Information from the Zone 8 DG Newsletters
The Rotary International Board meets in November 2020 and will consider a proposal by the Shaping Rotary’s Future committee to move toward Regionalisation. Governance would move from the current 527 Districts to 20-40 Regions. This would allow more Regional autonomy and provide more support for Clubs, Rotarians and Rotaractors.
In Jan 2019, the RI Board approved a petition from the District Governors of Zone 8 (Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands) to propose a Regional structure and approach to halt membership decline, provide a stronger Rotary voice and better partnerships with government, business and communities. Our work since receiving that approval means we are well placed to modernise Rotary in our Region, if the RI Board votes to proceed toward Regionalisation. There have been articles covering this in Rotary Down Under (Nov 2019, April and Sept 2020). Formal approval to establish Regional Pilots will be required at the next Council on Legislation in April 2022. The earliest implementation in our Region would be for the 2023-24 Rotary year.
If you would like to receive a copy of the submission by our Region or have any questions, please email the project team at rotaryregionalpilot@gmail.com
Ingrid Waugh D9920 and Peter Frueh D9800
Co-Chairs Planning Group for Zone 8 Regional Pilot Structure
Pilot Regionalisation Project
MICHAEL BUCKERIDGE — SEP 25, 2019
PROJECT VISION (in support of Rotary International’s strategic plan and vision): To significantly increase the reach and impact of Rotary* in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. PROJECT PURPOSE (our immediate focus – what we are trying to achieve): To build upon our past and transform Rotary* in our region to provide relevant and engaging experiences that better serve our communities and enable us to grow.
OBJECTIVE 1:
Communication
To develop a Regional Communication Strategy that:
· utilises a variety of appropriate technologies;
· achieves greater engagement, participation, and attraction; and
· reflects the diversity of our communities.
OBJECTIVE 2:
Culture
To develop strategies to assist Rotary and Rotaract to:
· be relevant to the community;
· embrace diversity;
· adopt new membership options;
· be flexible in how we operate; and
· increase impact through our projects and partnerships.
OBJECTIVE 3:
Governance
To develop a Regional strategic plan and structure which includes all Rotary entities and national programs, that:
· streamlines governance, structures and processes;
· makes volunteer jobs both meaningful and workable;
· fosters diverse perspectives and transparency in decision making;
· supports Districts & Clubs to innovate, adapt & manage change and
· develops key partnerships.
OBJECTIVE 4:
Public Image
To develop public awareness programs that:
· substantially enhance the image of Rotary and Rotaract across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands; and
· help attract greater financial and general support from the community, corporate and government sectors to enhance Rotary’s impact.
OBJECTIVE 5:
Leadership & Development
To develop more effective leadership programs and pathways that:
· better engage and empower members;
· maximise service effectiveness and governance at all levels;
· encourage greater diversity in our leadership.
Where to from here?
- Establish Working Groups
- Establish Reference Groups – Australia, NZ, Pacific
- Consultation with key stakeholders, including new RI Director
- Set up email for feedback and comment – rotaryregionalpilot@gmail.com
- Regular updates through RDU & relevant websites
- Report back with proposal for Regional structure at ANZ Conference in Alice Springs, Sept 2020
- Report to RI Board Oct 2020
- Begin Pilot July 2021
How can you be involved?
- We need your input! We do not yet have a structure – only a framework to develop a proposal
- Send an email with comments
- Be part of a Working Group or Reference Group
- Conduct a discussion/workshop with a group of interested parties, or with your club - how should Rotary look? Are there topics for discussion not included? Key issues that should not be ignored?