Chair portfolios
| Site: | Rotary District 9675 My Learning |
| Course: | Club management |
| Book: | Chair portfolios |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Friday, 26 April 2024, 3:36 AM |
1. Club governance
Watch the following presentation by Ron Browne, District Director for Club Governance, on the importance of governance for Clubs. Ron Browne's PowerPoint Presentation on Governance.
The Club Governance Team is available to advise Clubs on issues pertaining to governance issues.
2. Community projects
Community projects involve a number of different areas. Take the time to learn what is available for clubs to access in this portfolio.
Watch the Team talk about some projects
Organisational chart
3. International
International Service encompasses efforts to expand Rotary's humanitarian reach around the world; through Rotary's avenues of services and aligning with the Rotary Foundations areas of focus, the clubs in our district are supported to research, design, implement and review projects globally.
The Chair of International service is Tonia Barnes. The portfolio includes International Special Projects, Shelter box, Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd (RAWCS) and Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC).
3.1. International special projects
International Special Projects
Special Projects is working to lift the profile of our District in the international arena. We are aware of a number of Clubs who have undertaken work internationally and we want to expand this effort.
The first step is to develop a strategic plan or map, in consultation with Clubs. This will include a list of projects (international or within Australia) which we can develop, support and encourage to apply for grants.
Our District is following the RI platform for both international work and those projects chosen to benefit the Australian population, particularly in our Indigenous population. The team will concentrate on the seven areas of focus:
- Clean water, sanitation and hygiene
- Fighting disease
- Savings mothers and children
- Supporting education
- Growing local economies
- Promoting peace
- Environment and sustainability
3.2. Shelterbox
ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives.
Every disaster is different and so is every community, so we spend time with those affected to make sure we can offer the right support at the right time to help them recover
Find out more
3.3. RAWCS
Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd. (RAWCS) was formed to enable Australian Rotarians, Rotary Districts and Rotary Clubs to assist disadvantaged communities and individuals through humanitarian aid projects.
RAWCS has a financial infrastructure system that facilitates fundraising for projects that deliver humanitarian aid and charitable support in Australia and overseas. Projects are registered through Rotary Australia Overseas Aid Fund (RAOAF), Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) incorporating Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG), Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF), Donations in Kind (DIK) and Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM).
Find out more
3.4. ROMAC
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) provides surgical treatment for children in Australia and New Zealand from developing countries from our Pacific region in the form of life giving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
Find out more
4. Learning and development
The Learning and Development Directorate continues to work hard to change our focus to being more learner-centred. This is a work in progress and we will be continually asking for your input to help us build MyLearning and redevelop our programs to better meet your needs.
5. Mentoring
Vice District Governor Warwick Richardson heads up the Mentoring team.
Mentoring basics
If you would like to know more about Mentoring, go to the course in the Rotary International Learning Centre (you will need to log into the Learning Centre using your MyRotary account). Mentoring basics
6. Membership
Renga Rajan and Stephen Knightly head up the Membership and New Style Clubs membership team. Contact then (through the District website if you are seeking advice and strategies for attracting and retaining members).
6.1. Membership committee
Clubs have different Board structures, however, it is important to have a Director on your Board responsible for Membership. Growing membership and retaining existing membership is vital for your Club.
The following guide explains the process of creating a membership plan and provides strategies and tools you can use to attract and engage new members. It also includes information about sponsoring new clubs and reviews the membership resources that are available from Rotary. As you work through this guide, you will evaluate your club’s membership trends, create strategies for attracting new members and develop ways to make your club meetings more engaging to improve your club’s member retention rate. Finally, we’ve included a worksheet that has concrete steps your club can take to build a plan to strengthen its membership.
Resources
A guide for download:
Strengthening Your Membership "Creating your membership plan"
Learning centre courses
There is a wealth of resources on building your club membership in the Rotary International Learning Centre. To access these courses you first need to log into My Rotary and then the Learning Centre (instructions are available in the topic 'Introduction and overview of the the program' in this course). Be patient as the Learning Centre takes some time to open.
Go to the Learning Centre and search for the following courses.
Club membership Committee
Developing club membership strategies
6.2. Developing your membership plan
To develop your membership plan, you should first evaluate your club's readiness to attract new and retain members, then focus on the particular steps that address your club’s toughest challenges. When you’ve completed the steps, you will have identified
challenges and opportunities, developed a vision, and generated strategies for prospective new and established members.
Resources
Strengthening your membership: Creating your membership plan
Your membership plan worksheet
Learning centre courses
Developing your membership plan
Please note: You will need to log in using your My Rotary username and password.
6.3. Membership leads
Membership leads route prospective members to you to help you grow your membership. By signing in to your My Rotary account, you can see a list of your prospective, referred, and relocating or returning members all in one place! It’s one way we’re helping clubs connect with prospective members in their community who want to create positive change.
Bharathi Rengarajan is the District membership leads contact. Bharathi will email Clubs to provide details of membership leads. It is important to follow these up as they are from people requesting contact as they would like to join a Rotary club.
Resources
6.4. New members
Asking your fellow members about people they know in the community who would be assets to the club is an important step in membership growth. Prospective members are likely to rely on the experiences and opinions of their friends, family or colleagues when considering joining an organisation like Rotary. Encourage others to invite prospective members to club meetings, service projects and events so they can see how your club helps the community and provides opportunities to form connections and friendships. It may take a few conversations or several visits for prospective members to get a full understanding of Rotary and how they could benefit from membership. It’s important to allow that time to make sure that it’s a good fit for everyone involved.
Resources
6.5. Diversity
Diversity refers to inclusion of people from many groups. It is a source of innovation as well as one of Rotary’s core values. Having members with different backgrounds and viewpoints gives your club a broader understanding of the community, its problems and possible solutions. Strive to have a group of members who offer the club diverse skills, talents and experiences. If your club includes different ethnicities, ages and cultures, as well as a good gender balance, it will have greater capacity
to serve your community and communities around the world. Equally important is creating a culture of inclusion, where these differences are respected, supported and valued.
Resources
Representing your community professions
Learning centre courses
Go to the Rotary International Learning centre and login using your My Rotary username and password (be patient the site is a bit slow to load) and search for the following courses:
- Committing to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Building a diverse club
6.6. Club extension
Do you want to start a Rotary club but don’t have enough members? Are you in a Rotary club that isn’t meeting your or your members’ expectations? Are there members who love your club but can’t keep attending when it meets? Would you like to start a new club with a small, energetic group committed to community service? Then you might want to start a new club.
Types of clubs
- Traditional Rotary club: Professionals and aspiring leaders who meet regularly for service, connections and personal growth
- Next-Gen: Rotary's long heritage is blended into the new, information-rich world in which we live. The result is a new generation of Clubs that embrace the demands of a faster-paced environment and create the opportunity for more people to become involved in Rotary service to the community
- Satellite club: A Rotary club sponsored by a traditional club but with its own meetings, projects, bylaws, and board
- E-club: A Rotary club that meets primarily online
- Passport club: A Rotary club that allows members to attend other Rotary club meetings as long as they attend a specified number of meetings in their own club each year
- Corporate club: A club whose members (or most of them) work for the same employer
- Cause-based club: A club whose members are passionate about a particular cause and focus their service efforts in that area
- Alumni-based club: A club whose members (or most of them) are former Rotary or Rotary Foundation program participants
- Rotaract club: A club of members ages 18-30 that is sponsored by a Rotary club and often works with that club on projects
Resources
My Rotary - a wealth of resources on types of clubs and guides to starting new club
Learning centre course
Go to the Rotary International Learning centre login using your My Rotary username and password (be patient as the site is a bit slow to load) and search for the following course (it is a video about starting a club):
- Starting a Rotary Club
7. Marketing and public relations
Jeremy Wright is Director, Marketing and Public Communications.
7.1. Toastmasters
Toastmasters International is a not for profit training organisation that focuses on communication and leadership development.
There are around 800 Toastmasters clubs with over 15,000 members throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea. These clubs are grouped into 5 Districts, forming part of Toastmasters Region 12.
Toastmasters and Rotary
Find out more
Learning centre courses
Go to the topic on Presentations skills. There are links to the Courses available in the Learning Centre.
8. New generations and youth
Meet the New generations and youth team and find out what they can do for your Club.
8.1. Interact
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
What are the benefits?
Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
- Take action to make a difference in your school and community
- Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
- Become a leader in your school and community
- Have fun and make new friends from around the world
Find out more
Interact: Guide for Rotary Club Sponsors and Advisors
8.2. MUNA
The Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is a significant international Rotary youth program. Senior high school students develop an awareness of the United Nations and the countries they represent at a simulated UN Assembly. The event provides an excellent forum for students to develop and practise their public speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues.
Each participating team is sponsored by a Rotary Club or District. Teams are made up of two or three Year 11 or 12 students, with each team representing a nation at a simulated Model United Nations Assembly. Teams debate topics of international concern such as world peace, environmental issues and human rights.
Before attending, students will have familiarised themselves with the nation they represent by studying its history, politics, economics, people, geography, international alignment and real life stance on world affairs.
Benefits: - The students develop an awareness of the working of the United Nations and of the country that they are representing. They have an opportunity to practise and develop their public speaking and debating skills and gain a better understanding of the international positions of other countries.
8.3. NYSF
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a not-for-profit organisation that runs a number of residential programs to encourage young people in their passion for science. Our programs show the wide variety of engaging, rewarding and inspiring study and career options available in science, technology and engineering fields.
The flagship program is the NYSF Year 12 Program, which runs in January each year for students about to enter year 12. Since 1984, more than 12,000 young Australians have progressed through the NYSF Year 12 Program (including those run under the organisation’s previous banner, the National Science Summer School (NSSS)).
Rotary is the Founding Partner of NYSF and today the 21 local Rotary districts across Australia continue to conduct selections for the NYSF Year 12 Program on behalf of the NYSF.
Find out more
8.4. Science & engineering
The project was instigated due to the identified chronic shortage of scientists and engineers in Australia. Rotary supports and encourages young people who have started into a science oriented career via the well known Science and Engineering Forums. This program is aimed at Year 9/10 students and its objective is to encourage young people to consider adding science subjects to their courses for Years 11 & 12. This is achieved in an environment that involves fun, excitement and competition.
The Challenge was conceived at Newcastle University and has been developed, in conjunction with Rotary clubs, over the last five years. It has spread widely throughout country New South Wales and has spread interstate as far as Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Schools are invited to send classes, on a chosen day, to a suitable venue where they compete, in teams of three or four classmates, against teams from up to seven other schools. They are assigned to take part in one or two of a large range of scientific or engineering projects during a specified time. All the materials and equipment are supplied. The Challenges are all hands-on. They require common sense and logic and, while all are based on basic scientific principles, students do not require scientific knowledge to complete them. All are measurable, so winners can be identified.
At the end of the day, school scores are totalled and the regional winner is announced. Later in the year, the 56 Regional winners are invited to attend and compete in a Super Challenge and the winning teams from this are then invited to take part in a Grand Challenge.
8.5. Rotaract
Rotaract is a global organisation that empowers students and young professionals to create positive and lasting change in themselves, their local community and around the world. Rotaractors help, learn, and enjoy. They help those in need, learn through professional development opportunities, and enjoy social activities.
Partnering with Rotary International, the over 70 Rotaract Clubs across Australia are part of a worldwide organisation of 250,792 individuals in 10,904 clubs covering 184 countries.
Rotaract Clubs are sponsored by a Rotary Club.
Rotaract Members share a unique passion for taking action through not only ideas but planning and execution of projects and events. Where others see problems, we see solutions.
Find out more
8.6. RYDA
RYDA is more than a program, it’s partnership which supports teachers on the journey as they provide their students with the tools and understanding they need to see themselves as active, responsible road citizens. Taking, largely, a student inquiry learning approach, RYDA becomes part of the school culture from the first to last day of a young person’s high school life. Beyond that, RYDA provides students with the tools, habits and motivation to take action and stay safe on our roads as both drivers and passengers throughout their lives.
Long term change will only be realised where educational materials support each other and key messages are repeated over time. RYDA, a program professionally developed by leading learning organisation, Road Safety Education Limited (RSE), is designed to complement the high school curriculum.
RYDA features a highly engaging and memorable one-day workshop which front-loads students’ understanding of road safety. The workshop sessions are designed to be held in small classroom sized groups (approximately 25 students) and are led by a team of trained facilitators including Police, driving instructors and other community sector specialists.
The RYDA Program is coordinated locally through our community partner Rotary.
Find out more
8.7. Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange Australia provides an opportunity of a lifetime for Australian high school students to live & study abroad.
They spend up to 12 months living and studying in a foreign country, learning a lot about themselves and the culture of their adopted host families.
Find out more
8.8. RYLA
RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. RYLA is a leadership program coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this program. Young people ages 19-25 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to
attend the event run by the club's district committee.
It is all about Rotarians working with youth in leadership development. It is an intensive training program for young people who are chosen for their proven or potential leadership abilities.
Find out more
8.9. RYPEN
The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is for young people aged 14 to 16 years and caters for teenagers who have shown qualities of decency, courage, persistence, sincerity and application in everyday life, which deserve further development.
RYPEN uses the common bonds of learning, co-operation and friendship to design activities which facilitate trust and self esteem. RYPEN seeks to broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially and academically, providing the inner foundations for a strong future.
Find out more
8.10. U Turn the Wheel
The "U Turn the Wheel" program is a one-day in-school road safety program that is delivered to Year 11 students in High School. "U Turn the Wheel" is coordinated by local Rotary Clubs. Expert presenters talk to students about the issues facing young drivers, and discuss strategies to deal with them. The program reinforces the messages that parents are trying to get their young drivers to heed – that the decisions and actions made by drivers on the roads are their responsibility alone, and can often lead to unforeseen and tragic consequences.
9. Rotary Foundation
The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. This support is essential to make possible projects, funded with Foundation grants, that bring sustainable improvement to communities in need.
Find out more
History of the Rotary Foundation
The Australian Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation Reference Guide
Understanding Foundation Recognition Points
Learning centre
Go to the Learning Centre and search for 'Rotary Foundation Basics'. Please note: you will need to logon using your MyRotary username and password.
9.1. District Grants
Watch the following presentation by Past District Governor Keith Roffey, Grants Committee Chair Lyn Gibson and District Governor Elect Tonia Barnes about district grants for the following year.
10. Strategic planning
Past District Governor Stephen Humphreys is the Director of Strategic Planning. Listen to Stephen discuss the role of the committee and the importance of Strategic Planning for Clubs.
Strategic planning
There are a number of resources in the Governance Topic on Strategic Planning. Please make sure you access this information as it will help Clubs developed a Strategic Plan which, as Stephen Humphreys has indicated, makes a significant difference to Club activities and outcomes for the year.
11. Vocational service
Vocational service is a large portfolio lead by Tony Luck. Vocational Service Projects