secretariat.
- The Board accepted the audited financial statements and report on Rotary International’s financial results for 2015-16. An annual report will be published in accordance with the RI Bylaws.
May 2016
The 2015-16 Rotary International Board held its final meeting 26 May in Seoul, Korea, and recorded seven decisions. The 2016-17 Board held its first meeting 27 May in Seoul and recorded 17 decisions. Here are the highlights:
The Board:
- Welcomed the 2016-17 appointments of Jennifer Jones as Rotary International vice president and Hsiu-Ming “Frederick” Lin as treasurer
- Adopted goals for 2017-18. In June, the 2016-17 Rotary Foundation Trustees also adopted these goals, which extend the priorities approved for 2016-17:
- Support and strengthen clubs
- Focus and increase humanitarian service
- Enhance public image and awareness
- Improve financial sustainability and operation effectiveness
- Agreed that Zones 4, 6A, 10A, 13A, 17, 22A, 26, 29, and 30 will select committees in 2017-18 to nominate Rotary International directors for election at the 2018 convention
- Adopted the 2016-17 RI budget, reflecting revenues of $99,954,000 (including use of $1,835,000 in general surplus funds and $80,000 in convention reserves), and reflecting operating expenses of $98,678,000 — resulting in revenues, general surplus funds, and convention reserves of $1,276,000 over expenditures
April 2016
The 2015-16 Rotary International Board held its fourth meeting 16-18 April in Evanston, Illinois, USA. At this meeting, the Board reviewed 12 committee reports and recorded 46 decisions. Here are the highlights of the decisions.
Clubs and districts
The Board affirmed the requirement that all district governors provide an annual statement and report of district finances to each club in the district for discussion and adoption, in accordance with Article 15.060.4. of the RI Bylaws. It also noted that the sanctions that it approved in October will be strictly applied to past district governors who fail to distribute a financial report.
Programs and awards
The Board:
- Approved the Trustees’ plan for new Endowment Fund centennial recognition opportunities, which would include a named plaque at One Rotary Center and temporary naming rights to certain rooms at the Secretariat, depending on the contribution level
- Selected Venky Venkatesh to serve as one of two lead facilitators on the 2017 regional leaders training institute planning team (the Trustees selected Past RI Director Mary Beth Growney Selene as the other)
- Agreed to add a half day of programming to the 2017 Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention in Atlanta, USA
- Recognized the proposed Rotary on Pins Fellowship and authorized the use of the word “Rotary” in its name
Administration
The Board:
- Adopted job descriptions for RI president and directors that will be distributed to candidates and nominating committees
- Agreed to establish a Zone Realignment Committee to recommend criteria, guidelines, and a timetable for rezoning
- Approved an RI investment office that would assume authority over the investment programs at RI and the Foundation
- Requested that the Investment Committee advise the general secretary on the selection, recruitment, and training of a chief investment officer
- Requested that the committee develop policies to ensure that this office operates without influence by individual investment requests
- Adopted new procedures for nominating and electing Rotary Foundation trustees
January 2016
The 2015–16 Rotary International Board held its third meeting on 24–25 January 2016 in San Diego, California, USA. At this meeting, the Board reviewed 12 committee reports and recorded 50 decisions. Here are highlights of its decisions:
Clubs and Districts
In reviewing districting matters, the Board reorganized the following districts effective 1 July 2017:
- District 3230 (India) into new Districts 3231 and 3232
- District 1270 (England) into new Districts 1040, 1070, and 1220
The Board agreed to the following opportunity statement for the District Governor Funding project:
Simplify and streamline governor expense reporting procedures to increase accountability, transparency, and consistency regarding the stewardship of governor funds to the Rotary clubs, districts, and RI.
Programs and Awards
To attract younger members, the Board suggested that future RI presidents and Foundation chairs appoint Rotaractors and other younger Rotary alumni to serve as members of key RI and Foundation committees.
The Board changed the deadline for Service Above Self Award nominations from 1 September to 1 October.
The Board recognized one new Rotarian Action Group: Rotarian Action Group Addiction Prevention.
The Board agreed to cooperate with the Foundation Trustees in sponsoring a Presidential Peace Conference as a preconvention event for the 2017 Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Administration and Finances
The Board approved President-elect John Germ’s proposed 2016–17 committees and committee appointments.
The Board approved the 2016-17 budget assumptions, which include a list of enterprise projects.
October 2015
The 2015-16 Rotary International Board held its second meeting 5-8 October in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Here are the highlights of their decisions:
Clubs and Districts
The Board endorsed a membership development strategic plan designed to revitalize the traditional club model while exploring new models that might attract younger and future generations. The plan has four main focuses:
- Maintaining a coordinated vision of membership across Rotary International
- Building club capacity by strengthening membership teams at the club and district level
- Enhancing membership diversity by exploring different club models
- Increasing member engagement by promoting activities like new member orientation and mentoring
The Board affirmed that membership is Rotary’s highest priority, while polio eradication remains Rotary’s highest external priority.
The Board discontinued the New Member Sponsor Recognition program due to its rising costs and failure to meet objectives, effective 1 April 2016.
Redistricting
The Board reorganized the following districts:
- Combined Districts 4855 and 4915 (Argentina) into the new District 4905, effective 1 July 2016
- Approved moving nondistricted clubs in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia into District 1912
- Reorganized clubs in Mexico into seven (previously eight) districts, effective 1 July 2016
Meetings
The Board agreed to allow non-Rotarians to attend the Rotary International Convention.
The Board looked favorably on hosting a convention in a city that would not meet Rotary’s criteria if no other city in the country would meet the criteria and that an exception be approved no more than once every seven years.
The Board approved several steps to reduce the risk placed on the Host Organization Committee.
The Board set regional attendance estimates to use when setting a convention budget.
The Board accepted the proposal by Rotary Districts 6900, 6910, and 6920 to host the 2017 Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 10-14 June.
Programs and awards
Noting that having a long-term vision and supporting plan is critical to Rotary’s future success, the Board will begin the process of developing a new vision and strategic plan.
The Board recognized three new Rotarian Action Groups:
- Rotarian Action Group for Eliminating Clubfoot Disability
- Rotarian Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives
- Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group
Partnerships
The project partnership agreement with ShelterBox was extended for another three years.
A new strategic partnership with World Vision will begin in India during the WASH in Schools Target Challenge pilot project.
Rotary’s partnership with UNESCO-IHE — which provides scholarships to 10 students to pursue master’s degrees in water management, municipal water and infrastructure, and water science — was extended for one year.
Awards
The Board selected 137 recipients for the 2015-16 Service Above Self Award. A list of their names will be published on the Rotary website in July 2016 and in the August 2016 edition of The Rotarian.
The Board selected a recipient for the 2015-16 Rotary Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award and the Rotary Alumni Association of the Year Award. The honors will be presented at the 2016 Seoul convention.
Administration and Finances
The Board elected William B. Boyd, Gary C.K. Huang, Seiji Kita, Barry Rassin, and Kenneth M. Schuppert to be trustees of The Rotary Foundation, beginning 1 July 2016.
The Board accepted the audited financial statements and report for Rotary International for 2014-15, and agreed to publish an annual report in keeping with RI Bylaws.
“July” 2015
The 2015-16 RI Board held its first meeting 12-14 June 2015 in Evanston, Illinois, USA.
RI Administration
The Board:
- Welcomed the 2015-16 appointments of Greg Podd as RI vice president, Per Høyen as treasurer, and Safak Alpay as Executive Committee chair
- Adopted a set of four priorities with supporting goals for 2016-17, which were also adopted by The Rotary Foundation Trustees at their June meeting: (1) support and strengthen clubs, (2) focus and increase humanitarian service, (3) enhance public image and awareness, and (4) improve financial sustainability and operation effectiveness
- Agreed that Zones 3, 7A, 12, 16B, 20A, 27, 32, and 34 will select committees in 2015-16 to nominate RI directors for election at the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
May 2015
The 2014-15 RI Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting 29 May to 2 June 2015 in Guarujá, Brazil.
RI Administration and Finances
The Board:
- Changed the procedures of the Nominating Committee for RI President to provide for in-person interviews of candidates
- Designated conveners and sites for September RI director nominating committee meetings that will select directors for election at the 2016 Seoul convention; directors will be selected from Zones 1, 5A, 9, 14, 23A, 25, 28, and 31
- Adopted the 2015-16 RI budget, reflecting revenues of $103,432,000, operating expenses of $103,663,600, a one-time pension termination expense of $5,200,000, netted with a pension valuation adjustment gain of $9,000,000, use of general surplus funds of $1,663,000, use of convention reserves of $102,000, resulting in an excess of revenues, general surplus funds, and convention reserve over expenditures of $5,333,400
RI Programs, Communications, and Meetings
The Board:
- Extended eligibility for membership in a Rotary Fellowship to all participants and alumni of Rotary International and Foundation programs
- Established procedures to allow districts outside of the US and Canada to change their prescribed regional magazine if the district thinks a different regional magazine better meets its needs;
- Tentatively selected Hamburg, Germany, as the 2019 Rotary International convention site and Houston, Texas, USA, as the 2022 convention site; pending further review, the Board looked with favor on Taipei, Taiwan, as the 2021 convention site
January 2015
The third 2014–15 RI Board of Directors meeting was held 26–29 January 2015 in San Diego, California, USA. The Board reviewed nine committee reports and recorded 51 decisions. Here are highlights:
Clubs and Districts
The Board reorganized the following districts, effective 1 July 2017:
- District 3460 (Taiwan) into Districts 3461 and 3462
- District 3480 (Taiwan) into Districts 3481 and 3482
- District 3500 (Taiwan) into Districts 3501 and 3502
- District 3520 (Taiwan) into Districts 3521, 3522, and 3523
- District 9140 (Nigeria) into Districts 9141 and 9142
Programs and Awards
The Board:
- Agreed to establish in 2015–16 a new award, the Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity, to be given to non-Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service consistent with Rotary’s ideals
- Recognized three new proposed Rotarian Action Groups:
- Disaster Network of Assistance Rotarian Action Group
- Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species
- Rotarian Action Group—Preparing for Life
- Agreed that simultaneous interpretation at the International Assembly plenary sessions and at the Council on Legislation will now include Chinese
Administration and Finances
The Board:
- Elected Past Director Bryn Styles to fill the remainder of Monty J. Audenart’s term (through 30 June 2017) as a Rotary Foundation Trustee
- Reaffirmed that the certification of polio eradication is the premier goal of Rotary International and its Foundation
- Approved President-elect Ravindran’s proposed 2015-16 committees, including appointments
- Approved the budgets for 2015-16 district governors at this meeting instead of at the July Board meeting, to enable governors to plan their terms in office more effectively
October 2014
The second 2014–15 RI Board of Directors meeting was held on 27–30 October 2014 in Evanston, Illinois, USA. At this meeting, the Board reviewed 15 committee reports and recorded 82 decisions.
Club and District
In reviewing districting matters, the Board reorganized:
- District 3010 (India) into new Districts 3011 and 3012, effective 1 July 2015
- District 3140 (India) into new Districts 3141 and 3142, effective 1 July 2016
- District 3180 (India) into new Districts 3181 and 3182, effective 1 July 2016
The Board also reassigned District 2060 (Italy) from Zone 19 to Zone 12, effective 1 July 2015.
Programs and Awards
The Board agreed to create a new member benefit program that will provide participating Rotarians with discounts or reward points on a variety of products and services. Initial research and development on the program will begin immediately, with a planned program launch in July 2015.
The Board modified Rotary’s calendar of special observances to designate specific months highlighting the Areas of Focus. The new special observance months are:
- September: Basic Education and Literacy
- October: Economic and Community Development
- December: Disease Prevention and Treatment
- January: Vocational Service
- February: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
- March: Water and Sanitation
- April: Maternal and Child Health
- May: Youth Services
To create a shared responsibility model for overseeing Rotary alumni, the Board added alumni to the list of primary responsibilities for the Rotary coordinators and Rotary public image coordinators. And to encourage more alumni to attend the international convention, the Board set a single registration fee for all non-Rotarian alumni—regardless of their year of service—that is the same as the registration fee for Rotaractors, beginning at the 2016 convention in Seoul, Korea.
The Board chose 145 recipients for the 2014–15 Service Above Self Award. The award recipients’ names will be published on the RI website on 1 July 2015 and in The Rotarian August 2015 edition.
Administration and Finances
The Board elected Ron D. Burton, Örsçelik Balkan, Mario César de Camargo, and Thomas M. Thorfinnson to be trustees of The Rotary Foundation, beginning 1 July 2015.
The Board expanded the Innovation and Flexibility pilot program from 200 to 1,000 clubs.
Mandarin Chinese was added to the list of official languages in which Rotary provides translations of essential club and district information.
The Board approved a change in the “additional per capita dues,” as provided for in the RI Bylaws, to pay for the projected expenses of the Council on Legislation from $1.00 to $1.50, effective 1 July 2015.
The Board accepted the audited financial statements and report on Rotary International’s financial results for 2013–14. An annual report will be published in accordance with the RI Bylaws.
“July” 2014
The 2014-15 Rotary International Board of Directors held its first meeting 6-7 June 2014 in Sydney, Australia.
Administration and finances
The Board welcomed the 2014-15 appointments of Celia Elena Cruz de Giay as vice president, Holger Knaack as treasurer, and Larry A. Lunsford as Executive Committee chair.
The Board established the 2014-15 RI committees and approved their terms of reference. The Board agreed that Zones 1, 5A, 9, 14, 18A, 23A, 25, 28, and 31 shall select committees in 2014-15 to nominate RI directors for election at the 2016 RI Convention in Seoul, Korea.
The Board confirmed the 2014-15 RI budget. In accordance with RI Bylaws section 17.050.6. and by three-quarters vote of all directors, the Board authorized the use of $1,630,000 from the general surplus fund for operational and other strategic initiatives in 2014-15 as specifically approved by the Board.
The Board further approved The Rotary Foundation’s 2014-15 programs budget of $89,023,000 for programs that are funded with unrestricted Annual Fund contributions.
Awards
The Board supported President Huang’s plan to present the Rotary Award of Honor to Taiwanese Buddhist nun, teacher, and philanthropist Dharma Master Cheng Yen. The Award of Honor may be granted to deserving individuals including heads of state. Up to five awards may be granted each Rotary year by the president. In 1966 Cheng Yen founded the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation. The foundation’s motto is Instructing the Rich and Saving the Poor. In more recent years the foundation has also become involved in international disaster relief, bone marrow donations, environmental protection, and community volunteering.
May 2014
The 2013–14 Rotary International Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting 26-30 May 2014 in Leura, Australia.
Club and district
The Board endorsed a new membership development business plan that identifies strategies for addressing key membership-related issues, including membership trends, the RI governance structure, regional membership plans, dues, and membership resources. The Board also agreed that the regional membership plans that it had approved in 2011 should be an ongoing effort and not expire on 30 June 2015 as originally approved.
The Board agreed to consider district governor allocation expenses at its annual January meeting to provide governors-elect sufficient advance notice of their allocation amounts.
In reviewing districting matters, the Board reorganized clubs in Districts 3051 and 3052 (India) into new District 3054, effective 1 July 2017; and Districts 4835 and 4865 (Argentina) into new District 4849, effective 1 July 2014. District 3720 (Korea) was reorganized into two new districts: 3721 and 3722, effective 1 July 2016.
Administration and finances
The Board agreed that all Council on Legislation representatives must complete mandatory online Council training before attending the Council, and further agreed that RI will not fund the travel expenses of those representatives who have not completed the training.
The Board amended its policy on what constitutes “failure to function” status for a Rotary club to include clubs that maintain in their membership any Rotarian who initiates or maintains litigation against RI before any of the club’s members have exhausted remedies provided for in RI’s constitutional documents.
The Board authorized the president to designate conveners and meeting places for RI director nominating committees that will meet in September 2014 to select directors-nominee for election at the 2015 RI (São Paulo) Convention. Directors will be selected from Zones 2, 8, 11, 15, 19, 21A, 24, and 33.
The Board agreed that the ability of the Nominating Committee for RI President to select the best qualified Rotarian would be enhanced by interviews with the candidates and therefore, requested the 2014 committee to conduct interviews via videoconferencing with each candidate.
The Board adopted the 2014-15 RI budget, reflecting revenues of $97,353,000, use of general surplus funds of $3,388,000, use of convention reserves of $557,000, and expenses of $100,928,000, resulting in an excess of revenues, general surplus funds, and convention reserve over expenditures of $370,000.
Programs, communications, and meetings
The Board expanded membership eligibility in Rotarian Action Groups to include all participants and alumni of RI and Foundation programs.
In support of the 2013-18 Polio Eradication Endgame Strategic Plan, the Board, in accordance with the RI Bylaws and by a three-quarters vote of all directors, approved use of $3.09 million from the general surplus fund to sustain comprehensive end-of-polio communications activities from 1 July 2014 through 30 June 2016.
The Board amended its policy regarding Friendship Exchanges to emphasize flexibility. The Board agreed that these exchanges provide participating Rotarians and their families the opportunity to host and visit one another internationally (funded individually), with the goal of facilitating new connections and friendships and, when possible, to build a foundation for collaborative service projects.
Noting unforeseen circumstances and the rising costs for RI to participate at Expo Milano 2015, the Board agreed to cease funding for Rotary International’s participation at this world exposition.
January 2014
The third meeting of the 2013–14 RI Board of Directors was held on 20–23 January 2014 in Evanston, Illinois, USA. At this meeting, the Board reviewed 8 committee reports and recorded 35 decisions.
Club and district
The Board reorganized clubs in District 2230 (Belarus, Poland, Ukraine) into two districts, effective 1 July 2016, with new District 2231 comprising the national boundaries of Poland and District 2232 comprising the national boundaries of Belarus and Ukraine. The Board also reorganized clubs in Mexico, consolidating Districts 4180, 4190, and 4200 into two new districts: 4185 and 4195.
In an effort to improve the timeliness and quality of membership data, the Board made changes to policy regarding how clubs report this information, including requiring that clubs must report their new and terminated members within 30 days and by establishing that the club secretary is responsible for timely membership reporting to RI, effective 1 January 2015. These changes will further enable RI to simplify how it bills clubs for their per capita dues.
Programs
The Board agreed to revise the annual Rotary coordinator and Rotary public image coordinator training, beginning in 2014–15, to include only the new appointees, rather than the full team of coordinators.
International Meetings
The Board agreed to offer a worldwide rebate to those districts that reach a registration number for the São Paulo convention (registrants to be Rotarians and guests at 19 or older) before 31 March 2015 that exceeds 10 percent of the Rotarians in their respective districts, based on the 1 July 2014 semiannual report; with such rebate to be up to 10 percent of the districts collective registration fees payable to the district after the convention.
Administration and finances
Noting the opportunity to promote the work of RI at a world’s exhibition, the Board affirmed its support of RI’s participation at Expo Milano 2015.
The Board amended its recommended protocol for introducing, presenting, and seating all current past, and future officers of RI and its Foundation, committee members, and their spouses at all RI meetings, function, and receiving lines, and for listing in all RI publications to be as follows:
President (or president’s representative)
Past presidents (in order of seniority)
President-elect
President-nominee
Vice-president
Treasurer
Director Executive committee chair
Other directors
Trustee chair
Trustee chair-elect
Trustee vice-chair
Other trustees
General secretary
Past directors (in order of seniority)
Directors-elect
Past trustees (in order of seniority)
Incoming trustees
Directors-nominee
Past general secretaries (in order of seniority)
President, immediate past president, vice-president, and honorary treasurer of RIBI
District governors
Past district governors (in order of seniority)
Rotary coordinators, Rotary public image coordinators, and regional Rotary Foundation coordinators and endowment/major gift advisers
District governors-elect
District governors-nominee
October 2013
The second meeting of the 2013–14 RI Board of Directors was held on 28–31 October 2013 in Evanston, Illinois, USA. At this meeting, the Board reviewed 12 committee reports and recorded 52 decisions.
Club and district
Aside from districting changes made at this meeting, the Board confirmed that all other districting changes the Board made before the 2013 Council on Legislation are still in effect and advised that any district wishing to rescind previous Board decisions on this topic, must petition the Board via the Districting Committee.
In reviewing current membership trends, the Board agreed that membership is RI’s second highest priority, behind polio eradication. The Board also added “membership development” to the suggested International Assembly program content list, beginning at the 2015 assembly. The membership pilot programs: Associate Membership, Corporate Membership, Innovation and Flexible Clubs, and Satellite Club Membership were extended for a second three-year pilot term, to conclude on 30 June 2017.
Noting that funding for district governors is one of the largest expenses for Rotary International and that resources are not sufficient to cover all of a district governor’s expenses, the Board simplified the funding policy to make it easier to understand and to provide governors with more flexibility in how they use the funds available to them. The reporting process has also been simplified to make it easier for governors to account for their funding and receive final payment.
Programs and awards
The Board received a report on the status of global polio eradication efforts from Dr. Hamid Jafari, director of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative at the World Health Organization.
In reviewing New Generations matters, the Board agreed to encourage clubs to recruit more young professionals and Rotary Foundation and New Generations program alumni into their membership, and further encouraged new clubs to focus on recruiting New Generations participants.
The Board chose 125 recipients for the 2013–14 Service Above Self Award. The award recipients’ names will be published on the RI website on 1 July 2014 and in the August 2014 edition of The Rotarian.
The Board agreed to recognize the following new Rotary Fellowships:
• Beers Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide Fellowship
• Rotarian E-Club Fellowship
• Rotary Means Business Fellowship of Rotarians
Administration and finances
The Board elected Sushil Gupta, Paul Netzel, Sakuji Tanaka, and Young Suk Yoon to be trustees of The Rotary Foundation, beginning 1 July 2014.
The Board accepted the audited financial statements and report on Rotary International’s financial results for 2012–13. An annual report will be published in accordance with the RI Bylaws.
“July” 2013 Board Meeting Highlights
The 2012–13 RI Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting on 17–21 June 2013 in Cascais, Portugal. The Board also held a brief meeting in April just before the Council on Legislation. The 2013–14 RI Board held its first meeting on 28 June 2013 in Lisbon, Portugal. At these meetings the Board reviewed reports from 13 committees and recorded 93 decisions.
Administration and finances
The Board welcomed the appointment of Anne L. Matthews as 2013–14 RI vice president, Andy Smallwood as 2013–14 treasurer, and Ann-Britt Åsebol as its executive committee chairman.
On President Burton’s recommendation, the Board established the 2013–14 RI committees and approved their terms of reference. The Board agreed that Zones 2, 8, 11, 15, 19, 21A, 24, and 33 shall select committees in 2013–14 to nominate RI directors for election at the 2015 RI convention in São Paulo, Brazil.
The Board confirmed the 2013–14 RI budget with revenues of US$98,797,000, the use of $9,585,000 in general surplus funds, $301,000 in convention reserves, and $108,647,000 in expenses, resulting in an excess of revenues, general surplus funds and convention reserve over expenditures of $36,000. It further approved The Rotary Foundation’s 2013–14 budget of $90,513,000 for Foundation programs that are funded with unrestricted Annual Programs Fund contributions.
June 2013 Board Meeting Highlights
The 2012–13 RI Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting on 17–21 June 2013 in Cascais, Portugal. The Board also held a brief meeting in April just before the Council on Legislation.
Club and district
The Board increased RI extension into China by placing Guangdong Province into District 3450. The Board reorganized clubs in District 2980 (India) into new Districts 2981 and 2982, effective 1 July 2015.
Noting that the 2013 Council did not adopt legislation to allow flexibility in meeting frequency, which effectively ended the Meeting Frequency pilot project, the Board approved the establishment of a transition plan for those clubs in the pilot to return to the standard club model.
Administration and finances
The Board adopted the 2013–14 RI budget, reflecting revenues of US$98,797,000, the use of $9,585,000 in general surplus funds, $301,000 in convention reserves, and $108,647,000 in expenses, resulting in an excess of revenues, general surplus funds, and convention reserve over expenditures of $36,000. As approved by the RI Bylaws and by a three-quarters vote of all directors, the Board also approved an additional $2 million in unallocated general surplus funds for operational and other strategic initiatives in 2013–14.
The Board approved a 2012–13 budget variance of US$3 million for program award expenditures from unrestricted contributions in the Annual Fund (WF) for 2012–13 matching grants, contingent upon approval by the Trustees. The Trustees approved this variance at their June meeting.
The Board designated conveners and meeting places for RI director nominating committees that will meet in September 2013 to select directors-nominee for election at the 2014 RI (Sydney) Convention. Directors will be selected from Zones 4, 6B, 10B, 13, 22, 26, 29, and 30.
RI Programs, Communications, and Meetings
The Board amended New Generations Service Exchange policy by increasing the eligible age of participants from 21 to 30, and by setting the minimum age to the age of majority in the host country, but not younger than 18.
The Board agreed to enter into a service partnership, as a two-year pilot initiative, with the Thunderbird School of Global Management, located in Glendale, Arizona, USA.
The Board recognized the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rotarian Action Group.
January 2013 Board Meeting Highlights
The third meeting of the 2012–13 RI Board of Directors was held on 20–23 January 2013 in La Jolla, California, USA. At this meeting the Board reviewed 8 committee reports and recorded 53 decisions.
Club and District Matters
The Board considered numerous districting issues and agreed that four districts in Argentina will be consolidated into two districts effective 1 July 2014; and, effective 1 July 2015, six districts in England will be consolidated into three districts, and one district in Denmark/Lithuania will split into two new districts. Other districts that are under the minimum membership requirements will be asked to provide and update and plan for membership growth to the Board at its June 2013 meeting.
Programs, Communications, and Awards
Noting the opportunity to promote the work of RI at a world’s exhibition, the Board authorized the general secretary to finalize an agreement with Expo Milano for RI’s participation in the 2015 world’s exhibition in Milan, Italy.
The Board approved development of a new member sponsor recognition pin that will be distributed to sponsors from RI Headquarters. This new recognition pin replaces the current “Each Rotarian: Reach One, Keep One” recognition pin program.
The Board recognized the Rotarian Action Group Against Child Slavery and the Rotarians for Hearing Rotarian Action Group.
International Meetings
The Board approved an International RYLA to meet on 26–29 May 2014 in conjunction with the Sydney convention.
Administration and Finances
Recognizing that polio eradication is RI’s top priority, the Board authorized a 2013–14 expenditure of US$5 million from general surplus funds to The Rotary Foundation for polio eradication efforts.
October 2012 Board Meeting Highlights
The second meeting of the 2012-13 RI Board of Directors was held on 29 October – 1 November 2012, in Evanston, Illinois, USA. At this meeting the Board reviewed 20 committee reports and recorded 103 decisions.
Club and District Matters
The new minimum number of charter members required for a new club shall be 20 unless there are special and sufficient reasons for the Board to waive this requirement. Previously, the minimum number of charter members was set at 25.
Three-year regional membership plans were adopted for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Middle East, Philippines, and Taiwan.
The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee (RRPFC), which builds a display float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, USA, was given permission to contact district governors in the United States and Canada to solicit donations and other support for the project. The Board encourages Rotarians in charge of district conferences, PETS, and Rotary institutes to consider allowing the RRPFC to display promotional materials at those meetings.
Programs, Communications, and Awards
The Board renewed Rotary’s service partnership with Goodwill Industries International for one more year, and renewed relationships with the International Reading Association, the Global FoodBanking Network, and Youth Service America as service partners for three additional years.
The Board approved a transition plan for New Generations Exchanges to become New Generations Service Exchanges, effective 1 July 2013, to align the program with the Fifth Avenue of Service. The general secretary will develop resources for New Generations Service chairs to facilitate these exchanges and promote the opportunity to the general public as well as to the district Rotaract, RYLA, Rotary Friendship Exchange, International Service, Vocational Service, and Community Service chairs.
To promote vocational service, incoming district governors will now receive the Vocational Service Updatenewsletter and the Rotary Code of Conduct . Clubs are asked to share the Code of Conduct at new member orientation and share examples of replicable vocational service projects through Rotary Showcase.
One hundred forty-three recipients of the 2012-13 RI Service Above Self Award were chosen by the Board. Names of recipients will be published on 1 July 2013, or after presentations of the awards have been made.
Noting that RI’s liaisons with the United Nations and other organizations are a vital part of Rotary’s public relations outreach, and provide increased recognition to Rotary as a distinguished, effective organization working toward common humanitarian goals, the Board expanded RI’s liaisons with the United Nations to include the European Union, League of Arab States, Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
The Board provided US$50,000 to the Paul and Jean Harris Home Foundation for maintenance and to develop a detailed business plan to restore Comely Bank—the Chicago home of Paul and Jean Harris. Upon approval of the business plan, RI may enter into a loan agreement with the Paul and Jean Harris Foundation for the interior reconstruction of Comely Bank.
International Meetings
The Board accepted the proposal from Districts 9680, 9690, and 9750 to host the 2014 RI Convention on 1-4 June 2014 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It also agreed to hold the 2016 RI Convention in Seoul, South Korea, with the KINTEX exhibition and convention center as the primary venue. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA was tentatively selected as the site for the 2020 RI Convention.
Administration and Finance
The Board elected Monty J. Audenart, Noel A. Bajat, and Kalyan Banerjee to be trustees of The Rotary Foundation to serve four-year terms beginning 1 July 2013.
Key organizational initiatives for 2012-13 include improving the functionality of the rotary.org website, ensuring a successful global launch of Future Vision, executing measures recommended by the Committee to Strengthen Rotary’s Brand as approved by the Board and Trustees, implementing the Secretariat reorganization plan, and implementing the fundraising plan approved by the Trustees.
The Board considered 18 Council on Legislation resolutions that had been withdrawn from the Council and sent directly to the Board for reply. Three were referred to the Foundation Trustees for further consideration, and two were referred to committee.
The Board noted that a total of US$228,698,000 was received from districts, clubs, alumni, Rotaractors, Interactors, Rotary Fellowships, and individual Rotarians to End Polio Now, and thanked Past Trustee John Germ for his outstanding leadership in surpassing the goal of Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge.
The Board accepted the audited financial statements and report on Rotary International’s financial results for 2011-12. An annual report will be published in accordance with the RI bylaws.
“July” 2012 Board Meeting Highlights
The 2011–12 RI Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting on 11–16 May 2012 in Pattaya, Thailand. The 2012–13 RI Board held its first meeting on 17 May 2012 in Pattaya, Thailand. At these meetings the Board reviewed reports from 13 committees and recorded 94 decisions.
RI Administration and Finances
The Board welcomed the appointment of Kenneth M. Schuppert as 2012–13 RI vice president, Elizabeth S. Demaray as 2012–13 treasurer, and elected Yash Pal Das as its executive committee chairman.
Following the resignation of Trustee Anne L. Matthews, the Board elected Stephanie Urchick to fulfill the remainder of Anne Mathews’ term as a Foundation trustee.
The Board established the following goals for 2012–13:
- Support the eradication of polio and promote humanitarian service in the six areas of focus;
- Advance peace through service;
- Strengthen Rotary clubs and membership;
- Enhance Rotary’s public image;
- Address regional issues and concerns as needed.
On President Tanaka’s recommendation, the Board established the 2012–13 RI committees and approved their terms of reference. The Board agreed that Zones 4, 6B, 10B, 13, 17, 22, 26, 29, and 30 shall select committees in 2012–13 to nominate RI directors for election at the 2014 RI convention in Sydney, Australia.
The Board confirmed the 2012–13 RI budget with revenues of US$95,511,000, the use of up to $12,110,000 from the general surplus fund, $583,000 from the convention reserve fund, and expenses of $106,522,000, resulting in an excess of approved funds over expenditures of $1,682,000. It further approved The Rotary Foundation’s 2012–13 budget of $80,572,000 for Foundation programs that are funded with unrestricted Annual Programs Fund contributions.
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Code of policies , 2017/10/24
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