Membership, RI Committees and Dues Provided Lots to Debate by COL Delegates

 

Posted by John Borst on May 06, 2019
Dues Membership Seniors
# 5 in a series
Rotary has shouted out loud and clear that Rotaract Clubs are now officially clubs of and in Rotary rather then clubs outside of the family of Rotary. The path there had many twists and turns including an appeal to Social Media by President Barry Rassin. His was a post I just happen to read. Then the next thing I knew it I was hearing that Rotaractors would now be Rotarians too.
 
n my opinion it was a decision that made much sense since as I have argued in earlier posts, Rotaractors are adults and qualify by age for Rotary. I also live in a small working-class town in which Rotaract makes little sense. Hence if an eighteen to thirty-nine year old is interested in service to community Rotary is where they should be.
 
The debate over dues for seniors in 19-89, 90, and 91,  I found fascinating primarily because the reasoning wants so poorly thought out. Rather than being a recognition that the aged like youth may require some adjustment to the cost of being a Rotarian, 90 and 91 especially were more a reward for long time service than age. 19-89 made the best case primarily on the basis of age but did include a short service factor.
 
The real reason we should provide a reduced cost to those 80 years or older is a recognition that it is a service to do so. At that age the social aspect of Rotary is our greatest benefit to others including our members. Isolation and loneliness face the elderly. Multi-generational contact may not be possible elsewhere in our age stratified society. A reduction for long-time service is not a justifiable reason for a reduced fee as is proposed in 19-90 and 91. Both create two classes of seniors, which certainly is not fair to all concerned.  A reduction based solely on age does warrant consideration.
 
I also found the rejection of a standing committee on “Information Technology” disappointing. Nothing is so all-pervasive in this age than “information technology”. Perhaps it was the term itself that was part of the problem. Somehow, it is a dated expression. The next wave of the revolution is already poking at the door. Some call it, The “Internet of Things”. Concepts such as “Smart Cities” are being developed. So are Smart organizations especially mega-companies such as Amazon.com. We too are an organization. We too should be exploring and evolving into a “smart service organization”.  It should not be left to our staff, we need our governance leaders to part of the process. But that is a topic for a future post.
 
There is not enough space to comment on other items, however, I do wish to say, I wish Rotary would report on the rational for the withdrawal of an item. Some items leave one wondering why? A little more transparency would go  a long way in developing confidence in COL’s leadership and the delegates thing and an understanding of the process.
 
 
71-72
Rotary International Membership
YES
NO
RESULT
19-72
To admit Rotaract clubs to RI membership
This is a very long and complicated resolution-only simple highlights are noted here:
ORIGINAL MOTION
Article 2 Membership in Rotary International
2.010. Application for Membership in RI.
2.010.2. Rotaract Clubs.
A Rotaract club may seek admission to membership in RI. Such club shall not be subject to the requirements of 2.010.1. The board shall determine the process for admission. Upon admission, such club shall be subject to all rights and responsibilities of a club. -REJECTED
AS AMENDED
Article 1 Definition-added
Rotaract club: A club of young adults.
Rotaractor: A member of a Rotaract club.
Year: The twelve-month period which begins on the first day of July.
Article 2 Name & Description
Add and Rotaract clubs
Article 3 Purposes
Add, Rotaract Clubs
Article 5 Memberships
Add in sec 1 & 2 and/or Rotaract clubs
Sec 3 Composition of Rotaract Clubs. Rotaract clubs shall be composed of Rotaractors as determined by the board. AND SO ON
381
134
Adopted as Amended
19-73
To remove provisions for pilot projects
Section 4 — Exceptions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution or of the bylaws of RI or the standard club constitution, the board, as a pilot project, may admit into membership or permit the reorganization of up to 1,000 clubs with provisions in their constitutions not in accordance with this constitution and bylaws of RI. Such pilot project may extend for a period not exceeding six years. Upon the conclusion of any such pilot project, the constitutions of all clubs admitted into membership or permitted to reorganize shall be the standard club constitution as in effect at that time.
96
412
rejected
74-78
Rotary International Committees
YES
NO
RESULT
19-74
To amend the term of service for the Convention Committee members
TO ADD In addition to the chair of a convention committee, one other member of the convention committee may be a person who has served on one prior convention committee.
451
56
adopted
19-75
To amend the term of reference for the Rotaract and Interact Committee
17.010. Number and Term
Strike term and Interact
consists of six three members, each one of whom shall serve a term be appointed each year for  term of three years, with two members appointed each year, plus a minimum of three Rotaract members _____, with the committee co-chaired by one member and one Rotaract member.
 
Interim Provision Relating to Section 17.010.
Amendments to section 17.010. adopted at the 2019 Council on Legislation pursuant to council enactment 19-75 shall be implemented by the board in a manner it deems appropriate.
 
 
452
40
adopted
19-76
To amend the term of service for the Audit Committee members
Change 17.120 Audit Committee
one current trustee two current trustees
…. with one member appointed every second year.
240
266
rejected
19-77
To provide for an Information Technology Committee
Article 17 Committees
 17.010. Number and Term.
ADD information technology,
AND (7) information technology consist of six members, each of whom shall serve a term of three years, with two members appointed each year;
157
335
rejected
19-78
To provide for a Rotary Representative Network
17.140. The Rotary Representative Network.
17.040.1. Purpose of the Representative Network.       
The Representative Network exists for the purpose of building relationships between RI and major intergovernmental organizations. 
7.040.2. Representatives.
There shall be 30 representatives, each nominated by the president-elect and elected by the board in the year prior to taking office.  All representatives shall satisfy the following qualifications: A representative must be either a past governor or a Rotarian with experience in international affairs.  The president-elect shall endeavor to select the best representatives possible and whenever possible to select individuals with experience with international communication, negotiation, and diplomacy.
17.040.3. Chair of the Representative Network.
There shall be one representative chosen from among the 30 representatives who shall serve as chair of the Representative Network.  The chair shall be chosen by
the president-elect.
17.040.4. Vacancies in the Position of Representative.
In the event of a vacancy in the position of representative, a new representative shall be nominated by the president to fill the unexpired term and elected by the board.
17.040.5. Terms of Representatives.
The terms of the representatives shall be three years.  Representatives may be reappointed for one additional term.  The terms of representatives shall be staggered so that one-third of the representatives are appointed each year.
17.040.6. Compensation of Representatives.
All representatives shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
7.040.7. Report of Representatives.
The representatives shall report no less than annually to RI on their communication and accomplishments with the intergovernmental agency for which they are the representative.  The annual report of RI shall, by individual intergovernmental agency, clearly show all reimbursed expenses paid to, and all payments made on behalf of, each of the representatives.
200
304
rejected
79-81
Rotary International Conventions
YES
NO
RESULT
19-79
To update and modernize the convention procedures
5.040. Powers of the Board.
5.040.3. Plans and Supervises the Annual Convention.
In accordance with the RI Constitution, the board shall determine the time, place, and fees, and make all arrangements for the annual convention.  The board shall make every effort to ensure that no Rotarian will be excluded solely on the basis of national citizenship when selecting a convention site.  The president shall be the presiding officer, who may appoint others to preside.  The president may appoint credentials, balloting, and other committees if needed.  The board shall adopt voting procedures implementing article 9, sections 3, 4, and 5, of the RI Constitution for representation by the delegates.
AND DELETED WHAT NOW EXISTS IN ARTICLE 10 CONVENTION
485
23
Adopted
19-80
To revise the process for the election of officers
Article 6  Officers
6.010. Election of Officers at Convention.
The officers to be elected at the annual convention shall be the president, directors, and governors of RI, and the president, vice-president, and honorary treasurer of RIBI, if such an election is needed under the provisions of subsection 10.120.1. of these bylaws.
10.110. Balloting Committee.
10.110.2. Notice of Election of Officers.
The president shall notify the electors of the time and place for nominations and elections of officers, unless the board has determined that an election is not needed under the provisions of the following section. 
10.120.1. Electors Voting Rights.
The electors shall each be entitled to cast one vote for each officer to be elected, if the selection process provided in these bylaws for the officer has not been completed.  If the selections of all the officers normally confirmed at a convention have been completed in accordance with these bylaws and, thereby, are not subject to challenge or appeal, then the board is authorized to determine that the selections of such officers does not need to be confirmed by an election at the convention.
414
98
adopted
19-81
To remove the provision for special assemblies at the convention
10.150. Special Assemblies.
At each convention, special assemblies of Rotarians from one country or from a group of countries in which clubs are established, may be held.  The board or the convention may determine from time to time for what country or countries such special assemblies shall be held and shall instruct the convention committee accordingly.  At such assemblies, matters which pertain particularly to the country or group of countries concerned may be considered.  The president shall designate the convening officer and shall promulgate rules for the conduct of the said assemblies as near as may be to the rules regulating the procedure of the convention.  Upon convening, the assembly shall select its chair and secretary.
 
 
Withdrawn
82-95
Rotary International Finances and Per Capita Dues
YES
NO
RESULT
19-82
To increase per capita dues
18.030. Dues.
18.030.1. Per Capita Dues.
Each club shall pay to RI per capita dues for each of its members as follows: US$28.00 per half year in 2016-2017, US$30.00 per half year in 2017 - 2018, US$32.00 per half year in 2018 - 2019, and US$34.00 per half year in 2019 – 2020, US$34.50 per half year in 2020-2021, US$35.00 per half year in 2021-2022, and US$35.50 per half year in 2022-2023 and thereafter.  Such dues shall remain constant until changed by the council on legislation.
 
 
withdrawn
19-83
To increase per capita dues
18.030.1. Per Capita Dues.
Each club shall pay to RI per capita dues for each of its members as follows: US$28.00 per half year in 2016-2017, US$30.00 per half year in 2017 - 2018, US$32.00 per half year in 2018 - 2019, and US$34.00 per half year in 2019-2020, US$35.00 per half year in 2020-2021, US$36.00 per half year in 2021-2022, and US$37.00 per half year in 2022-2023, and US$38.00 per half year in 2023-2024 and thereafter.  Such dues shall remain constant until changed by the council on legislation. 
 
 
withdrawn
19-84
To increase per capita dues
18.030.1. Per Capita Dues.
Each club shall pay to RI per capita dues for each of its members as follows: US$28.00 per half year in 2016-2017, US$30.00 per half year in 2017 - 2018, US$32.00 per half year in 2018 - 2019, and US$34.00 per half year in 2019 - 2020 and thereafter.  Such dues shall remain constant until changed by the council on legislation US$40.00 per half year in 2019-2020 and thereafter.  The amount of RI per capita dues shall not be revised until the year 2030.     
18.030.2. Additional Dues.
Each club shall pay each year to RI for each of its members additional per capita dues of US$1.00 or such other amount, as determined by the board, sufficient to pay for the projected expenses of the next scheduled council on legislation and council on resolutions.  There shall be no minimum amount payable to RI by any club.  In the event an extraordinary meeting of the council on legislation is convened, additional per capita dues to pay for its expenses shall be paid as soon as practicable following the meeting.  Such additional dues shall be held as a separate fund restricted to provide for the expenses of representatives in attending the council, as well as other administrative expenses of the council, in a manner to be determined by the board.  The board shall furnish the clubs an accounting of receipts and expenditures.
53
451
rejected
19-85
To amend the provisions for increasing per capita dues
18.030.1. Per Capita Dues.
Each club shall pay to RI per capita dues for each of its members as follows: US$28.00 per half year in 2016 - 2017, US$30.00 per half year in 2017 - 2018, US$32.00 per half year in 2018 - 2019, and US$34.00 per half year in 2019 - 2020 and thereafter.  Such dues shall remain constant until changed by the council on legislation.  Per capita dues shall not be increased for at least three years after 2019-2020.
 
 
withdrawn
19-86
To maintain current per capita dues amounts
18.030.1. Per Capita Dues.
Each club shall pay to RI per capita dues for each of its members as follows: US$28.00 per half year in 2016-2017, US$30.00 per half year in 2017 - 2018, US$32.00 per half year in 2018 - 2019, and US$34.00 per half year in 2019 - 2020 and thereafter. US$34.00 per half year in 2019-2020 and thereafter.  Such dues shall remain constant until changed by the council on legislation.
 
 
withdrawn
19-87
To reduce per capita dues when married people are members of the same club
ADD: When two individuals, who are lawfully married to each other, are members of the same club, the club shall pay per capita dues for one member and pay 50 percent of per capita dues for the spouse of the member.  The club must notify RI in the semiannual report.  Such dues waiver shall remain at 50 percent until changed by the council on legislation.
 
 
withdrawn
19-88
To reduce per capita dues and allow free digital subscriptions to Rotary magazines for members 30 years old and younger
ADD
These amounts shall be reduced by 75 percent for members who are 30 years old and younger.
AND
8.030.2.1. Exception to Additional Dues.
No additional per capita dues shall be assessed on members who are 30 years old and younger to pay for the council on legislation or the council on resolutions.
PLUS
21.030.3. Optional Subscription.
Members who are 30 years old and younger shall receive an electronic copy of the official magazine at no charge.  Members who are 30 years old and younger shall have the option to become paid subscribers and receive a printed copy by mail.
 
 
Withdrawn
19-89
To reduce per capita dues for older members
18.030. Dues.
18.030.2. Reduction of Per Capita Dues by 50 Percent for Older Members.
If the aggregate of the member’s years of age and years of membership in one or more clubs is 85 years or more, the member’s per capita dues shall be reduced by 50 percent.
 
 
withdrawn
19-90
To reduce per capita dues for older members
ADD TO 18.030-Rotarians 75 years of age or older, who have maintained active membership in one or more Rotary clubs for at least 25 years, shall be exempt from the payment of 50 percent of their per capita dues.
151
356
rejected
19-91
To exempt older members from per capita dues
ADD TO 18.030 Rotarians 65 years of age or older, who have been a member of one or more clubs for at least 30 years, may choose to be exempt from the payment of per capita dues.
108
399
rejected
19-92
To disclose to clubs the effect and impact of changing per capita dues
ADD TO 18.060.1 including the effect and impact of any change of RI per capita dues as a separate item, a
234
272
rejected
19-93
To change the name of the General Surplus Fund to the RI Reserve
ADDIN  Article 6 Board of Directors Section 2
general surplus fund RI reserve a PLUS OTHER SECTIONS
502
14
adopted
19-94
To revise the process for establishing the General Surplus Fund
8.050.6. Expenditures in Excess of Anticipated Revenue; General Surplus Fund.  
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 18.050.4., if at any time the general surplus fund is greater than 85 percent of the highest level of annual expenses during the most recent three-year period, excluding expenditures funded from the general surplus fund and the self-financing expenditures on the annual convention and the council on legislation the board will establish an annual reserve target sufficient to ensure that RI will continue to meet its financial obligations.  If at any time the RI reserve is greater than the RI reserve target set by the board, the board, by a three-quarters vote, may authorize the expenditure of amounts in excess of anticipated revenues, provided, however, that such expenditure would not cause the general surplus fund to decrease below 100 percent of such 85 percent level the RI reserve target.  Full details of the reserve target and any excess expenditure and the circumstances leading thereto shall be reported by the president to all officers of RI within 60 days and to the next convention.
 
434
68
adopted
19-95
To establish a new target and define the General Surplus Fund
18.050. Budget.
18.050.6. Expenditures in Excess of Anticipated Revenue; General Surplus Fund.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 18.050.4., if at any time the general surplus fund is greater than 85 55 percent of the highest level of annual expenses during the most recent three-year period, excluding expenditures funded from the general surplus fund and the self-financing expenditures on for the annual convention and the council on legislation, the board, by a three-quarters vote, may authorize the expenditure of amounts in excess of anticipated revenues, provided, however, that such expenditure would not cause decrease the general surplus fund to decrease below 100 percent of such 85 55 percent level.  Full details of the excess expenditure and the circumstances leading thereto such authorization shall be reported by the president to all officers of RI within 60 days and to the next convention.  The general surplus fund shall be defined as RI’s cash and investments, excluding funds held in restricted currencies, funds restricted for a specific purpose by the bylaws or the board and funds necessary for RI’s daily operations.
 
 
Withdrawn