COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION - BETTER BY FAR THAN CONGRESS

Posted by Terry Gilbert, D5400 Rep to COL 
on Apr 24, 2016
 
I would substitute the spirit and efficiency of RI’s Council on Legislation over the U.S. Congress, if I could.  The 500+ voting delegates were respectful of each other; the chair was considerate and even handed; and the outcome – even contentious issues – represented the judgment of all without rancor. 
No delegate ran to the press to excoriate the other fellow or question his heritage, although my taxi driver came close when I didn’t give him a tip.
Of the 536 RI districts world-wide, 167 proposed 332 constitution and by-law changes and 112 resolutions (recommendations to the RI Board).   
 
DUES INCREASE?  IS LESS THAN 8 CENTS A WEEK TOO MUCH?
 
One of D5400’s special friends, Greg Podd of Colorado, who has spoken as our guest the Sun Valley Conference, played an important role as a member of the RI Board in explaining our budgetary exigency.   A CPA, Podd presented a Power Point that showed the following facts:
The $1 dues increase per year adopted by the 2013   COL is not enough to meet the increased demands of our members for improved training, planning resources, leadership development and social media training.
A $1 increase would result in only a 1.8% increase in revenues -- less than the 2.5% impact of global inflation – and large cuts in services would be needed each year to balance the budget.
Representing the proposal of the board, he urged the delegates to vote for a $4 p/year increase for the next four years...  The result?  This increase will result in sufficient funding to maintain existing services and will provide a small surplus of revenues, over and above basic operating expenses and reserve targets. This additional funding can be invested in Rotary’s future.
John Hewko, executive director, explained that although additional funding is needed, RI has taken measures to reduce the amount and rate of growth of expenses, including:
  • Nearly $3 million savings per year by moving our data processing and software development to India.
  • $400,000 savings per year by outsourcing the printing, storage and mailing of publications.
  • $250,000 savings per year through the new club invoicing system.
  • $100,000 savings per year through Rotary’s continued move to digital publications and reduction in printed materials.
 
The proposed increase passed on a vote of 317 yes to 197 no.
 
Wrote Hewko in a post-COL release, “The world’s foremost membership and service organization, Rotary has remained strong through careful investment in our clubs and districts, while other membership organizations have failed or are contracting.  The $4 annual dues increase – less than 8 cents a week – combined with good stewardship, will enable Rotary to deliver to the clubs and districts what they have requested, along with providing the tools needed to attract new members and support new clubs.”
 
Supported by the Council’s action, Rotary will have the necessary resources and capacity to prepare for and achieve a strong future.
 
(Hover over the photos to see the caption)
 
 
A PROGRESSIVE COL
 
One observer wrote of the COL, “The tone for this year was set early, when the RI Board put forth two proposals that increase flexibility. The first measure allows clubs to decide to vary their meeting times, whether to meet online or in person, and when to cancel a meeting, as long as they meet at least twice a month. The second allows clubs flexibility in choosing their membership rules and requirements. Both passed.
 
Representatives also approved removing six membership criteria from the RI Constitution and replacing them with a simple requirement that a member be a person of good character who has a good reputation in their business or community and is willing to serve the community.”