From the RI Board Meeting, November 2010
E-11. Rotarian Action Groups Committee Report
DECISION: The Board
1. approves in concept the proposal for the future of the Rotarian Action Groups program as shown in Exhibit E-11;
2. agrees that the general secretary may approve exceptions to the “no contact” list;
3. requests the general secretary to update Rotary Code of Policies section 42.020. based on points 1 and 2 above for review by the Board at its January 2011 meeting; and
4. encourages Rotarian Action Groups to bring proposals for alternate funding models to the Rotarian Action Groups Committee for consideration and referral to the Board and Foundation Trustees.
Exhibit
Draft Proposal for Future of Rotarian Action Group Program
PURPOSE:
A Rotarian Action Group shall be an association of Rotarians who have as their purpose the advancement of the object of Rotary by providing assistance and support to Rotary clubs, districts and multidistricts in planning and implementing large-scale, community development and humanitarian service projects. Rotarian Action Groups will serve as RI resource groups in their specialty.
COMMUNICATION:
Rotarian Action Groups may contact district governors. Rotarian Action Groups may contact clubs only when a district governor grants express permission. This permission must be renewed annually with the change in leadership.
Rotarian Action Groups will be listed in the Official Directory and on the RI website, including links to their websites upon request. Rotarian Action Groups will have priority access to booths at the convention without charge.
GOVERNANCE:
Rotarian Action Groups shall adhere to standard bylaws. Groups shall be governed by a board of directors with at least five members. Directors may serve terms of up to three years, which are renewable for a total of six years. After six years of service, directors are ineligible to serve until three years have passed.
In consultation with the RI Board, the RI president will appoint a Rotarian Action Group Committee to oversee the operations all Rotarian Action Groups. The majority of the members of this committee will be RI directors and should include at least two Rotarian Action Groups representatives and a trustee.
ADMINISTRATION:
Rotary International will provide necessary staff support to:
§ Assist Rotarian Action Groups with their efforts to promote Rotary and service
§ Review Rotarian Action Group operations and documents for report to the RI Board
ROTARY MARKS AND USE OF THE ROTARY NETWORK:
Rotarian Action groups shall be entitled to use the Rotary Marks, consistent with existing RI policy governing use of the marks
Rotarian Action Groups shall be entitled to use the worldwide network of Rotary clubs, districts, and multidistricts as outlined in the communications section. Any other use of the Rotary network by any Rotarian Action Group requires prior approval of the RI Board.
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS:
District governors shall be adequately trained in the:
· purpose, operation, composition, and targeted expertise of Rotarian Action Groups
· how to use Rotarian Action Groups to execute the RI strategic plan to support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service, and enhance public image and awareness.
FUNDRAISING:
Rotarian Action Groups may solicit funds from individuals and/or organizations, so long as donations are made directly to:
§ a Rotary club, district, or multidistrict
§ The Rotary Foundation
§ an implementing organization working with Rotary clubs on a project
Steps should be taken to ensure there is no conflict of interest between the Rotarian Action Group and the entity receiving the funds.
Additionally, to explore alternative funding models to support Rotary club and district projects, Rotarian Action Groups are encouraged to consider the following options:
§ Seek donations and/or assist in the development of packaged grants with The Rotary Foundation
§ Seek donations for restricted or term funds within The Rotary Foundation to support an area of focus.
§ Identify opportunities for parallel funding models that involve The Rotary Foundation and other organizations.
RI and The Rotary Foundation will seek opportunities to pilot these alternative funding models with interested groups. Funding models outside of these guidelines should be submitted to the RAGS Committee for consideration.
DUES:
Rotarian Action Group dues must be of a reasonable amount and limited to that necessary to cover administrative costs. Each Rotarian Action Group shall disclose how fees are used in their governing documents, and on their membership application materials.
PAID STAFF:
Groups may pay staff salaries:
1. Through membership dues, and
2. Through project administrative fees paid as part of a grant.
A transition period until 30 June 2012 for existing groups would allow the groups to transition to this new structure as needed. In addition groups will be allowed to submit alternative paid staff funding models for consideration by the RAG Committee and the Board.
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