The Rotary Club of Edmonton West Rotary International District 5370 Introduction to Rotary
Printed October 2010 Editor: Bill Buckham Images and hyperlinks: Jerome Martin Layout and design: Lu Ziola Presented To Date President
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West Contents An Introduction... 1 The Organization of Rotary... 2 Clubs... 2 Districts... 2 RI Board... 2 The Secretariat... 2 Rotary s Guiding Principles... 3 Object of Rotary... 3 Classification Principle... 3 Avenues of Service... 4 RI Programs... 5 Interact... 5 Rotaract... 5 Rotary Community Corps (RCC)... 5 Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups... 5 Rotary Friendship Exchange... 5 Rotary Volunteers... 6 Rotary Youth Exchange... 6 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)... 6 World Community Service (WCS)... 6 Rotary Foundation... 7 Financial Support... 7 Educational Programs... 8 Humanitarian Grants Program... 8 PolioPlus... 9 Club Membership Benefits and Responsibilities...10 Service... 10 Membership recruitment and retention... 10 Attendance... 11 The Four-Way Test... 11 Introduction to Rotary i
Rotary Club of Edmonton West (Our Club)...12 Our History... 12 Our Structure... 12 What We Do for Avenues of Service... 13 Our Budget (2010 2011)... 14 Fundraising... 14 Communications and Staying in Touch...15 Your Part in Edmonton West...16 Obligations/Expectations... 16 Remember... 17 Did You Know?...18
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West An Introduction This club booklet has been prepared for you. It is intended to give you an appreciation of Rotary and of our club, the Rotary Club of Edmonton West (http://www.clubrunner.ca/cprg/home/homeg.asp?cid=457) As an introduction, we want you to find out more about our club, our members, what we do, how we do it and what our club expects of its members. We re proud to be Rotarians and enjoy working and associating together to enhance our community, to provide unselfish service to others and to enjoy good friendship while doing so. Rotary International (http://www.rotary.org/en/pages/ridefault.aspx), the world s first service club organization, is made up of 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Its members form a global network of business, professional, and community leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Rotary s motto, Service Above Self, exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization s more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide. Rotary enjoys a rich and sometimes complex tradition and organizational structure, with many programs that can be confusing to new and even notso-new members. The following pages offer a basic Rotary education the fundamental knowledge that will make every member better informed about Rotary and proud to be a Rotarian. Introduction to Rotary 1
The Organization of Rotary Rotary is essentially a grassroots organization, with most of its service efforts being carried out at the club level. The district and international structure is designed to support the clubs and help them provide more service in their local communities and abroad. Clubs Rotarians are members of Rotary clubs, which belong to the global association Rotary International (RI). Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary s constitution and bylaws. Districts Clubs are grouped into 530 RI districts, each led by a district governor, who is an officer of RI. The district administration, including assistant governors and various committees, guides and supports the clubs. RI Board The 19-member RI Board of Directors, which includes the RI president and president-elect, meets quarterly to establish policies. Traditionally, the RI president, who is elected annually, develops a theme and service emphases for the year. The Secretariat Rotary International is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, USA, with seven international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The office for RI in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), located in England, serves clubs and districts in that region. The Secretariat s chief operating officer is the RI general secretary, who heads a 740-member staff working to serve Rotarians worldwide. 2 Introduction to Rotary
Rotary s Guiding Principles Throughout Rotary s history, several basic principles have been developed to guide Rotarians in achieving the ideal of service and high ethical standards. Object of Rotary First formulated in 1910 and adapted through the years as Rotary s mission expanded, the Object of Rotary provides a succinct definition of the organization s purpose as well as the club member s responsibilities.the Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: First The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; Second High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; Third The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian s personal, busiess, and community life; Fourth The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace. Classification Principle By assigning each member a classification based on his or her business or profession, this system ensures that the club s membership reflects the business and professional composition of its community. The number of members holding a particular classification is limited according to the size of the club. The goal is professional diversity, which enlivens the club s social atmosphere and provides a rich resource of occupational expertise to carry out service projects and provide club leadership. Introduction to Rotary 3
Avenues of Service (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/startaproject/avenuesofservice/ Pages/ridefault.aspx) Based on the Object of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based: Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club. Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards. Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community. International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace. New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs. 4 Introduction to Rotary
RI Programs RI s programs and service opportunities are designed to help Rotarians meet needs in their own communities and reach out to assist people in need worldwide. Rotary Friendship Exchange Interact (http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/ Interact/Pages/ridefault.aspx) Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this service organization for youth ages 12-18; more than 12,300 clubs in 133 countries and geographical areas. Rotaract (http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/ Rotaract/Pages/ridefault.aspx) Rotary clubs organize and sponsor this leadership, professional development, and service organization for young adults ages 18-30; more than 8,000 clubs in 167 countries and geographical areas. Rotary Community Corps (RCC) (http://www.rotary.org/ridocuments/en_pdf/770en.pdf) Rotary clubs organize and sponsor these groups of non-rotarians who work to improve their communities; more than 6,800 RCCs in 78 countries and geographical areas. Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/fellowship/ GlobalNetworkinggroups/Pages/ridefault.aspx) Rotary Fellowships (groups geared to vocational and recreational interests) and Rotarian Action Groups (focused on humanitarian service activities) compose Global Networking Groups, which are open to all Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians, and Rotaractors; about 70 groups. Rotary Friendship Exchange (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/fellowship/ rotaryfriendshipexchange/pages/ridefault.aspx) Rotarian teams or individuals, who may be accompanied by their families, make reciprocal visits to other countries, staying in each other s homes and learning about different cultures firsthand. Introduction to Rotary 5
Rotary Volunteers (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/projectresources/ FindingVolunteers/Pages/ridefault.aspx) Rotarians and other skilled professionals are provided opportunities to offer their services and experience to local and international humanitarian projects. Rotary Youth Exchange (http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/ rotaryyouthexchange/pages/ridefault.aspx) Clubs and districts send and host students ages 15-19 who travel abroad for cultural exchanges of one week to a full year; more than 8,000 a year. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) (http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/rot aryyouthleadershipawards(ryla)/pages/ridefault.aspx) Clubs and districts sponsor seminars to encourage and recognize leadership abilities of youth and young adults ages 14 to 30. World Community Service (WCS) Rotary clubs and districts from two different countries form partnerships to implement community service projects. ProjectLINK at www.rotary.org is a searchable database of club and district community service projects in need of volunteers, funding, and donated goods. 6 Introduction to Rotary
Rotary Foundation (http://www.rotary.org/en/aboutus/ TheRotaryFoundation/Pages/ridefault.aspx) The Rotary FoundationThe Rotary Foundation of RI is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Financial Support In the year ended 30 June 2009, The Rotary Foundation received contributions totaling US$223.8 million and spent $187.8 million in support of humanitarian and educational programs implemented by clubs and districts and global polio eradication activities. Contributions go into one of three main funds: Annual Programs Fund, which provides grants and awards through Foundation programs Permanent Fund, an endowment from which only a portion of the earnings are spent in support of Foundation programs, ensuring the long-term viability of the Foundation PolioPlus Fund (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/polio/ pages/ridefault.aspx), which supports Rotary s goal of a polio-free world Every dollar contributed to the Foundation funds the humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs and program operations. Clubs and districts apply for and receive Foundation grants to carry out many worthy projects worldwide. The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative, designed to encourage worldwide annual per capita giving of $100 or more, supports vital Foundation programs. Introduction to Rotary 7
Educational Programs These programs promote international understanding by bringing together people from different countries and cultures. Ambassadorial Scholarships (http://www.rotary.org/en/ studentsandyouth/educationalprograms/ambassadorialscholarships/ pages/ridefault.aspx), an international program for university-level studies, sends about 500 students each year to serve as ambassadors of goodwill while abroad. Rotary Peace Fellowships (http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/ EducationalPrograms/RotaryCentersForInternationalStudies/Pages/ridefault.aspx) are awarded to individuals for study in master s degree and professional certificate programs at one of the six Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. Group Study Exchange (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/fellowship/ groupstudyexchange/pages/ridefault.aspx) is a short-term cultural and vocational exchange program between districts in different countries for non-rotarian professionals ages 25-40. Humanitarian Grants Program (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/ fundaproject/humanitariangrants/pages/ridefault.aspx) Humanitarian grants enable Rotarians to increase their support of international service projects that provide water wells, medical care, literacy classes, and other essentials to people in need. Rotarian participation is key to the success of these projects. Matching Grants (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/fundaproject/ humanitariangrants/pages/matchinggrants.aspx) assist Rotary clubs and districts in carrying out humanitarian projects with clubs and districts in other countries District Simplified Grants (http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/fundaproject/ HumanitarianGrants/Pages/DistrictSimplifiedGrants.aspx)enable districts to support service activities or humanitarian endeavors that benefit local or international communities. 8 Introduction to Rotary
PolioPlus Eradicating polio is Rotary s top priority. The PolioPlus program provides funding for mass immunization campaigns and support for social mobilization, surveillance, and laboratories to help carry out the final stages of global polio eradication. Rotarians have raised funds that will amount to more than $1.2 billion in support by the time the world is certified polio-free and have provided hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours. Rotary is a spearheading partner with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and CIDA (the Canadian International Development Agency) in this initiative. As a result of their efforts, over two billion children under age five have received the polio vaccine, five million people who might otherwise be paralyzed are walking today, 500,000 new cases of polio are prevented each year, and the number of polio cases has declined by 99 percent worldwide. Rotary s US$200 Million Challenge In 2007 and 2009, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recognized Rotary s leadership in the polio eradication effort with challenge grants of $100 million and $255 million. Grant funds are spent on immunization and other polio eradication activities. Rotary s challenge aims to raise $200 million in matching funds by 30 June 2012, and every Rotary club is asked to help by organizing an annual public fundraising event. The $555 million generated will be a vital catalyst to help achieve Rotary s top priority. Introduction to Rotary 9
Club Membership Benefits and Responsibilities The club is the cornerstone of Rotary, where the most meaningful work is carried out. All effective Rotary clubs are responsible for four key elements: sustaining or increasing their membership base, participating in service projects that benefit their own community and those in other countries, supporting The Rotary Foundation of RI financially and through program participation, and developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level. What Rotarians get out of Rotary depends largely on what they put into it. Many membership requirements are designed to help members become and remain active participants in their clubs, and enjoy their Rotary experience. Service All Rotary clubs share a key mission: to serve their community and those in need throughout the world. By participating in club service projects, members learn about their club s involvement in local and international projects and can volunteer their time and talents where they are most needed. Membership recruitment and retention To keep clubs strong, every Rotarian must share the responsibility of bringing new people into Rotary. Even new members can bring guests to meetings or invite them to participate in a service project. The value of Rotary speaks for itself, and the best way to engage the interest of potential members is by letting them experience fellowship and service firsthand. Keeping members interested in Rotary is another responsibility. Good club fellowship, interesting speakers at weekly meetings, early involvement in service projects, and involvement in club operations are some of the best ways to sustain the club s membership. The ideal composition of a Rotary club reflects the community s demographics, including professions, gender, age, and ethnicity. Such diversity enriches every aspect of the club s fellowship and service. 10 Introduction to Rotary
Attendance Attending club meetings allows members to enjoy their club s fellowship, enrich their professional and personal knowledge, and meet other business leaders in their community. Club meeting times vary to accommodate members family and professional commitments. Some clubs meet at lunchtime, while others meet in the early morning, after work, or in the evening. Rotary policy requires members to attend at least 50 percent of club meetings in each half of the year. If members miss their own club s meeting, they re encouraged to expand their Rotary horizons by attending make-up meetings at any Rotary club in the world a practice that guarantees Rotarians a warm welcome in communities around the globe. Find meeting places and times in the Official Directory or through the Club Locator at www.rotary.org. Rotarians can also make up meetings by participating in a club service project or by attending a club board meeting, a Rotaract or Interact club meeting, or an online meeting at one of several Rotary e-clubs. THE FOUR-WAY TEST Followed by Rotarians worldwide in their business and professional lives, The Four-Way Test was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932. It has since been translated into more than 100 languages and is used by organizations and individuals throughout the world. Of the things we think, say or do 1) Is it the TRUTH? 2) Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Introduction to Rotary 11
Rotary Club of Edmonton West (Our Club) Our History Our club, sponsored by the Edmonton Downtown club, was admitted to membership in Rotary International in 1955 with 21 charter members and Ben Lang as our charter President. Ben is still active and attends most meetings. Our membership, drawn from many walks of life, is generally between 55 and 60 strong. Our Structure The club is operated under the guidance of a Board of Directors. It consists of a President, Past President, President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer and 6 Directors. All are elected each year for a one-year term. Our Organization 2010-2011 The Executive President Mike Ryan President-elect Sherry Holmes Secretary Laurie Wilkie Treasurer Lily Fong Past President Ben Doz The Board Club Service Bob Lamoureux Club Administration Robert Dunseith International Service Duane Evans Membership Chris Gowers Vocational Community Meetings are held every Monday at 12:15 pm, except when major holidays fall on a Monday, at which time the meeting is cancelled. The annual meeting of the Club is held in December, at which time the election of officers occurs. Officers and directors assume office on July 1 of each year and continue their duties until June 30 th of the following year. 12 Introduction to Rotary
What We Do for Avenues of Service Each year the incoming Board in consultation with the members determines its activities and/or projects for the year. Our club has historically worked to distribute its funds and activities equitably amongst the Four Avenues of Service. Here are a few examples of the activities and projects the club is pursuing this year: Community Service School Nutrition Grandview Auxiliary Hospital Clean Scene Network for Youth (Drug Education) Teen Time Inner City Outdoor Hockey Rink and Facilities Development Vocational Service School Literacy Scholarships 395 Air Cadet Squadron (since 1985) Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Rotary Youth Personal Enhancement (RYPEN) Adventures in Citizenship International Service Twinning with Placentia Belize Rotary Club Guatemala Eye Project Belize High School Project Club Service International Conference Membership development District conference Guest speakers Club bulletin/ Communications Family events and friendship Introduction to Rotary 13
Our Budget (2010 2011) The funds raised by the club support activities within each Avenue of Service. Some activities, such as support for Grandview Auxiliary Hospital and Air Cadets, have been ongoing for a number of years; others, are one year events. All reflect the desires and wishes of the club s Rotarians. Equitable Balance. The club generally tries to maintain an equitable balance between the Four Avenues of Service. At times, some projects, because of their nature or size will skew the balance. It is our club members who set the tone and the focus of the Club s efforts. It is the club s policy that social functions be self-supporting. Annual dues in our club are $325.00 per year. They are pro rated for new members joining later in the year. The cost of weekly meetings including the meal is $18. This year our operating budget is forecast to expend the following: International Service 57,000 Vocational Service 30,700 Community Service 32,100 Club Service 63,550 Major revenues are derived from meals, membership dues, our annual charity golf tournament, casino, and Rotary International and District Foundation. Funds on hand at the beginning of the year. (July 1, 2010) totaled 179, 041 Based on the budget forecast, funds remaining. at the end of the year (June 30, 2011) will be 75, 640 Fundraising For any Rotary club to fulfill its mandate of Service Above Self, it must raise the funds necessary to carry out its activities and projects. Some activities are hands on, others are more of a planning and implementation effort either working alone or in conjunction with other organizations and clubs. Our club tries to focus on a few major fundraisers a year and, as a matter of policy, avoids the raffle ticket style of fundraising which it found too labor intensive for the financial return. Our two principal fundraisers are a casino and our annual Rotary charity golf tournament. 14 Introduction to Rotary
The Casino occurs every 18 to 24 months and the proceeds are split evenly between two financial years. It generates about $75,000 an event. Our Rotary Charity Golf Tournament is pleased to have Al Hamilton as the honorary chairman of the tournament. It is held annually on the last Thursday in July and generates between $25,000 and $30,000. Both activities rely on a good effort by the club members and sometimes their families volunteering to make the fundraisers a great success. Other fundraisers fill in the year and produce much needed income to round out our primary fundraisers. Communications and Staying in Touch Teamwork and reliance on each other are hallmarks of a successful club. Modern communications provides many ways to keep up to date. Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation have a large website for information and background. In addition, you, as a member, will also receive the monthly magazine, The Rotarian. It is an easy to read publication that is both informative and interesting and will help you appreciate the scope and depth of Rotary. The Rotary Club of Edmonton West produces The Westerner weekly in both print and electronic format. You can select which form you would like or you can access it on our website. Many members use a variety of formats from e-mail to websites to blogs to Facebook and Twitter. The website and the e-mail weekly are the most used. In addition, the club membership is divided into teams for Call Out purposes and to contact individual members from time to time. Introduction to Rotary 15
Your Part in Edmonton West Obligations/Expectations Our club is not large but it is effective. To be effective, club members must share in fellowship to enhance their personal growth, to develop cohesion and to pool their knowledge in providing Service Above Self. There are a great many draws on a member s time, be it family or work. Without equivocation however, it is expected club members will balance their time and give 100% of what they can to support their club. It is a given that members will attend a minimum of 50% of weekly club meetings. If members cannot attend their Edmonton West meeting, they can do a makeup at another club two weeks before or after the missed meeting. Locations and times of other club meetings are published on our website or the District 5370 website. A number of club projects or hands on activities also provide credit for attendance. Fundraising Fundraising provides the lifeblood for our projects, be they hands on or supportive. Each club member has unique talents and must contribute them to ensure we have the means to reach out to the community and elsewhere. Family and Social Functions Rotary members are busy people from all walks of life. Contributing to the club entails a commitment that impacts on the family. Our club recognizes this. It makes a great effort to have a variety of social events to include partners and family members so that they can enjoy and appreciate what Rotary does and provide that very necessary home support for the Rotary member. Come out and take advantage of the chance to meet like-minded members and their families. Recruiting The expressions, We are all replaceable! and Many hands make light work! are very true. It is expected that each club member will invite potential members to the meetings to peak their interest and let them enjoy the Rotary Experience. If you are new, other club members at the table will support your efforts over lunch and afterwards. 16 Introduction to Rotary
Remember No organization is greater than the sum of its individual members. You are Rotary! Participate for service Participate for friendship Participate for knowledge Participate for international understanding We expect you to participate, to support, to ask questions and to challenge our club! Your input, regardless of how long you ve been a member is important. Introduction to Rotary 17
DID YOU KNOW? Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships is the world s largest, privately funded scholarship program. The Rotary Foundation has contributed more than US$2.3 billion in program awards and operations since 1947. Rotarians have established a host of organizations dedicated to various humanitarian causes, including ShelterBox, HungerPlus, and Gift of Life. Providing vitamin A supplements during polio National Immunization Days has averted an estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths since 1998 testimony to the plus in PolioPlus RI representatives work with many major international organizations, including the UN and several of its agencies, the Organization of American States, the Council of Europe, and the African Union. Rotary clubs in North America founded Easter Seals. Rotary International has observer status at the United Nations in recognition of its role in the formation of the UN. 18 Introduction to Rotary
Rotary Grace Oh Lord and Giver of all good, We thank You for our daily food. May Rotary friends and Rotary ways Help us to serve You all our days. Welcome Song It s a good time to get together It s a good time to know Who the folks are who sit beside you And who smile and say hello. Good-bye, lonesome feeling, Welcome each of you. Here s my hand, I m mighty glad to know you So put yours there too. (Tune: It s a Long Way to Tipperary)