Every three years international Rotarians meet at the Council on Legislation to review proposed changes on how Rotary Clubs are governed. In 2016 the Council on Legislation made significant and bold changes allowing clubs flexibility with meetings, membership and attendance. 

 

With regards to membership, a club may now, in its own discretion, have different types of active members including, but not limited to, business and family memberships.  A type of active member may be based on different attendance and dues requirements.

 

 

 Club Assembly to Discuss Possible Membership Changes

 

In response to these changes our club held an assembly to discuss options.  It was the consensus of those who attended that we did not want to have business or family members.  However, the group decided that it was worthwhile to look at a possible member-at-large to address the issue of what happens when a member's circumstances change so that he or she cannot attend lunch meetings regularly, but he or she wants to continue as a member of our club.  A related issue is how to charge for meals when it comes to such members. Our board was already looking at a new dues policy to include meals. See separate story.

 

Volunteers were sought at the meeting to serve on an ad hoc committee to look at options.  Some volunteered at the assembly and others volunteered at the next board meeting.  President Erik appointed Dave Duskin to chair the committee. Those serving on the committee with Dave included Gary Hoffman, Carla Gastineau, Fitz Couhig, Sue Weiss, Paul Ellis, Casey Miller, Erik Granroth, Devin Brossard, and Robin Reinig.

 

Initial discussions with the group was on line using the Group Me app.  The consensus was that the great culture of our club would be jeopardized if new members are not involved in our regular club meetings for at least a year, but that in the attendance area we needed to do something to change the rules rather than ignoring the rules.

 

The committee met as a group on March 6 to discuss a draft of a new policy that Dave drafted based on input obtained electronically.  The goal was to have something that could be submitted to the board for a look at its meeting on March 8. 

 

 

The proposed member-at-large category is designed to make it more equitable for members who can't attend meetings because of work, trips, health issues, or snow birds who don't meet the requirements of the rule of 85.  We have been liberal with make-up rules.  Members in the above photo include honorary member Marcia, and Bucky, Dale, Ron, John, and Wayne.  Sue who is in AZ for Mariner spring training is the only active member needing a make-up to meet attendance rules.

 

 Members of the committee settled for the draft of a Member-at-Large policy that can be access by clicking below.