ROTARY DISTRICT 9370
REPORT
BACK TO THE DISTRICT COUNCIL & MEMBERSHIP
FROM
THE 2016 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION
CHICAGO
– APRIL 2016
Having spent a few days with my DG classmate, Ravi
Bhooplapur and his dear wife Jayasheela, in New York, I bid farewell to
Vasanthee as she remained with our friends for a further week. Not wanting to brave the cold weather of
Chicago she had decided in Durban that she would stay behind. To my surprise
Ravi joined me at the COL as an observer. An Arch Klumph Society member, Ravi
is well known in the Rotary hierarchy and was able to do a late registration as
an observer. This was an added bonus for my trip to Chicago. Some of you may
remember him as the RIPPR to PDG Rob Gilligan’s conference at the Wild Coast.
Ravi & Jayasheela were excellent hosts.
Chicago was much, much warmer than I had experienced
previously. It is springtime and the trees are starting to blossom and we had
no snow for the entire stay. A first in my four trips there. The arranged
transfer from the airport to the hotel is on time, efficient and hassle free.
Having arrived late that evening I manage to grab a quick snack and meet many
familiar faces before I retire to get a good night’s sleep.
Sunday breakfast is a challenge with long queues into the
one restaurant that seats a maximum of 150 guests. So it is a long wait while
we chat to new friends and greet old ones. After breakfast I proceed to the 5th
floor to present myself and do the official credentials check. Having received
my event pack for the meeting ahead, I return to my room to freshen up and get
ready for the opening session that afternoon. Dress code for the entire event
is business formal.
The Council on Legislation is
Rotary’s legislature. Meeting in Chicago every three years, it considers
changes to the policies that govern Rotary International and its member clubs,
and holds the authority to amend Rotary’s constitutional documents. Proposals
that are accepted come into effect on 1 July following the Council on
Legislation. Council is made up of one representative from every Rotary
district. These representatives are the voting members of the Council. I feel
truly blessed to have been given this opportunity to represent our District.
The room is full of delegates milling
around as we begin to take our seats. There is a high buzz around the room as
friends from all over the world gather together, some meeting after several
years. There are many, many, familiar faces. People with whom we are in regular
contact. It is also a fantastic opportunity for photos and as you will see
later I took up that opportunity.
Chairman Duane Beaton opening the COL session
RI President KR Ravindran
welcoming the delegates
At precisely 3pm the opening bell is rung by Chairman Duane
Beaton, who I must compliment for his professional and efficient manner in
which he led proceedings for the week. After the official introduction of the
Chair and Vice Chair, Parliamentarian, Members of the Constitutional and Bylaws
Committee and Members at Large, RI President KR Ravindran was invited to do the
official welcome and opening. President Ravi welcomes all and implores the
delegates to think progressively and reminds us all that no matter what our
preconceived perceptions are, it was important to listen to the supporting
arguments and those in opposition and vote for the betterment of the Rotary
world. The Sunday afternoon session is used as a mock session to try out the
electronic voting system which is being used for the first time. Already progressive!
As Murphy’s law would have it, the system has many gremlins which are rectified
to the satisfaction of the delegates and is to be retested overnight just to be
sure. The meeting confirms that out of the 520 confirmed delegates, 502 were
present for the opening session.
Later in the session, RI Director
Manoj Desai provides us with an update on RI’s Strategic Plan and Vice
President Gregg Podd presents a forward look at the next 5 year’s financial
plan and forecast which I must confess, does not look healthy unless we
increase fees drastically. He went to great length to explain the forecast
which, if fees remained at current levels and increased like in previous years,
would lead to a reduction in Rotary’s reserves falling behind the allowable
levels. Resolution 16-99 dealing with the
increase in per capita dues is therefore proposed for amendment and will be discussed
and debated on Wednesday afternoon. After much clarity on procedures and rules
we adjourn to enjoy some welcome drinks before heading off to supper and some
much needed rest from the travelling.
Day 2 begins early and after a quick
breakfast we settle into our assigned seating. RI insists on specially assigned
seating for two reasons – one to allow for greater interaction amongst members
from different parts of the world and secondly as a monitoring mechanism for
those delegates whom “escape” for sessions or don’t pitch at all. Big-brother is
watching! Governors who attended their training at Anaheim and San Diego will
know the system well. It is also important to realise that this event costs in
the region of $3m to host which expenses are made up of travel and
accommodation for delegates, leadership, interpreters, volunteers, and
administration.
The credentials committee announces
an increase of delegates as some of them had arrived late on Sunday evening. Of
the 535 Districts around the world 520 were represented at the COL.
After retesting and ensuring that the
electronic voting system is working properly the first proposed enactment is
announced to be tabled and so begins the discussions, debates and voting
process.
Readers must please understand that
the sum total of votes on each of the proposals may be different due to the
fact that some delegates may not vote on a proposal and that the system has no
mechanism for recording abstentions. Personally, I also think that the
challenge of language plays a role in the interpretation of the information
supplied which may result in delays as we have 15 seconds to vote and results
are displayed instantaneously after that period.
A summary of the voting is provided
below. Note that the VOTES column
should be read as “123-345” where “123” will represent the YES votes and “345”
will represent the NO votes. I will provide some background to items that I
feel require information for your better understanding as to why the proposed
enactment or proposed resolution was approved or rejected.
Whilst not detracting from the
importance of all of the proposed enactments and resolutions I have highlighted
some which, in my opinion, are important to our District in particular. I have
also deleted all of the withdrawn proposals due to space so if any number is
missing in sequence you can consider that proposal as withdrawn.
At my desk
Delegates at work….
RESULTS OF VOTING AT 2016 COUNCIL ON
LEGISLATION
No
|
Proposal
|
Notes
|
Result
|
Votes
|
CLUB ADMINISTRATION
|
16-01
|
To provide
for written board meeting minutes
|
To allow for
access and transparency
|
Adopted
|
318-136
|
16-02
|
To provide
that the club treasurer shall be a member of the board
|
Provides for
greater accountability and reporting
|
Adopted
|
379-072
|
16-03
|
To provide
for the secretary elect to be a member of the board
|
To provide
for training and continuity
|
Rejected
|
144-312
|
16-04
|
To revise the
provisions for club officers
|
To allow for
the President Nominee to become a member of the board. Continuity !
|
Rejected
|
123-332
|
16-05
|
To provide
for committee in clubs
|
There was an
amendment to this proposal by changing the word “Public Relations” to Public
Image. This proposal suggested the formation of committees to align itself to
RI’s strategic plan.
|
Adopted
|
238-213
|
16-06
|
To define the
purpose of Rotary clubs
|
This proposal
is superfluous as the purpose of our organisation and hence our clubs is expressed
in the Object of Rotary
|
Adopted
|
236-217
|
16-07
|
To remove
admission fees for club members
|
I was really
surprised with this one as I was unaware that clubs around the world charged
an admission fee. Not sure what the practice is in our District!
|
Adopted
|
232-228
|
AVENUE OF SERVICE & OBJECT OF ROTARY
|
16-10
|
To amend the
second Avenue of Service
|
Amending the
definition of Vocational Service
|
Adopted
|
254-210
|
16-11
|
To amend the
third Avenue of Service
|
To include
the words “quality of life and cultural level”
|
Rejected
|
173-280
|
16-12
|
To remove the
fifth Avenue of Service
|
We need to
show the youth that we are indeed serious about their involvement in Rotary
and the removal of this Avenue of Service would be a step backwards
|
Rejected
|
104-365
|
16-13
|
To amend the
fifth Avenue of Service
|
Change the
word “Youth” to “New Generations”
|
Rejected
|
148-308
|
16-15
|
To add a 5th
part to the Object of Rotary to include the development of service and
leadership in youth and young adults
|
After much
debate PRIP Cliff Dochterman pleaded to the delegates not to confuse the
Object of Rotary with the Avenues of Service. The Object of Rotary clearly
states who we are and the Avenues of Service states what we do.
|
Rejected
|
049-435
|
16-17
|
To amend the
Object of Rotary
|
This proposal
was referred to the RI Board
|
RI Board
|
|
16-18
|
To amend the
Object of Rotary
|
This proposal
was referred to the RI Board
|
RI Board
|
|
16-20
|
To amend the
Object of Rotary
|
This proposal
was referred to the RI Board
|
RI Board
|
|
CLUB MEETINGS
|
16-21
|
To allow for
flexibility in club meetings and attendance
|
This proposal
endorses the idea of giving clubs the ability to craft rules and requirements
regarding when the club meets and whether or not to track attendance that are
relevant and in the best interest of their membership. It was amended from
the floor with a proviso that all clubs must meet at least twice a month.
This decision is revolutionary and provides a great platform for Clubs to now
reassess themselves and develop new plans that suit them. It’s a new Rotary
going forward !!!
|
Adopted
|
392-082
|
16-26
|
To amend the
provisions for cancelling a meeting
|
This proposal
seeks to allow clubs to cancel a meeting where a public holiday falls during
the week and is close to its meeting date e.g. over a long weekend.
|
Adopted
|
272-222
|
And so ends day 2 with some major
decisions on how Rotary operates going into the future. 16-21 and 16-36 will
allow clubs to be more innovative and flexible in managing their affairs. Both
of these decisions are very bold and permits clubs to structure themselves that
best suits their needs.
Day
3 (day 2 of voting) begins with many withdrawals as a result of the impact of
enactment 16-21 and 16-36 which gives Rotary clubs the flexibility and latitude
to determine how they operate. New electronic equipment was installed overnight
which results in a much smoother flow of operations.
A
summary of discussions and voting for the day are as follows:
CLUB ATTENDANCE, MAKE UPS & EXCUSED ATTENDANCE
|
16-30
|
To allow for
attendance for both in person and online
|
Provides for
a hybrid method of attending meetings
|
Adopted
|
322-188
|
16-32
|
To amend the
provisions to making up absence
|
Allows for
makeup during any part of the year. Essentially this provides for someone to
makeup meeting irrespective of the current 14-day rule. It was felt that this
would have a negative impact on engagement
|
Rejected
|
241-250
|
16-34
|
To amend the
provisions for extended absences
|
To include
medical reasons for bore or after the birth, adoption and foster care of a
child
|
Adopted
|
395-097
|
16-35
|
To amend the
provisions for extended absences
|
To include a
member who has been with one or more clubs for over 20 years plus age,
exceeds 85
|
Adopted
|
334-170
|
MEMBERSHIP
|
16-36
|
To allow for
flexibility in membership and classification
|
This proposal
endorses the idea of giving clubs the ability to craft rules and requirements
regarding the composition of their membership and how a club may wish to
manage their membership.
Another step
in the right direction !!!
|
Adopted
|
386-075
|
16-38
|
To revise the
provisions for membership
|
Gives the
Board of a Club the flexibility to select members
|
Adopted
|
426-085
|
16-40
|
To allow
Rotaractors to be active members
|
This proposal
explicitly qualifies Rotaractors for membership into the Rotary and provides
a pathway to Rotaractors who may wish to join Rotary. This enactment further
progresses the steps taken in 16-21 and 16-36. It now allows a Rotaractor to
hold dual membership in Rotary and Rotaract.
|
Adopted
|
413-097
|
16-45
|
To provide
for a new category of membership – Associate member
|
Present rules
are for individuals up to the age of 35. Pays 50% of fee. Automatic
conversion to active membership at 35.
|
Rejected
|
182-330
|
16-47
|
To amend the
provisions of Honorary membership
|
One amendment
to the proposal was to remove the word permanent
|
Adopted
|
417-089
|
16-48
|
To amend the
provision for suspension of membership
|
|
Adopted
|
442-044
|
16-49
|
To amend the
provision for suspension of membership
|
Period for
suspension revised from 45 to 90 days
|
Adopted
|
440-066
|
16-50
|
To amend the
provision for suspension of membership
|
Provides for
the method of appeal
|
Adopted
|
410-096
|
16-51
|
To amend
provision for transferring Rotarians
|
Transferring
club must provide debt clearance of member to receiving Club
|
Adopted
|
452-053
|
16-53
|
To encourage
clubs to search for qualified members
|
This proposal
was amended and the amendment was accepted. As a result, the proposal had to
have a 2/3 majority for success and failed.
|
Rejected
|
318-164
|
|
RI OFFICERS & ELECTIONS
|
16-54
|
To amend the
duties of RI President
|
Amendment
here was substitution of the word “powers” to “responsibilities”. To be
Chairman of the Board and spokesperson for the organisation.
|
Adopted
|
488-013
|
16-55
|
To have the
President Nominee become a member of the Board
|
To provide
for continuity and information gathering
|
Adopted
|
469-036
|
16-57
|
To revise the
qualification for membership on the nominating committee for president
|
|
Adopted
|
388-120
|
16-58
|
To increase
the term of office of Directors
|
This proposal
sought to increase the term from 2 to 3 years. Much debate was had and there
was a great push for younger, more representative individuals
|
Rejected
|
115-393
|
16-59
|
To revise the
qualifications for director
|
Remove need
or attendance to RI Convention and 2 Institutes
|
Rejected
|
065-446
|
16-60
|
To revise the
qualifications for director
|
PDG eligible
1 year after Governorship
|
Rejected
|
102-408
|
16-61
|
Revise the
procedure for selecting director nominee
|
Where nominee
ails to get 60% a ballot by mail shall apply
|
Accepted
|
413-091
|
16-62
|
Revise the procedure
for selecting director nominee
|
Districts in
eligible subzone will for committee to select governor nominee
|
Accepted
|
415-089
|
16-63
|
To amend the
qualifications for membership on the nominating committee for a director
|
Current
governor not eligible to be on committee
|
Accepted
|
465-036
|
16-65
|
To amend the
qualifications for membership on the nominating committee for a director
|
Amended to
include 1 convention attendance.
|
Rejected
|
191-319
|
16-66
|
To amend the
qualifications for membership on the nominating committee for a director
|
|
Rejected
|
110-393
|
16-68
|
To revise the
procedures for selecting director nominee
|
|
Rejected
|
109-394
|
16-69
|
To revise the
qualifications for governor nominee
|
Governor must
have a total of 9 years of membership (currently 7) at time of assuming the
post
|
Rejected
|
157-349
|
16-71
|
To amend the
provisions regarding concurrences to challenges
|
|
Adopted
|
390-121
|
16-72
|
To amend the
provisions regarding special elections
|
|
Adopted
|
329-174
|
16-73
|
To eliminate
the position of vice governor
|
Amended to
state that the RI Board may appoint a vice governor if the situation warrants
it in the District
|
Rejected
|
246-265
|
That’s were proceedings ends for the
day. Tomorrow morning, we will start with a special order of the day resolution
when the RI Board proposes a drastic increase to the fees required to be paid
by members to allow RI to make a surplus and to make a reinvestment for capex.
This should be a robust debate with much talks in the corridors.
It’s day 4 and today is a
short day as it allows delegates to venture out for the afternoon. It is also
an important day as the amended enactment to adjust fees by $4 per annum for
the next three years will be tabled and debated. The noise in the room is
louder than usual with most delegates finding some common ground on how they
would be voting regarding the proposed increase in per capita dues. The
Chairman calls the house to order and so begins the proceedings.
RI Treasurer, Per Hoyen, is
at the podium presenting a case on the enactment in our binders which calls for
an annual increase of $1 per annum. This matter was deferred from Monday and
tabled as an “Order of the day” which is where an enactment or resolution is
set to be debated at a specific time. He sets the scene of what the financial
situation of RI would look like should we agree to the $1 increase. After his
presentation Vice President Gregg Podd moves an amendment to the proposed
enactment 16-99 calling for an increase of $4 per annum over the next three
years. This leads to long queues to present an argument in support of and those
in opposition to the amended proposal.
After some robust debate, a
vote is called for to support or reject the amendment. The prosed amendment received
a 3:2 acceptances and then delegates were allowed to debate the amended
proposal. After substantial debate, much of which was in the same vein, it was
decided to call the debate to a close. Friends, I think it would be appropriate
that at this time I give you some information which resulted in this amended
proposal. The forecast by the RI Board for the next five years is as follows:
Operating results FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21
$1 increase per annum (Losses) $1m $2m $3m $3m $5m
$4 increase per annum (Loss/Surplus) $1m $1m $4m $8m $6m
Investment levels
Reserve balance $94m $92m $93m $96m $98m
Bylaw target $76m $79m $81m $83m $80m
RI Board target $90m $91m $88m $85m $85m
A vote is called and the amended enactment was adopted by 317-197 in
favour with a resounding applause in the house. The proceedings then reverted
to the usual order with proposal 16-74 the next item to be discussed.
No
|
Proposal
|
Notes
|
Result
|
Votes
|
16-74
|
Amend the
provisions for selecting the vice governor
|
Selection by
nominating committee
|
Adopted
|
358-156
|
16-76
|
Amend the
provisions for selecting the vice governor
|
Proposal of
selection by the Governor elect
|
Adopted
|
304-201
|
16-77
|
Amend the
provisions for selecting the vice governor
|
Amended
|
Adopted
|
348-169
|
MISCELLEANEOUS
|
16-78
|
Voting
procedure at District Conference
|
Appointment
of Club president as elector and president elect as additional elector where
club qualifies
|
Rejected
|
105-408
|
16-79
|
Election of
council representative’s/nominating committee for director
|
All votes
from a club shall be cast for the same candidate
|
Adopted
|
306-206
|
16-80
|
Election
of council representative’s/nominating committee for director
|
Club
can nominate candidate from own club only
|
Rejected
|
218-295
|
Proceedings
are brought to a halt at 12h40. With a free afternoon for the delegates the
room emptied out quickly and tomorrow morning we will start an hour earlier at
08h00 and finish 30 minutes later at 18h00.
The
next morning, we convene at the agreed earlier slot of 08h00 and proceedings
are underway with proposed enactment 16-83 after some clarity that the name for
E Clubs will not change. Two items 16-40
and 16-45 which were deferred have been set to be discussed after the tea
break. Technology is causing distress for some delegates so the Chair has opted
to vote by the show of cards
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
|
16-81
|
RI has power
to suspend or terminate litigating clubs
|
Litigation
from electoral challenges costs RI $20K annually
|
Adopted
|
463-052
|
16-82
|
To remove the
distinction between E-Clubs and traditional clubs
|
Clubs may
meet personally or online. Refer to 16-21. Name for club known of
“Rotary E-Club of…” will not change
|
Adopted
|
355-145
|
16-83
|
To provide
the minimum charter members for new clubs
|
Proposed that
the number be reduced to 20 members as reflected in the Code of Policies be
included in the RI Bylaws
|
Adopted
|
By show of cards-no debate
|
16-84
|
To revise the
Board’s authority to change boundaries
|
To give the
RI Board the powers to change the boundaries of a District where the
membership is less than 1100 or when there are more than 100 clubs.
|
Adopted
|
444-056
|
16-86
|
To provide
when Districts and their boundaries are established
|
To request
the RI board that any final decision for redistricting is made 24 months
prior to implementation to enable the Districts to elect their leaders
|
Adopted
|
By show of cards-no debate
|
16-87
|
To allow
districts to add a geographical name to their number
|
Amendment
tabled to be approved by RI Board.
Point of
order raised next day and voting was redone
|
Adopted
Fails
|
272-236
By vote of cards
|
16-88
|
To revise the
provisions for a district to adopt its annual financial statements at a
district conference.
|
To bring
stewardship into District finances
|
Adopted
|
337-136
|
16-89
|
To sanction
those who improperly administer the district finances
|
Some minor
amendments
|
Adopted
|
439-058
|
16-90
|
To provide
for a membership committee for RI
|
To appoint 8
members for a max term of 3 years. Seeks to establish a special committee for
membership to provide continuity of leadership, guidance and strategic
responsibilities over all membership development, retention and education
|
Adopted
|
368-147
|
16-91
|
To amend the
terms of reference for the Audit committee
|
Looks to
provide for continuity or RI. New compositions will be 2 members of the
board, 1 from the TRF trustees and 4 members appointed by the board.
|
Adopted
|
459-44
|
16-93
|
To amend the
terms of the Strategic planning committee
|
Modifies the
composition of the SPC to be a joint committee of RI and TRF. Now 8 members
for a maximum term of 4 years
|
Adopted
|
483-027
|
16-96
|
To amend the
subscriptions to the Rotarian or regional magazine
|
Allow two
members at the same address to subscribe to one copy of the magazine
|
Adopted
|
475-027
|
16-97
|
To amend the
subscriptions to the Rotarian or regional magazine
|
To make
subscriptions to the magazine an option – it remains mandatory
|
Rejected
|
209-303
|
16-98
|
To support
the reduction of greenhouse gases
|
Postponed
indefinitely
|
Postponed
|
|
ROTARY FINANCE & PER CAPITA DUES
|
16-99
|
To increase
per capita fees
|
Amended from
$1 per annum to $4 per annum for the next three years. The increase will be used to enhance Rotary’s website, improve online
tools, and add programs and services to help clubs increase membership.
|
Adopted
|
317-197
|
16-100
|
To increase
per capita dues
|
Proposal for
smaller increases
|
Rejected
|
060-441
|
16-102
|
To waive the
per capita dues for one member where spouses are members in the same club
|
This proposed
enactment was found to be discriminatory as spouses in different clubs were
prejudiced.
|
Rejected
|
091/412
|
16-103
|
To amend the
provisions for additional fees
|
To impose an
additional special levy of $1 for PI work. Current expenditure is $6.5m p.a.
|
Rejected
|
056/543
|
16-104
|
To provide
for the minimum payment of per capita dues for 10 members
|
At present
there are 7 clubs with 1 member, 82 with 5 or less members and 314 with
between 6 and 8 members
|
Rejected
|
233-276
|
16-105
|
To prove for
RI to establish dates for Club reports and RI per capita dues
|
This proposed
enactment seeks to address two issues:
(a) To change the words “semiannual
payment” with the words “club invoice”
(b) Change the reporting date
for dues from 1 July so that it does not clash with the RI financial date
|
Adopted
|
350-149
|
LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES
|
16-106
|
To revise the
publication requirement for legislation on council documents to electronic
format only
|
Reduces
significant costs for printing and stationery
|
Adopted
|
488-23
|
16-108
|
To revise the
process of considerations at a COL
|
A motion to
postpone indefinitely was moved and passed due to the creation of a Council
on Resolutions which will be online submissions
|
|
Adopted by a show of cards
|
16-109
|
To provide
for the distribution of minutes for the COL
|
Rules already
exist for the distribution of our bylaws and hence this proposal is
superfluous
|
Rejected
|
137-370
|
16-110
|
To provide
for the COL to be held every 4 years
|
In view of
the new council on resolutions which will have electronic voting each year
the COL will be shortened
|
Rejected
|
158-342
|
16-111
|
To hold the
COL event during August-October
|
Timing will
be out of kilt as the proposals so adopted will have to wait 9 months before
they can be adopted on 1 July of the following year
|
Rejected
|
227-278
|
16-113
|
To provide
for a Council on Resolutions
|
The aim of
the Council on Resolutions would be to allow clubs and districts to submit
annually proposed resolutions to be considered by the RI Board. All of the
submitted resolutions will be voted online and it is not envisaged to cost
any additional money for this Council. The COL will henceforth deal with
proposed enactments only and will therefore reduce the cost of such an event
every three years.
|
Adopted
|
443-067
|
16-114
|
To provide
that representatives shall serve a term of 3 years
|
The term a
representative serve shall be from the start of appointment to the date of
the appointment of the new person
|
Adopted
|
479-23
|
16-115
|
To provide
that a Rotarian shall not attend more than 2 councils on legislation as a
representative
|
A motion to postpone
indefinitely
|
|
305-205
|
16-116
|
To amend the
process for selecting representatives to attend the COL
|
To allow
districts to be paired and the districts are represented at alternate COL by
own delegate although representing delegate has powers to vote
|
Rejected
|
174-341
|
16-117
|
To amend the
process of selecting representatives to attend the COL
|
The proposal
here is as follows:
Appoint 9
persons per zone rather than per District. Each Zone shall also appoint 3
alternatives. In this way all Districts will have a fair representation in
the COL. At present a district with say 1200 members has the same vote as a
district with 4000 members.
|
Rejected
|
163-346
|
This brought to an
end the proposed enactments for this Council on Legislation. In summary we had
a total of 117 proposed enactments. Of these 32 were withdrawn during the
event. The number debated and voted on was 85 of which 47 were adopted, 34 were
rejected and 4 referred to the RI Board.
With the
enactments behind us we proceed with looking at the proposed resolutions
submitted for consideration. At this stage perhaps it is worth noting that
resolutions are not amendable from the floor and all approved resolutions will
be submitted to the RI board for consideration at the next board meeting.
A total of 67
resolutions was originally submitted of which 15 were withdrawn prior to the
start of the discussions. Since that date we have been advised that a further
13 have been withdrawn. Finally, just 39 resolutions were debated and voted on
of which 16 have been referred to the Board for action.
RESOLUTIONS ON PROGRAMMES
|
16-118
|
To endorse
and reaffirm Polio as the goal of the highest order
|
No debate
ensued
|
Unanimous
|
|
16-120
|
To consider
designating May as PI and Awareness Enhancement month
|
Rejected
because it is already designated as Youth Services month
|
Rejected
|
181-327
|
16-121
|
To consider
establishing an Environmental Preservation Awareness day
|
5th
June each year is the designed UN day
|
Rejected
|
186-316
|
16-122
|
To consider
establishing Preserve plant earth as an official programme of Rotary
|
The only
official programme at this time is Polio and given resolution 16-118 this was
Rejected
|
Rejected
|
166-335
|
16-126
|
To consider
supporting the prevention of sexual mutilation
|
No opposition
to resolution
|
Approved
|
377-128
|
16-128
|
To consider
Rotarians against Malaria as the next worldwide programme of Rotary
|
Falls within
areas of TRF focus
Lessons
learnt from Polio can be used here regarding advocacy and logistics
Rotary
partnership network in same field
|
Rejected
|
163-333
|
16-129
|
To consider
recognizing Rotex clubs
|
We already
have different opportunities for young adults e.g. Interact and Rotaract. Therefore,
use these platforms
|
Rejected
|
229-268
|
16-132
|
To consider
amending the membership age limit for Interact
|
Currently
interact members are from the age group of 14-18. Now interact membership
ceases upon graduation from high school.
|
Approved
|
428-065
|
16-133
|
To consider
reducing the age limit of Rotaract to 25 years
|
|
Rejected
|
113-386
|
16-134
|
To consider
increasing the age limit of Rotaract to 35 years
|
We want
younger members yet we want to increase the Rotaract age.
|
Rejected
|
218-288
|
16-136
|
To consider
promoting Rotary cards
|
Good PI
exercise
|
Approved
|
335-170
|
16-137
|
To consider
establishing a 21st century Rotary museum
|
Location was
a big debate
|
Rejected
|
179-327
|
16-138
|
To consider
adding the word “Family” to statements on opportunities for service
|
Had a decent
debate
|
Approved
|
253-252
|
|
|
|
|
|
RESOLUTIONS ON THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
|
16-139
|
To
acknowledge the centennial anniversary of The Rotary Foundation in 2017
|
No debate
ensued
|
Approved
|
481-027
|
16-140
|
To consider
establishing a new type of grant
|
Mainly for
new clubs who felt that the global grant system was too onerous.
Encouragement was given for several clubs to combine grant applications
thereby assisting smaller clubs or use district grants for smaller local
projects
|
Rejected
|
165-336
|
16-141
|
To consider
permitting the purchase of equipment for pre and post-surgical care units
|
|
Approved
|
329-175
|
16-142
|
To consider
granting the DGSC access to monitor and review online grant application
|
Sometimes
feedback is delayed because the DRFC is away on business or has no access to
internet, etc. Will reduce waiting period for grant processing.
|
Approved
|
385-113
|
16-144
|
To consider
reinstating funding for scholarships to graduate students to study in areas
not covered by the 6 areas of focus
|
Great need in
Districts
|
Approved
|
267-223
|
16-145
|
To consider
the protection and empowerment of youth as a seventh area of focus
|
Many felt
that this was not required as it is covered under the current areas of focus.
|
Rejected
|
118-355
|
RESOLUTIONS ON CLUB & DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
|
16-149
|
To consider
acknowledging the role and responsibilities of district secretaries
|
Very
important role in absence of Governor who may be on travel around the
district. Essential for streamlining the flow of information sharing and
gathering
|
Approved
|
357-121
|
16-151
|
To request
the RI board to remind Clubs of their autonomy
|
|
Approved
|
274-208
|
16-153
|
To consider
the post of club productivity officer
|
Club trainers
and club service directors can manage this responsibility
|
Rejected
|
036-424
|
16-154
|
To consider
encouraging the use of local language when conducting club business
|
Clubs may
adopt as the needs arises at a meeting. English still considered global
language for Rotary.
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-156
|
To consider
allowing Districts to decide if they wish to have a RIPPR present at the
conference
|
Reduces cost
for RI and some RIPPRs are not adequately prepared for the role
|
Rejected
|
205-248
|
16-157
|
To consider
using a video message from RI President at district conferences
|
|
Approved
|
By show of cards
|
RESOLUTIONS ON ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
|
16-160
|
To consider
proposing legislation to the next COL to revise the corporate governance structure
|
|
Approved
|
By show of cards
|
16-161
|
To consider
establishing a nominating committee for the appointment of zone coordinators
|
Cost of
nominating committee could be prohibitive. RI President has choice as does
Club president on whom they appoint
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-163
|
To consider
the formation of an E-District for E-Clubs
|
In view of
enactment 16 - being approved to
remove any distinction between an E-Club and a traditional club it was felt
that this was unnecessary
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-165
|
To consider
comparing the expenses of RI to other organisations
|
In view of
the adoption of 16-160 this proposal was declared superfluous as any revision
of corporate governance will include a financial oversight
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-167
|
To consider
reducing reinstatement and surcharges for clubs
|
We should not
encourage nonpayment of fees
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-169
|
To consider
allowing the translation of the word ROTARY into local languages
|
ROTARY is a
corporate name and must be standard worldwide.
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-172
|
To consider
not recommending commercial or licensed branding when free options are
available
|
|
Approved
|
By show of cards
|
16-173
|
To consider
subsidizing training fees for governor-nominee training seminar
|
High cost to
Rotary and cannot be ascertained as venues change each year
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-177
|
To consider
adopting electronic voting prior to COL
|
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
RESOLUTIONS ON MEMBERSHIP
|
16-179
|
To consider a
new type of membership – supporting members
|
Aimed at our
sponsors and volunteers
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-180
|
To consider
recognizing friends of Rotary
|
Aimed at
sponsors and volunteers
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
16-181
|
To consider
urging new Rotarians to attend new member training
|
Must be
managed and encouraged at District level
|
Rejected
|
By show of cards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
And so we come to
the end of 5 and a bit days of deliberations which will change the way we do
things in Rotary. If anything this Council on Legislation would be seen as
progressive and revolutionary. It will be remembered for many things but
perhaps most importantly it will be remembered as the COL which:
(a) Was
bold and progressive
(b) Approved
the highest per capita due increase in the history of our organisation
(c) The
council members debated issues that are ground breaking in terms of providing
clubs with the flexibility to manage their affairs
(d) Voted
in favour to the removal of club admission fees
(e) Removed
of the distinction between E-Clubs and traditional clubs
(f) Decisions
will lead to huge savings for the overall RI budget
(g) Suggestions
and investigations of restructuring the training system for Governors and a
possible change of venue outside of the USA to a more central locality.
I have been a
Rotarian for over two decades now and having just completed my 22nd
year of service feel truly blessed for having been given this opportunity of representing
our District. I hope that I have fulfilled your expectations from this
appointment. I have learned a lot during the week and have made more new
friends across the world. No other organisation gives us these opportunities.
Not even the best known ones.
Thank you for the
opportunity and I remain available to provide further information should you
require it.
Warm Rotary regards
Natty Moodley
2016 COL
representative- D9370
