Third Chapter
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One of the colorful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at "make up" meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events.
The Rotary International board recognized the growing popularity of the banner exchange back in 1959 and suggested that those clubs which participate in such exchanges give careful thought to the design of their banners in order that they be distinctive and expressive of the community and country of which the club is a part. It is recommended that banners include pictures, slogans or designs which portray the territorial area of the club.
The board was also mindful of the financial burden such exchanges may impose upon some clubs, especially in popular areas where many visitors make up and request to exchange. In all instances, clubs are cautioned to exercise discretion and moderation in the exchange of banners in order that the financial obligations do not interfere with the basic service activities of the club.
Exchanging club banners is a very pleasant custom, especially when a creative and artistic banner tells an interesting story of community pride. The exchange of banners is a significant tradition of Rotary and serves as a tangible symbol of our international fellowship.NON-ATTENDANCE RULES
The Rotary Club Constitution specifies three conditions under which a Rotarian's membership will automatically be terminated for non-attendance. These circumstances are: failure to attend or make up four consecutive club meetings, failure to attend or make up 50 percent of club meetings each six months (as of July 2009) and failure to attend at least 30 percent of the meetings of one's own club in each six-month period. Under any of these three cases, a member will lose Rotary membership unless the club board of directors has previously consented to excuse such failure for good and sufficient reason.
When a member misses four consecutive regular meetings, the board will inform him or her that nonattendance may be considered a request to terminate membership in the club. Thereafter, the board, by a majority vote, may terminate his or her membership.
SHARING ROTARY WITH NEW MEMBERS
Are you aware of the responsibility or obligation most Rotarians fail to perform? Paying their dues? Attending meetings? Contributing to the club's service fund? Participating in club events and projects? No- none of these!
Of all the obligations a person accepts when joining a Rotary club, the one in which most Rotarians fail is "sharing Rotary." Rotary International clearly supports the position that every individual Rotarian has an "obligation to share Rotary with others and to help extend Rotary by proposing qualified persons for Rotary club membership:' It is estimated that less than 30 percent of the members of most Rotary clubs have ever made the effort to propose a newmember. Thus, in every club, there are many Rotarians who rarely share their positive experiences of Rotary membership with other individuals.
The Rotary International Constitution states with respect to club membership:
"Each club shall have a well-balanced membership in which no one business or profession predominates." One merely has to glance through the pages of the local telephone or chamber of commerce directory to realize that most clubs have not invited qualified members of all businesses and professions into Rotary. One of the founding principles of Rotary is a fair and equitable representation of the professional and business population of the community it supports. To remain relevant, Rotary clubs must be inclusive of all professions and businesses within a community.
Only a Rotarian may propose a customer, neighbour, client, supplier, executive, relative, business associate, professional, or other qualified person to join a Rotary club. Have you accepted your obligation to share Rotary? The procedures are very simple, and everyone must know at least one person who should belong to Rotary.
TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENCES
Occasionally there is a temptation to criticize the laws, customs and traditions of another country which may seem strange or contrary to our own. In some instances illegal practices or customs of one nation are completely lawful and acceptable in another.
As members of an international organization dedicated to world understanding and peace, it behoves Rotarians to exercise restraint in judging our Rotary friends and citizens from other countries when their behaviour seems unusual to us. A Rotary policy has existed for more than half a century relating to this dilemma of international relationships.
The statement, adopted in 1933, says that because it is recognized that some activities and local customs may be legal and customary in some countries and not in others, Rotarians should be guided by this admonition of tolerance:
"Rotarians in all countries should recognize these facts and there should be a thoughtful avoidance of criticism of the laws and customs of one country by the Rotarians of another country." The policy also cautions against "any effort on the part of Rotarians of one country to interfere with the laws or customs of another country."
As we strive to strengthen the bonds of understanding, goodwill and friendship, these policies still provide good advice and guidance.UNUSUAL MAKE-UP MEETINGS
Which Rotarians have to travel farthest for a make-up meeting? You are right if you guessed the 34 members of the Rotary Club of Papeete, Tahiti, which is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is the club that is most remote
from any other. The southernmost Rotary meeting is that of the Rotary Club of Base Marambio-AntArtida in Antarctica. To visit the northernmost club, you must travel to the Rotary Club of Svalbard on the Svalbard island group far north of the Norwegian mainland.
It is said that there is a Rotary meeting being held someplace in the world every hour of every day. If you attended one meeting per day, it would take more than 80 years to visit all of the more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in the world, and by that time, no doubt, there would be thousands more new clubs to attend.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE
Vocational Service is the "Second Avenue of Service." No aspect of Rotary is more closely related to each member than a personal commitment to represent one's vocation or occupation to fellow Rotarians and to exemplify the characteristics of high ethical standards and the dignity of work. Programs of vocational service are those which seek to improve business relations while improving the quality of trades, industry, commerce and the professions. Rotarians understand that each person makes a valuable contribution to a better society through daily activities in a business or profession.
Vocational Service is frequently demonstrated by offering young people career guidance, occupational information and assistance in making vocational choices. Some clubs sponsor high school career conferences. Many recognize the dignity of employment by honouring exemplary service of individuals working in their communities. The 4-Way Test and other ethical and laudable business philosophies are often promoted among young people entering the world of work. Vocational talks and discussion of business issues are also typical vocational service programs at most clubs.
Regardless of the ways that Vocational Service is expressed, it is the banner by which Rotarians "recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations" and demonstrate a commitment to "high ethical standards in all businesses and professions." That's why the Second Avenue of Service is fundamental to every Rotary club.ROTARY ANNS
In many Rotary clubs throughout the world, wives of male members are affectionately called "Rotary Anns." This designation was never one of disparagement, but rather grew out of an interesting historical occasion.
The year was 1914 when San Francisco Rotarians boarded a special train to attend the Rotary convention being held in Houston. In those days few wives attended Rotary events, and until the train stopped in Los Angeles, the only woman aboard was the wife of Rotarian Bru Brunnier. As the train picked up additional convention-bound delegates, Mrs. Ann Brunnier was introduced as the Rotarian's Ann. This title soon became "Rotary Ann." Since the clubs of the West were inviting the Rotarians to hold their next convention in San Francisco, a number of songs and stunts were organized which would be performed in Houston. One of the Rotarians wrote a "Rotary Ann" chant. On the train's arrival at the Houston depot, a delegation greeted the West Coast Rotarians. One of the greeters was Guy Gundaker of Philadelphia, whose wife was also named Ann. During the rousing demonstration, someone started the Rotary Ann chant. The two petite ladies, Ann Brunnier and Ann Gundaker, were hoisted to the men's shoulders and paraded about the hall. The group loved the title given to the two women named Ann. Immediately the same term of endearment was used for all of the wives in attendance, and the name "Rotary Ann" was here to stay. Guy Gundaker became president of Rotary International in 1923 and Bru Brunnier was elected president in 1952. Thus, each of the two original Rotary Anns became the "first lady of Rotary International."LESSONS IN ROTARY GEOGRAPHY
• Were you aware that the Rotary Club of Reno, Nevada, is farther west than the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, California?
• Would you guess that the meetings of the Rotary Club of Portland, Maine, are farther south than those of the clubs in London, England?
• Can you imagine that the Pensacola, Florida, Rotary Club is west of the Detroit, Michigan, club?
• It's a fact that the Cairo, Illinois, Rotary Club is south of Richmond, Virginia.
• There are 69 Rotary clubs with the word "Tokyo" in their club names.
• The Rotary Club of Nome, Alaska, lies west of the club in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Santiago, Chile, club is located east of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Rotary geographers will know that virtually every Rotary club meeting in Australia is east of the Hong Kong Rotary Club.
• What do the Rotary clubs of Quito, Ecuador, Libreville, Gabon, Singapore, and Kampala, Uganda, have in common? You guessed right if you said they all meet approximately on the equator.
• There are many interesting relationships and things to learn as you become acquainted with the 34,300 clubs in the wide world of Rotary.
INVOCATIONS AT CLUB MEETINGS
In many Rotary clubs, it is customary to open weekly meetings with an appropriate invocation or blessing. Usually such invocations are offered without reference to specific religious denominations or faiths.
Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. The religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual from being faithful to such convictions.
At international assemblies and conventions, it is traditional for a silent invocation to be given. In respect for all religious beliefs and in the spirit of tolerance for a wide variety of personal faiths, all persons are invited to seek divine
guidance and peace in their own way. It is an inspiring experience to join with thousands of Rotarians in an international "silent prayer" or act of personal devotion. Usually all Rotary International Board and committee meetings
begin with a few moments of silent meditation. In this period of silence, Rotary demonstrates respect for the beliefs of all members, who represent the religions of the world.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY
How do you find out when the Rotary club meets in Toowoomba, Pondicherry, or Recklinghausen? Simply turn to the Official Directory of Rotary International. The approximately 825-page annual publication is filled with current information about Rotarians and Rotary clubs. The meeting day, time, and location of every one of the more than 34,300 clubs is listed. From the Rotary Club of A'Famosa Malacca, Malaysia, to Zwolle-Noord, The Netherlands, the Official Directory provides the name, street address, and e-mail address if available of each club president and secretary, as well as the number of club members and charter date.
The Official Directory also records a wealth of information about the approximately 530 Rotary districts, as well as the composition and purpose of all official RI committees and task forces. Included are names and addresses of the current RI Board of Directors and all previous boards. There is a list of all past RI presidents with the themes for their year. An excellent directory of hotels around the world and a list of vendors licensed to sell Rotary merchandise are added features. It is a perfect guidebook for making Rotary contacts when you travel.
Available in a print version or on compact disc, the Official Directory can be ordered from RI World Headquarters or the international offices. Rotarians can also find information on club meetings in the Where Clubs Meet section on the RI Web site.
And, by the way, Toowoomba meets every Monday at 1800 hours, Pondicherry on Wednesdays at 1930, and Recklinghausen on Mondays at 1900. Now, that's good to know!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP
Most Rotarians are successful professional and business executives because they hear opportunities knock and take advantage of them. Once a week the opportunity for Rotary fellowship occurs at each club meeting, but not all members hear it knocking.
The weekly club meeting is a special privilege of Rotary membership. It provides the occasion to visit with fellow members, to meet visitors you have not known before, and to share your personal friendship with other members.
Rotary clubs which have a reputation of being "friendly clubs" usually follow a few simple steps. Members are encouraged to sit in a different seat or at a different table each week or to sit with a member they do not know as well
as their long time personal friends. Members are asked to invite new members or visitors to join their table and share the conversation around the table rather than merely eating in silence or talking privately to the person next to them. Rotarians also should make a special point of trying to get acquainted with all members of the club.
When Rotarians follow these five easy steps, an entirely new opportunity for fellowship knocks each week. Soon Rotarians realize that warm and personal friendship is the cornerstone of every great Rotary club.
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