'Rule of 85': Share Your Input

Posted by Renee Varella 
on Feb 04, 2015
 
The TSR board of directors is exploring the adoption of a Retiree “Rule of 85” Exempt Membership Type. TSR Membership Director Jeff Sorensen will hold one more membership input meeting:
  • Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. at The Classic Bean in Fairlawn Plaza
If you cannot attend the meeting, please share your comments and questions with Jeff.
 
The current draft of the Rule of 85 proposal includes these guidelines:
  • Member must reach the age of 65 and be retired from his/her primary career.
  • Member must attain Rotary's “Rule of 85” (member's age plus years of Rotary membership equals at least 85).
 
  • Member will be charged $40 per quarter, plus $10 for each Friday morning meeting attended (including off-site meetings). The Friday meetings will be billed in arrears.
  • Member will pay actual cost of TSR's holiday party for him/herself and a guest (approx. $50 per person).
  • Member is encouraged to participate in Rotary's service projects and club social activities.
  • Member is encouraged to support the Rotary Foundation.
  • Member is exempt from regular club-attendance requirements.
  • This proposed membership type is voluntary. A TSR member who is interested in this type of membership must notify the TSR Membership Director of such interest in writing. The Membership Director will take the request to the TSR board for review and approval. The retiree's new status would then take effect at the beginning of the next quarter.
Pros: 
  • Gives retired members the flexibility to travel, visit grandchildren, etc., and still be a Rotarian.
  • May retain some members who would otherwise leave the club after retiring.
  • Acknowledges members who reach the impressive “Rule of 85” milestone.
Cons:
  • Would probably decrease the club's revenue.
  • May lead to the perception that an exempt member is less of a member than one with regular membership status.
  • May impact meeting attendance.
  • May impact participation in service projects, Rotary Foundation, club social activities and TSR's holiday party.