ROTARY POLICY AND GUIDELINES

 
Rotary Policies and Guidelines from the 2013 Manual of Procedures
 
Article 13 Community, National, and International Affairs
 
Section 1: Proper Subjects.  
 
The merits of any public question involving the general welfare of the community, the nation, and the world are of concern to the members of this club and shall be proper subjects of fair and informed study and discussion at a club meeting for the enlightenment of its members in forming their individual opinions. However, this club shall not express an opinion on any pending controversial public measure.
 
Section 2: No Endorsements.
 
This club shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any club meeting the merits or demerits of any such candidate.
 
Section 3: Non-Political
  1. Resolutions and Opinions. This club shall neither adopt nor circulate resolutions or opinions, and shall not take action dealing with world affairs or international problems of a political nature.
  2. Appeals. This club shall not direct appeals to clubs, peoples, or governments, or circulate letters, speeches, or proposed plans for the solution of specific international problems of a political nature.
Section 4: Recognizing Rotary’s Beginning.
 
The week of the anniversary of Rotary’s founding (23 February) shall be known as World Understanding and Peace Week.  During this week, this club will celebrate Rotary service, reflect upon past achievements, and focus on programs of peace, understanding, and goodwill in the community and throughout the world.
 
 
Other Guidelines from the Manual of Procedures
 
 
P.7: Paying Expenses of Rotarian Speakers and Visitors
 
If a club invites current or past RI officers or other Rotarians for a visit or event, it is expected to pay the guests’ expenses. RI does not provide clubs with paid speakers on Rotary subjects or secure speakers for clubs. (RCP 7.040.) A speaker is not a requirement of a club meeting. Clubs should host speakers only if the presentation is relevant to the club’s current or future projects or activities or is otherwise beneficial to the club and its members.
 
P.17: Rotary and News Media Relationships
 
Clubs and governors are urged to take appropriate action to improve relationships between Rotary and the news media. Taking into account local, social, and cultural conditions and the state of local media relations, clubs and districts should undertake the following activities:
 
1) Invite news media personnel to speak to clubs on the role of the media
 
2) Hold training sessions, discussion groups, or forums on public and media outreach for Rotarians, and invite media professionals to participate as speakers or panelists
 
3) Create club-based professional development opportunities for young journalists and ask participants for their feedback
 
4) Increase efforts to bring news media representatives into club membership
 
P7: Club Assemblies
 
Club assemblies often coincide with governor or assistant governor visits, and they should also be held immediately after the district training assembly and the district conference to inform members of district projects and initiatives. (Rotary Club President’s Manual, 7.050.)