RI Policy Code

As an officially chartered Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Jenkintown and individual members are obligated to follow the policies and regulations of Rotary International.

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The Rotary International Policy Code (2007) is comprised of 538 pages. The entire code is included in the link above. A number of topics covered by the code have been discussed at our club or board meetings over prior years. Those policies of particular interest to the Board, Officers, and membership of our club are reproduced below:

2.010. Membership of Clubs in RI
RI is an association of member Rotary clubs, each of which has a direct relationship and common responsibility to the association with no national or other grouping of clubs intervening in the administration and functioning of the clubs as members of RI. Every member club of RI is expected to comply with the provisions of the constitutional documents which provide for the organizational structure and functioning of the club.
(June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348). Source: May-June 1976 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 265.

2.040. Recommended Club Bylaws
The Standard Rotary Club Constitution requires all clubs to adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws of RI. The Board has adopted Recommended Club Bylaws as found in Appendix A to this Code. A change in the recommended Standard Club Bylaws does not necessarily mean a change in the Code of Policies. Amendments to the Recommended Club Bylaws resulting from the action of the Council on Legislation may be approved by the Executive Committee, acting on the Board’s behalf. The recommended Club Bylaws shall be reviewed by the Board at least once every six years.
(March 2005 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 197). Source: July 1995 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 27; March 2005 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 197; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

2.100. Clubs and Politics
RI and its member clubs must refrain from issuing partisan political statements. Rotarians like wise are prohibited from adopting statements with a view to exerting any corporate pressure on governments or political authorities. However, it is the duty of Rotarians within their clubs to keep under review political developments in their communities and throughout the world, insofar as they affect their service to their vocations and their communities as well as the pursuit of the Rotary objective of world understanding and peace. They also are expected to seek reliable information through balanced programs and discussions so that each club member can reach his or her own conclusions after a fair collective examination of the issues. Outside of their clubs, individual Rotarians are to be active in as many legally constituted groups and organizations as possible in order to promote through exemplary dedication, the awareness of the dignity of human kind and respect of human rights of the individual.
(June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348). Source: February-March 1983 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 288.

4.010.1. Statement on Diversity
Rotary International recognizes the value of diversity within individual clubs. Rotary encourages clubs to assess those in their communities who are eligible for membership, under existing membership rules, and to endeavor to include an appropriate range of individuals in their clubs. A club that reflects its business and professional community is a club with the key to its future.
(November 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 35). Source: June 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 223

4.020. Membership in Rotary Club and Other Service Organizations
In order to comply with the obligations of membership in a club, a Rotarian should not belong to similar community or service clubs which would substantially reduce the member's opportunity to comply with the obligations of club membership. A person being considered for membership in a club should be expected to disclose membership in other service organizations. Members of a club who wish to join a similar community or service organization should seek prior approval from the club board.
(June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348). Source: March 1992 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 223. See also July 1990 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 50

4.040. Dual-Gender Clubs
All Rotary clubs are encouraged to have membership consisting of both men and women. Governors are encouraged to promote dual-gender membership in all clubs in their districts and, where clubs that have single-gender membership remain, should promote the establishment of new dual-gender clubs in the locality of the existing single gender clubs.
(June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 345). Source: March 1993 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 183. Amended by February 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 323 and June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 345

5.010. Honorary Membership
Clubs should guard the election to honorary membership as exclusively a distinction for meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and for permanent support of Rotary’s cause. Honorary membership is the highest distinction that a club may bestow and should be conferred only in exceptional cases, but may not be conferred upon an active member by the members of one’s own club.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: May-July 1952 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 27;. Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 58; November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59. Affirmed by Jan. 1963 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 92

5.050.7. Prohibition of Mandatory Contributions to the Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation has developed on the basis of voluntary contributions. Contributions to the Foundation shall not be a condition of membership, and any reference implying such condition of membership shall not appear on the membership application card. Clubs are prohibited from enacting a bylaw that makes contributions to the Foundation a condition of membership. Any reference to such contributions on membership identification cards is not authorized.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.) Source: November 1964 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 192; June 1999 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 298; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

5.050.4. Rotary Education and Information
Clubs should provide a well-organized and well-implemented Rotary education and information program on a continuing basis. This may include basic pre-induction information and post-induction follow-through by personal contacts, use of RI literature, and personal involvement of the new members in the affairs and activities of the club. Clubs are encouraged to invite spouses as a part of such program where appropriate.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: February 1977 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 264; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

7.020 Conducting Club Meetings
Recognizing that clubs include members who have many beliefs and values, each club should use its good judgment in conducting its meetings and other activities in a manner that reflects Rotary's basic principles of tolerance and participation in humanitarian service projects.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: July 1995 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 28; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

7.030.2. Club Programs: Issues of Public Interest
A club may properly discuss public questions of interest to its members provided that, when such questions are controversial, both sides are adequately presented. No corporate action shall be taken on any pending controversial public measure.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: January 1957 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 169; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59. See also February 1982 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 285.

7.030.4. Club Programs: The Rotary Foundation
Clubs should present at least two meeting programs during each Rotary year, one of which should occur during the month of November, which has been designated as The Rotary Foundation month, on the purpose, programs and fund development activities of The Rotary Foundation.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 350; Amended by November 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 43 and November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

7.090. Status of Informal Meetings of Rotarians
Informal meetings of Rotarians do not constitute official meetings of their clubs or districts. Consequently, no resolution passed by those present at informal meetings can be regarded by the Board as an expression of the clubs or the districts.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: January 1949 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 120; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

8.020. Monthly Emphasis on Various Programs
RI has established monthly program emphases as follows:
    August as “Membership and Extension Month,”
    September as "New Generations Month,”
    October as “Vocational Service Month,”
    November as “The Rotary Foundation Month,”
    December as “Family Month”,
    January as “Rotary Awareness Month,”
    February as “World Understanding Month,”
    March as “Literacy Month,”
    April as “Magazine Month,”
    and June as “Rotary Fellowships Month.”
Clubs should present one or more weekly programs to promote the appropriate emphasis.
(November 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 35). Source: January 1956 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 168; May 1956 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 238; January 1958 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 137; January 1958 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 141; November 1964 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 192; February 1977 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 268; February 1982 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 248; February 1987 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 299; November 1987 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 144; November 1990 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 116; February 1996 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 219; November 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 138; July 2003 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 20; July 2005 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 17; November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59; November 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 35.

8.030.1. Statement on Vocational Service
Vocational Service is the manner in which Rotary fosters and supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations.Inherent in the vocational service ideal are:
    1) Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including faithfulness and fidelity to employers, employees and associates, fair treatment of them and of competitors, the public, and all those with whom one has any business or professional relationships;
    2) The recognition of the worthiness to society of all useful occupations, not just one’s own or those which are pursued by Rotarians;
    3) The contribution of one’s vocational talents to the problems and needs of society. Vocational service is both the responsibility of a club and of its members. The role of the club is to implement and encourage the objective by frequent demonstration, by application to its own actions, by example and by development of projects that help members contribute their vocational talents. The role of the members is to conduct themselves, their businesses, and their professions in accordance with Rotary principles and to respond to projects which the club has developed.
(June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348). Source: October-November 1987 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 164; Affirmed by June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 352.

9.010. Club Finances
At the beginning of each fiscal year the club’s board of directors shall prepare or cause to be prepared a budget of estimated income and estimated expenditures for the year, which, having been agreed to by the board, shall stand as the limit of expenditures for the respective purposes unless otherwise ordered by action of the board. All bills shall be paid by the treasurer, or other authorized officer, only after approval by two other officers or directors. An independent review by a qualified accountant or other qualified person shall be made once each year of all the club’s financial transactions.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

9.010.2. Club Meetings Without Meals
Club meetings are not required to include a meal, thereby reducing costs to the individual Rotarian.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: March 1990 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 176; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

9.040.8. Club Promotion of Community Service Activities
Rotary clubs are encouraged to allocate an appropriate portion of their budget annually for the purpose of increasing public awareness of club activities within the community. Rotary clubs are encouraged to enhance the public image of Rotary through public and permanent identification of club community service activities using the Rotary club name and emblem. Rotary clubs are encouraged to seek appropriate public and permanent recognition for their financial and service contributions to other organizations and causes.
(June 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 245). Source: November 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 124; February 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 194.

10.010. Rotation of Club Officers
The best interests of a club are served by observing the principle of rotation in office. This includes membership on the board of directors and chairmanship of committees as well as the offices of president and secretary. Club officers should not be encouraged or expected to hold office for two successive years; however, clubs may sometimes find it advantageous to elect an officer for a second and successive year or to re-elect a former officer of the club.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: January 1936 Dec. of Exec. Comm. E34; January 1938 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 169; November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59; Amended by January 1943 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 123. Affirmed by Jan 1963 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 113. See also April 1922 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 9 (S).

10.010.1. Board of Directors Acting as Club Planning Committee
Each club board of directors, in addition to fulfilling its function as the governing body of the club, should meet as a planning group at least four times each year. In such capacity, the board should develop the program and activities of the club, its policies, and the extent to which they are being effectively implemented; consider ways and means of further promoting the Object of Rotary; and be concerned with the trends of the times and evaluate how well the club is fulfilling its function.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: January 1970 Mtg., Dec. of Exec. Comm. E20; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

10.020. Qualifications of the Club President
In addition to the qualifications listed in the Standard Rotary Club Constitution, the club president should:
    1. Possess leadership skills;
    2. Have sufficient time to lead and carry out the work of the club;
    3. Have served in the club as a board member or as chair or member of one or more of the major committees or as club secretary;
    4. Possess a working knowledge of the club constitution and bylaws;
    5. Have attended one or more district conferences and international conventions.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59). Source: January 1947 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 164; April 1971 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 231. See also January 1963 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 112.

10.030. Duties of the Club President
The club president has the following duties:
    1. Presides at meetings of the club;
    2. Ensures that each meeting is carefully planned, opening and adjourning on time;
    3. Presides at regular meetings (at least once a month) of the club board of directors;
    4. Appoints club committee chairmen and members who are qualified for the jobs assigned;
    5. Ensures that each committee has definite objectives and each is functioning consistently;
    6. Attends the district conference;
    7. Cooperates with the governor and assistant governor in various club and district Rotary matters, and handles all correspondence promptly;
    8. Supervises the preparation of a club budget and the proper accounting of club finances, including an annual audit;
    9. Ensures that a comprehensive training program is implemented by the club and may appoint a club trainer(s) to carry out the training, if needed;
10. Ensures that important information from the Governor's "Monthly Letter," and other bulletins and literature from the Secretariat and governor are passed
         on to the club members;
11. Submits each June a comprehensive report to the club on the status of club finances and the extent to which the club has achieved its objectives for the
         year
12. Works cooperatively with the president-elect before leaving office to ensure the smooth transition of authority, including the transfer of all relevant
         records, documents, and financial information;
13. Arranges a joint meeting of the incoming and outgoing club boards to ensure the success of the new administration and to provide continuity of
         administrations.
(November 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 104). Source: January 1947 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 164; Amended by November 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 104. See also Jan 1951 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 53 and February 1923 Mtg. Bd. Dec. VIII (z).

11.030.6. Use of Official Directories for Commercial Purposes or Circularization
No member of a Rotary club shall use the Official Directory or any other database or list of names compiled in connection with a Rotary-related project or activity for commercial purposes. The official directories of RI, its districts and clubs, as well as any other database or list of names compiled in connection with a Rotary-related project or activity shall not be made available by Rotarians or by clubs or districts for the purpose of circularization. This applies to directories in electronic and printed formats.
(March 2005 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 201). Source: June 1930 Mtg., Bd. Dec. I; Jan 1937 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 108; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59 and March 2005 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 201.

11.030.7. Club and District Directories
Any club or district publishing a directory shall publish in that directory a notice to the effect that the directory is not for distribution to non-Rotarians nor may it be used as a commercial mailing list.
(November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59) Source: June 1936 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 275; Amended by November 2004 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 59.

11.040.2. Club Lists and Membership Lists Not to Be Furnished to Other Organizations
Lists of clubs, their officers or committee members, or Rotarians shall not be furnished to other organizations, except:
    a) To meet legal requirements of government agencies or
    b) By the assent of the Board or its Executive Committee; provided that the Board or its Executive Committee may not furnish such lists in violation of
         any applicable laws.
(February 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 219). Source: January 1941 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 103, January 1955 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 87, October 1988 Mtg. Bd. Dec. 114; Amended by February 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 219.

33.060. Rotary Mottos
Service above Self and They Profit Most Who Serve Best are the official Rotary Mottos. Service Above Self is the principal motto of Rotary.
(June 2005 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 271). Source: COL 50-11, COL 51-9, COL 89-145, COL 01-678, COL 04-271.

71.080.1. Maintenance of Liability Insurance
Each club shall maintain liability insurance for its activities as appropriate for its geographic region.
(November 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 176). Source: November 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 176.