Constitution of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville
Article 1 Definitions
As used in this constitution, unless the context otherwise clearly requires, the
words in this article shall have the following meanings:
- Board: The Board of Directors of this club.
2. Bylaws: The bylaws of this club.
3. Director: A member of this club’s Board of Directors.
4. Member: A member, other than an honorary member, of this club.
5. RI: Rotary International.
6. Year: The twelve-month period which begins on 1 July.
Article 2 Name
The name of this organization shall be Rotary Club of of South Jacksonville.
Article 3 Locality of the Club
The locality of this club is as follows:
Article 4 Object
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of
worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition
of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of
each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal,
business, and community life;
* The bylaws of Rotary International provide that each club admitted to membership in RI
shall adopt this prescribed standard club constitution.
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Fourth.
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and
peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons
united in the ideal of service.
Article 5 Five Avenues of Service
Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service are the philosophical and practical framework
for the work of this Rotary club.
- Club Service, the first Avenue of Service, involves action a member should
take within this club to help it function successfully. - Vocational Service, the second Avenue of Service, has the purpose of promoting
high ethical standards in businesses and professions, recognizing
the worthiness of all dignified occupations, and fostering the ideal
of service in the pursuit of all vocations. The role of members includes
conducting themselves and their businesses in accordance with Rotary’s
principles. - Community Service, the third Avenue of Service, comprises varied efforts
that members make, sometimes in conjunction with others, to improve the
quality of life of those who live within this club’s locality or municipality. - International Service, the fourth Avenue of Service, comprises those activities
that members do to advance international understanding, goodwill,
and peace by fostering acquaintance with people of other countries, their
cultures, customs, accomplishments, aspirations, and problems, through
reading and correspondence and through cooperation in all club activities
and projects designed to help people in other lands. - New Generations Service, the fifth Avenue of Service, recognizes the positive
change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership
development activities, involvement in community and international service
projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace
and cultural understanding.
Article 6 Meetings
Section 1 — Regular Meetings.
(a)
Day and Time. This club shall hold a regular meeting once each week on
the day and at the time provided in the bylaws.
(b)
Change of Meeting. For good cause, the board may change a regular
meeting to any day during the period commencing with the day
following the preceding regular meeting and ending with the day
preceding the next regular meeting, or to a different hour of the regular
day, or to a different place.
(c)
Cancellation. The board may cancel a regular meeting if it falls on a
legal holiday, including a commonly recognized holiday, or in case of
the death of a club member, or of an epidemic or of a disaster affecting
the whole community, or of an armed conflict in the community which
endangers the lives of the club members. The board may cancel not more
CLUb CONstitUtiON — ARtiCLEs 4; 5; 6; 7
than four regular meetings in a year for causes not otherwise specified
herein provided that this club does not fail to meet for more than three
consecutive meetings.
Section 2 — Annual Meeting. An annual meeting for the election of officers shall
be held not later than 31 December as provided in the bylaws.
or
Article 6 Meetings (for e-Clubs)
(: Yes) Unchecked
Section 1 — Regular Meetings.
(a)
Day. This club shall hold a regular meeting once each week by posting
an interactive activity on the club’s Web site on the day provided in the
bylaws. The meeting shall be considered as held on the day that the
interactive activity is to be posted on the Web site.
(b)
Change of Meeting. For good cause, the board may change a regular
meeting to any day during the period commencing with the day
following the preceding regular meeting and ending with the day
preceding the next regular meeting.
(c)
Cancellation. The board may cancel a regular meeting if it falls on a
legal holiday, including a commonly recognized holiday, or in case of
the death of a club member, or of an epidemic or of a disaster affecting
the whole community, or of an armed conflict in the community which
endangers the lives of the club members. The board may cancel not more
than four regular meetings in a year for causes not otherwise specified
herein provided that this club does not fail to meet for more than three
consecutive meetings.
Section 2 — Annual Meeting. An annual meeting for the election of officers shall
be held not later than 31 December as provided in the bylaws.
Article 7 Membership
Section 1 — General Qualifications. This club shall be composed of adult persons
of good character and good business, professional and/or community reputation.
Section 2 — Kinds. This club shall have two kinds of membership, namely:
active and honorary.
Section 3 — Active Membership. A person possessing the qualifications set forth
in article 5, section 2 of the RI constitution may be elected to active membership
in this club.
Section 4 — Transferring or Former Rotarian.
(a)
Potential Members. A member may propose to active membership a
transferring member or former member of a club, if the proposed
member is terminating or has terminated such membership in the
former club due to no longer being engaged in the formerly assigned
classification of business or profession within the locality of the former
club or the surrounding area. The transferring or former member of a
club being proposed to active membership under this section may also
be proposed by the former club. The classification of a transferring or
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former member of a club shall not preclude election to active membership
even if the election results in club membership temporarily exceeding
the classification limits. Potential members of this club who are current
or former members of another club who have debts to the other club
are ineligible for membership in this club. This club may demand that
a potential member present written proof that no money is owed to
the other club. The admission of a transferring or former Rotarian as
an active member pursuant to this section shall be contingent upon
receiving a certificate from the board of the previous club confirming the
prospective member’s prior membership in that club.
(b)
Current or Former Members. This club shall provide a statement whether
money is owed to this club when requested by another club with
respect to a current or former member of this club being considered for
membership in the other club.
Section 5 — Dual Membership. No person shall simultaneously hold active membership
in this and another club. No person shall simultaneously be a member
and an honorary member in this club. No person shall simultaneously hold
active membership in this club and membership in a Rotaract club.
Section 6 — Honorary Membership.
(a)
Eligibility for Honorary Membership. Persons who have distinguished
themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and
those persons considered friends of Rotary for their permanent support
of Rotary’s cause may be elected to honorary membership in this club.
The term of such membership shall be as determined by the board.
Persons may hold honorary membership in more than one club.
(b)
Rights and Privileges. Honorary members shall be exempt from the
payment of admission fees and dues, shall have no vote, and shall not
be eligible to hold any office in this club. Such members shall not hold
classifications, but shall be entitled to attend all meetings and enjoy all
the other privileges of this club. No honorary member of this club is
entitled to any rights and privileges in any other club, except for the right
to visit other clubs without being the guest of a Rotarian.
Section 7 — Holders of Public Office. Persons elected or appointed to public office
for a specified time shall not be eligible to active membership in this club
under the classification of such office. This restriction shall not apply to persons
holding positions or offices in schools, colleges, or other institutions of
learning or to persons who are elected or appointed to the judiciary. Members
who are elected or appointed to public office for a specified period may continue
as such members in their existing classifications during the period in
which they hold such office.
Section 8 — Rotary International Employment. This club may retain in its membership
any member employed by RI.
Article 8 Classifications
Section 1 — General Provisions.
(a)
Principal Activity. Each member shall be classified in accordance with
the member’s business, profession, or type of community service. The
CLUb CONstitUtiON — ARtiCLEs 7; 8; 9
classification shall be that which describes the principal and recognized
activity of the firm, company, or institution with which the member is
connected or that which describes the member’s principal and recognized
business or professional activity or that which describes the nature of the
member’s community service activity.
(b)
Correction or Adjustment. If the circumstances warrant, the board may
correct or adjust the classification of any member. Notice of a proposed
correction or adjustment shall be provided to the member and the
member shall be allowed a hearing thereon.
Section 2 — Limitations. This club shall not elect a person to active membership
from a classification if the club already has five or more members from
that classification, unless the club has more than 50 members, in which case,
the club may elect a person to active membership in a classification so long
as it will not result in the classification making up more than 10 percent of
the club’s active membership. Members who are retired shall not be included
in the total number of members in a classification. The classification of a
transferring or former member of a club, or a Rotary Foundation alumnus as
defined by the board of directors of RI, shall not preclude election to active
membership even if the election results in club membership temporarily
exceeding the above limitations. If a member changes classification, the club
may continue the member’s membership under the new classification notwithstanding
these limitations.
Article 9 Attendance
(Select one introductory paragraph to Section 1)
Section 1 — General Provisions. Each member should attend this club’s regular
meetings. A member shall be counted as attending a regular meeting if the
member is present for at least 60 percent of the meeting, or is present and is
called away unexpectedly and subsequently produces evidence to the satisfaction
of the board that such action was reasonable, or makes up for an absence
in any of the following ways:
(: Yes) Unchecked
or
Section 1 (for e-Clubs) — General Provisions. Each member should attend
this club’s regular meetings. A member shall be counted as attending a regular
meeting if the member participates in the regular meeting posted on the
club’s Web site within one week following its posting, or makes up a missed
meeting in any of the following ways:
(: Yes) Unchecked
(a)
14 Days Before or After the Meeting. If, within fourteen (14) days before or
after the regular time for that meeting, the member
(1)
attends at least 60 percent of the regular meeting of another club or of
a provisional club; or
(2)
attends a regular meeting of a Rotaract or Interact club, Rotary
Community Corps, or Rotary Fellowship or of a provisional Rotaract
or Interact club, Rotary Community Corps, or Rotary Fellowship; or
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(3)
attends a convention of RI, a council on legislation, an international
assembly, a Rotary institute for past and present officers of RI, a
Rotary institute for past, present, and incoming officers of RI, or any
other meeting convened with the approval of the board of directors
of RI or the president of RI acting on behalf of the board of directors
of RI, a Rotary multizone conference, a meeting of a committee of RI,
a Rotary district conference, a Rotary district assembly, any district
meeting held by direction of the board of directors of RI, any district
committee meeting held by direction of the district governor, or a
regularly announced intercity meeting of Rotary clubs; or
(4)
is present at the usual time and place of a regular meeting of another
club for the purpose of attending such meeting, but that club is not
meeting at that time or place; or
(5)
attends and participates in a club service project or a club-sponsored
community event or meeting authorized by the board; or
(6)
attends a board meeting or, if authorized by the board, a meeting of a
service committee to which the member is assigned; or
(7)
participates through a club web site in an interactive activity
requiring an average of 30 minutes of participation.
When a member is outside the member’s country of residence for more than
fourteen (14) days, the time restriction shall not be imposed so that the member
may attend meetings in another country at any time during the travel
period, and each such attendance shall count as a valid make-up for any regular
meeting missed during the member’s time abroad.
(b)
At the Time of the Meeting. If, at the time of the meeting, the member is
(1)
traveling with reasonable directness to or from one of the meetings
specified in sub-subsection (a) (3) of this section; or
(2)
serving as an officer or member of a committee of RI, or a trustee of
The Rotary Foundation; or
(3)
serving as the special representative of the district governor in the
formation of a new club; or
(4)
on Rotary business in the employ of RI; or
(5)
directly and actively engaged in a district-sponsored or RI- or Rotary
Foundation-sponsored service project in a remote area where making
up attendance is impossible; or
(6)
engaged in Rotary business duly authorized by the board which
precludes attendance at the meeting.
Section 2 — Extended Absence on Outposted Assignment. If a member will be
working on an outposted assignment for an extended period of time, attendance
at the meetings of a designated club at the site of the assignment will
replace attendance at the regular meetings of the member’s club, provided
there is a mutual agreement between the two clubs.
Section 3 — Excused Absences. A member’s absence shall be excused if
(a)
the absence complies with the conditions and under circumstances
approved by the board. The board may excuse a member’s absence
CLUb CONstitUtiON — ARtiCLEs 9; 10
for reasons which it considers to be good and sufficient. Such excused
absences shall not extend for longer than twelve months.
(b)
the age of the member is 65 and above and the aggregate of the member’s
years of age and years of membership in one or more clubs is 85 years
or more and the member has notified the club secretary in writing of
the member’s desire to be excused from attendance and the board has
approved.
Section 4 — RI Officers’ Absences. A member’s absence shall be excused if the
member is a current officer of RI.
Section 5 — Attendance Records. In the event that a member whose absences
are excused under the provisions of subsection 3(b) or section 4 of this article
attends a club meeting, the member and the member’s attendance shall be
included in the membership and attendance figures used to compute this
club’s attendance.
Article 10 Directors and Officers
Section 1 — Governing Body. The governing body of this club shall be the board
constituted as the bylaws may provide.
Section 2 — Authority. The board shall have general control over all officers and
committees and, for good cause, may declare any office vacant.
Section 3 — Board Action Final. The decision of the board in all club matters is
final, subject only to an appeal to the club. However, as to a decision to terminate
membership, a member, pursuant to article 12, section 6, may appeal to
the club, request mediation, or request arbitration. If appealed, a decision of
the board shall be reversed only by a two-thirds vote of the members present,
at a regular meeting specified by the board, provided a quorum is present
and notice of the appeal has been given by the secretary to each member at
least five (5) days prior to the meeting. If an appeal is taken, the action taken
by the club shall be final.
Section 4 — Officers. The club officers shall be a president, the immediate past
president, a president-elect, and one or more vice-presidents, all of whom shall
be members of the board, and a secretary, a treasurer, and a sergeant-at-arms,
who may or may not be members of the board as the bylaws shall provide.
Section 5 — Election of Officers.
(a)
Terms of Officers other than President. Each officer shall be elected as
provided in the bylaws. Except for the president, each officer shall take
office on 1 July immediately following election and shall serve for the
term of office or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified.
(b)
Term of President. The president shall be elected as provided in the bylaws,
not more than two (2) years but not less than eighteen (18) months prior
to the day of taking office and shall serve as president-nominee upon
election. The nominee shall take the title of president-elect on 1 July in
the year prior to taking office as president. The president shall take office
on 1 July and shall serve a period of one (1) year or until a successor has
been duly elected and qualified.
(c)
Qualifications. Each officer and director shall be a member in good
standing of this club. The president-elect shall attend the district
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presidents-elect training seminar and the district assembly unless
excused by the governor-elect. If so excused, the president-elect shall
send a designated club representative who shall report back to the
president-elect. If the president-elect does not attend the presidents-elect
training seminar and the district assembly and has not been excused
by the governor-elect or, if so excused, does not send a designated club
representative to such meetings, the president-elect shall not be able to
serve as club president. In such event, the current president shall continue
to serve until a successor who has attended a presidents-elect training
seminar and district assembly or training deemed sufficient by the
governor-elect has been duly elected.
Article 11 Admission Fees and Dues
Every member shall pay an admission fee and annual dues as prescribed in the
bylaws, except that any transferring or former member of another club who is
accepted into membership of this club pursuant to article 7, section 4(a) shall
not be required to pay a second admission fee. A Rotaractor who ceased to be a
member of Rotaract within the preceding two years, who is accepted into membership
of this club, shall not be required to pay an admission fee.
Article 12 Duration of Membership
Section 1 — Period. Membership shall continue during the existence of this club
unless terminated as hereinafter provided.
Section 2 — Automatic Termination.
(a)
Membership Qualifications. Membership shall automatically terminate
when a member no longer meets the membership qualifications, except
that
(1)
the board may grant a member moving from the locality of this
club or the surrounding area a special leave of absence not to exceed
one (1) year to enable the member to visit and become known to a
Rotary club in the new community if the member continues to meet
all conditions of club membership;
(2)
the board may allow a member moving from the locality of this
club or the surrounding area to retain membership if the member
continues to meet all conditions of club membership.
(b)
How to Rejoin. When the membership of a member has terminated as
provided in subsection (a) of this section, such person, provided such
person’s membership was in good standing at the time of termination,
may make new application for membership, under the same or another
classification. A second admission fee shall not be required.
(c)
Termination of Honorary Membership. Honorary membership shall
automatically terminate at the end of the term for such membership as
determined by the board. However, the board may extend an honorary
membership for an additional period. The board may revoke an honorary
membership at any time.
CLUb CONstitUtiON — ARtiCLEs 10; 11; 12
Section 3 — Termination — Non-payment of Dues.
(a)
Process. Any member failing to pay dues within thirty (30) days after
the prescribed time shall be notified in writing by the secretary at the
member’s last known address. If the dues are not paid on or before
ten (10) days of the date of notification, membership may terminate,
subject to the discretion of the board.
(b)
Reinstatement. The board may reinstate the former member to
membership upon the former member’s petition and payment of all
indebtedness to this club. However, no former member may be reinstated
to active membership if the former member’s classification is in conflict
with article 8, section 2.
Section 4 — Termination — Non-attendance.
(a)
Attendance Percentages. A member must
(1)
attend or make up at least 50 percent of club regular meetings in each
half of the year;
(2)
attend at least 30 percent of this club’s regular meetings in each half
of the year (assistant governors, as defined by the board of directors
of RI, shall be excused from this requirement).
If a member fails to attend as required, the member’s membership
shall be subject to termination unless the board consents to such nonattendance
for good cause.
(b)
Consecutive Absences. Unless otherwise excused by the board for good and
sufficient reason or pursuant to article 9, sections 3 or 4, each member
who fails to attend or make up four consecutive regular meetings shall
be informed by the board that the member’s non-attendance may be
considered a request to terminate membership in this club. Thereafter,
the board, by a majority vote, may terminate the member’s membership.
Section 5 — Termination — Other Causes.
(a)
Good Cause. The board may terminate the membership of any member
who ceases to have the qualifications for membership in this club or
for any good cause by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the board
members, at a meeting called for that purpose. The guiding principles for
this meeting shall be article 7, section 1; The Four-Way Test; and the high
ethical standards that one should hold as a Rotary club member.
(b)
Notice. Prior to taking any action under subsection (a) of this section,
the member shall be given at least ten (10) days’ written notice of such
pending action and an opportunity to submit a written answer to the
board. The member shall have the right to appear before the board
to state the member’s case. Notice shall be by personal delivery or by
registered letter to the member’s last known address.
(c)
Filling Classification. When the board has terminated the membership
of a member as provided for in this section, this club shall not elect a
new member under the former member’s classification until the time
for hearing any appeal has expired and the decision of this club or of
the arbitrators has been announced. However, this provision shall not
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apply if, by election of a new member, the number of members under the
said classification would remain within provided limitations even if the
board’s decision regarding termination is reversed.
Section 6 — Right to Appeal, Mediate or Arbitrate Termination.
(a)
Notice. Within seven (7) days after the date of the board’s decision to
terminate membership, the secretary shall give written notice of the
decision to the member. Within fourteen (14) days after the date of
the notice, the member may give written notice to the secretary of the
intention to appeal to the club, request mediation, or to arbitrate as
provided in article 16.
(b)
Date for Hearing of Appeal. In the event of an appeal, the board shall set
a date for the hearing of the appeal at a regular club meeting to be held
within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of the notice of appeal. At least
five (5) days’ written notice of the meeting and its special business shall
be given to every member. Only members shall be present when the
appeal is heard.
(c)
Mediation or Arbitration. The procedure utilized for mediation or
arbitration shall be as provided in article 16.
(d)
Appeal. If an appeal is taken, the action of the club shall be final and
binding on all parties and shall not be subject to arbitration.
(e)
Decision of Arbitrators or Umpire. If arbitration is requested, the decision
reached by the arbitrators or, if they disagree, by the umpire shall be final
and binding on all parties and shall not be subject to appeal.
(f)
Unsuccessful Mediation. If mediation is requested but is unsuccessful, the
member may appeal to the club or arbitrate as provided in subsection (a)
of this section.
Section 7 — Board Action Final. Board action shall be final if no appeal to this
club is taken and no arbitration is requested.
Section 8 — Resignation. The resignation of any member from this club shall be
in writing, addressed to the president or secretary. The resignation shall be
accepted by the board if the member has no indebtedness to this club.
Section 9 — Forfeiture of Property Interest. Any person whose club membership
has been terminated in any manner shall forfeit all interest in any funds or
other property belonging to this club if, under local laws, the member may
have acquired any right to them upon joining the club.
Section 10 — Temporary Suspension. Notwithstanding any provision of this constitution,
if in the opinion of the board
(a)
credible accusations have been made that a member has refused or
neglected to comply with this constitution, or has been guilty of conduct
unbecoming a member or prejudicial to the interests of the club; and
(b)
those accusations, if proved, constitute good cause for terminating the
membership of the member; and
(c)
it is desirable that no action should be taken in respect of the membership
of the member pending the outcome of a matter or an event that the
board considers should properly occur before such action is taken by the
board; and
CLUb CONstitUtiON — ARtiCLEs 12; 13; 14
(d)
that in the best interests of the club and without any vote being taken
as to his or her membership, the member’s membership should be
temporarily suspended and the member should be excluded from
attendance at meetings and other activities of this club and from any
office or position the member holds within the club. For the purposes
of this clause, the member shall be excused from fulfilling attendance
responsibilities;
the board may, by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the board, temporarily
suspend the member as aforesaid for such period and on such further
conditions as the board determines, albeit for a period no longer than is
reasonably necessary in all the circumstances.
Article 13 Community, National, and International Affairs
Section 1 — Proper Subjects. The merits of any public question involving the
general welfare of the community, the nation, and the world are of concern
to the members of this club and shall be proper subjects of fair and informed
study and discussion at a club meeting for the enlightenment of its members
in forming their individual opinions. However, this club shall not express an
opinion on any pending controversial public measure.
Section 2 — No Endorsements. This club shall not endorse or recommend any
candidate for public office and shall not discuss at any club meeting the merits
or demerits of any such candidate.
Section 3 — Non-Political.
(a)
Resolutions and Opinions. This club shall neither adopt nor circulate
resolutions or opinions, and shall not take action dealing with world
affairs or international policies of a political nature.
(b)
Appeals. This club shall not direct appeals to clubs, peoples, or
governments, or circulate letters, speeches, or proposed plans for the
solution of specific international problems of a political nature.
Section 4 — Recognizing Rotary’s Beginning. The week of the anniversary of
Rotary’s founding (23 February) shall be known as World Understanding and
Peace Week. During this week, this club will celebrate Rotary service, reflect
upon past achievements, and focus on programs of peace, understanding, and
goodwill in the community and throughout the world.
Article 14 Rotary Magazines
Section 1 — Mandatory Subscription. Unless, in accordance with the bylaws of
RI, this club is excused by the board of directors of RI from complying with
the provisions of this article, each member shall, for the duration of membership,
subscribe to the official magazine or to the magazine approved and prescribed
for this club by the board of directors of RI. Two Rotarians residing at
the same address have the option to subscribe jointly to the official magazine.
The subscription shall be paid in six (6) month periods for the duration of
membership in this club and to the end of any six (6) month period during
which membership may terminate.
Section 2 — Subscription Collection. The subscription shall be collected by
this club from each member semiannually in advance and remitted to the
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Secretariat of RI or to the office of such regional publications as may be determined
by the board of directors of RI.
Article 15
Acceptance of Object and Compliance with Constitution and Bylaws
By payment of an admission fee and dues, a member accepts the principles of
Rotary as expressed in its object and submits to and agrees to comply with and
be bound by the constitution and bylaws of this club, and on these conditions
alone is entitled to the privileges of this club. Each member shall be subject to
the terms of the constitution and bylaws regardless of whether such member
has received copies of them.
Article 16 Arbitration and Mediation
Section 1 — Disputes. Should any dispute, other than as to a decision of the
board, arise between any current or former member(s) and this club, any
club officer or the board, on any account whatsoever which cannot be settled
under the procedure already provided for such purpose, the dispute shall,
upon a request to the secretary by any of the disputants, either be resolved by
mediation or settled by arbitration.
Section 2 — Date for Mediation or Arbitration. In the event of mediation or arbitration,
the board shall set a date for the mediation or arbitration, in consultation
with disputants, to be held within twenty-one (21) days after receipt of
the request for mediation or arbitration.
Section 3 — Mediation. The procedure for such mediation shall be that recognized
by an appropriate authority with national or state jurisdiction or be that
recommended by a competent professional body whose recognized exper-
tise covers alternative dispute resolution or be that recommended by way of
documented guidelines determined by the board of RI or the trustees of
The Rotary Foundation. Only a member of a Rotary club may be appointed as
mediator(s). The club may request the district governor or the governor’s representative
to appoint a mediator who is a member of a Rotary club and who
has appropriate mediation skills and experience.
(a)
Mediation Outcomes. The outcomes or decisions agreed between the
parties as a result of mediation shall be recorded and copies held by each
party, the mediator(s) and one copy given to the board and to be held by
the secretary. A summary statement of outcomes acceptable to the parties
involved shall be prepared for the information of the club. Either party,
through the president or secretary, may call for further mediation if either
party has retracted significantly from the mediated position.
(b)
Unsuccessful Mediation. If mediation is requested but is unsuccessful, any
disputant may request arbitration as provided in section 1 of this article.
Section 4 — Arbitration. In the event of a request for arbitration, each party
shall appoint an arbitrator and the arbitrators shall appoint an umpire. Only a
member of a Rotary club may be appointed as umpire or as arbitrator.
Section 5 — Decision of Arbitrators or Umpire. If arbitration is requested, the decision
reached by the arbitrators or, if they disagree, by the umpire shall be final
and binding on all parties and shall not be subject to appeal.
CLUb CONstitUtiON — ARtiCLEs 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19
Article 17 Bylaws
This club shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws
of RI, with the rules of procedure for an administrative territorial unit where
established by RI, and with this constitution, embodying additional provisions
for the government of this club. Such bylaws may be amended from time to
time as therein provided.
Article 18 Interpretation
Throughout this constitution, the terminology “mail,” “mailing,” and “ballotby-
mail” will include utilization of electronic mail (e-mail) and internet technology
to reduce costs and increase responsiveness.
Article 19 Amendments
Section 1 — Manner of Amending. Except as provided in section 2 of this article,
this constitution may be amended only by the council on legislation in the
same manner as is established in the bylaws of RI for the amendment of its
bylaws.
Section 2 — Amending Article 2 and Article 3. Article 2 (Name) and Article 3
(Locality of the Club) of the constitution shall be amended at any regular
meeting of this club, a quorum being present, by the affirmative vote of not
less than two-thirds of all voting members present and voting, provided that
notice of such proposed amendment shall have been mailed to each member
and to the governor at least ten (10) days before such meeting, and provided
further, that such amendment shall be submitted to the board of directors of
RI for its approval and shall become effective only when so approved. The
governor may offer an opinion to the board of directors of RI regarding the
proposed amendment.
