2019 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION - ESSENTIAL CHANGES FOR CLUBS AND DISTRICT

Club Finances

Financial reporting. The annual meeting for the election of officers includes the club’s mid-year financial report with current and previous year income and expenses. (19-24)

Satellite club financials. A satellite club’s financial statement may be audited or reviewed.(19-29)

Club dues increased. In 2019-20, member dues are 34.00 per half year. To improve service to clubs, RI semiannual dues were increased by $.50 for each of the next three years — to 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. (19-82)

Changing Club Name or Location

Notification extension. Proposed changes to a club’s name or locality are provided to each member and the governor at least 21 days (currently 10 days) before changes are voted on. (19-26)

Modernized language. There are no longer classification restrictions on forming a club in a locality. A club may be formed even if one or more clubs are already organized in the locality. The locality of a club that conducts its activities primarily online shall be worldwide or as the club board determines. (19-28)

Club Rules

Modernized language. The Standard Rotary Club Constitution’s language was modernized and streamlined to help with flow and readability. No substantive changes were made to the policies. Download the new easy to understand version, which all clubs are required to use. (19-30 and 19-116)

District Finances

Deadline extension. Within one year of serving as governor, an independently reviewed annual statement and report of district finances is provided to clubs in the district for their approval. (19-57)

District Leadership

Without a vice governor. If a governor is unable to serve and no vice-governor has been designated, only a past governor will serve as acting governor. (19-53)

Elections

Club voting strength. A club’s voting strength is determined by the number of members on its 1 July club invoice. (19-49)

Challenge deadline. When a valid challenging nomination for governor is received, voting for candidates occurs in a ballot by mail or at the district conference if the challenge remains valid for 30 days. (19-52)

District dues. Clubs may only participate in voting for the member and alternate member of the nominating committee for director, for the selection of the governor-nominee, or by electors at a district conference, if they have paid their district dues and are not indebted to the district as determined by the governor. (19-54)

Membership

Rotaract clubs. Just like Rotary clubs, Rotaract clubs are now members of Rotary International. While there are no operational changes for Rotaract clubs or the Rotary clubs that sponsor them, this provision elevates the status of Rotaract clubs and allows RI to increase support and resources to help them grow. (19-72)

Diversity. Clubs need a well-balanced membership that celebrates diversity. (19-18)

Classification. The classification limitation has been removed, so clubs may now determine for themselves the appropriate number of members in a particular classification. In addition, elected or appointed public officials are no longer prohibited from joining a club using the classification associated with their office. (19-37 and 19-39)

Small clubs. A governor may request the RI Board to terminate clubs with fewer than six members. (19-70)