CLUB ADOPTS ROTARY LEGISLATION CHANGES
In lieu of a guest speaker, President Rob took the time to explain the major changes that were passed at the 2016 Council on Legislation. Every three years, representative Rotarians from every District around the world gather at the Council to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary.
The changes that have a direct affect on our club included the following:
- Ability to change rules - Clubs may relax or tighten attendance requirements and termination policies for non-attendance.
- Treasurer - A club treasurer is now a permanent member of the club board.
- Board meeting minutes - Written minutes should be prepared for all club board meetings and be made available to members within 60 days of that meeting.
- Admission fees - New members can be admitted without paying admission fees. However, clubs may also choose to retain these fees, and they have the flexibility to add admission or other fees to their bylaws.
- Ability to change meeting schedules - Clubs can now vary their meeting days and times, and can cancel meetings, as long as they meet at least twice a month.
- Cancelling a meeting - Clubs can cancel a meeting if it falls during a week that includes a holiday.
- New membership types - Clubs may offer associate, corporate, family, or other membership types.
- Dual membership in Rotary and Rotaract clubs - Rotaractors can simultaneously hold separate membership in a Rotaract club and a Rotary club.
- Suspension of membership - Clubs may now suspend a member for a maximum of 90 days. At the end of that time, they must either terminate or reinstate the member. A suspended member has the right to appeal the suspension or request mediation or arbitration.