Rotary International.The Council on Legislation–The third day completed Recap of the previous days 11 APRIL 2016

The Council on Legislation–The third day completed

Recap of the previous days

11 APRIL 2016

The Council on Legislation approved on Monday two key measures that would give clubs greater flexibility in their meetings and membership. Both were backed by the RI Board of Directors and passed overwhelmingly after lively debate. The first measure gives clubs greater leeway in when and how often they meet, how often they cancel meetings, and what constitutes a meeting, as long as they meet at least twice a month. The second measure grants clubs flexibility to experiment with membership models. Proponents argued that clubs need the enhanced freedom in order to determine what works best in their communities, noting that "one size does not fit all." See the vote totals from Monday’s action.

12 APRIL 2016

Continuing yesterday's theme of flexibility, the Council on Legislation agreed on Tuesday to simplify the qualifications for membership in a Rotary club. The measure removes six membership criteria from the RI Constitution, replacing them with the simple requirement that a member be a person of good character who has a good reputation in their business or community and is willing to serve the community. Proponents argued that the change will give power back to clubs to "choose their own members without a checklist" and encourage membership growth. The Council also deferred until Thursday the consideration of proposals to create a new membership type, associate membership, and to allow Rotaractors to join a Rotary club, too. See Tuesday's vote totals.


13/04/2016     19:31  Dues increase

The first business for the day will be voting on the proposed dues increase

13/04/2016     19:41  Funds to move forward
The board is proposing a $4 per capita dues increase beginning in 2017-18, to avoid having to make serious cuts or having surplus fall below bylaw levels in 2020. See the Five Year Financial Forecast for more background

13/04/2016     19:47  Beyond the status quo
"We are at a moment in time when we must think beyond the status quo. We MUST think about our future," RI Vice President Greg E. Podd, speaking in favor of the dues increase.

13/04/2016     19:56  Dues discussion continues
Debate on the dues increase is the most lively yet. Some well-reasoned arguments on all sides.

13/04/2016     19:58  Pros and cons
Those reluctant to approve a $4 increase have expressed concern for its impact on membership. Those for the increase insist it is needed to offset poor investment returns, inflation, and the need to provide members with services and programs -- like improvements to the website and Rotary Club Central -- to enhance membership.

13/04/2016     20:09  A look at the chamber


Moments before the dues discussion began

13/04/2016     20:12  Having their say
Lines forming at the microphones as council members express their views on the dues increase

13/04/2016     20:16  What price, Rotary?
Speaking in favor of the increase, past RI President Rajendra K. Saboo: "I come from a part of the world where $4 is not a small amount. But I ask, What has Rotary given to me... Rotary has made me a better person. What price do you put on that?"

13/04/2016     20:39  Rotary's online presence
Trustee Thomas Thorfinnson: "The world has changed. Clubs are not the only front office. When my daughters look for a product, they go online. If we are to change Rotary, as you have so far, we cannot afford to have a presence on the internet anything less than innovative and cutting edge."

13/04/2016     20:40  Dues vote imminent
The vote on the $4 dues increase is coming in less than five minutes. Presenter is making his closing comments.

13/04/2016     20:42  Dues increase passes
The council has just passed the $4 dues increase.

13/04/2016     21:45  Service with a smile


Sergeants-at-arms perform an important role at the council, helping members in a variety of ways. Jim Ives, of Dearborn, Michigan, USA, has served at the council three times. "The most important thing is to be nice. I like seeing the people