What is the proposed structure?
To help enhance membership experience and accessibility of leadership opportunities to encourage volunteers with diverse backgrounds and the skillsets to lead Rotary into tomorrow, an updated structure is proposed that focuses on all aspects of district-level governance. Club governance is not being reviewed. Read on for more details.
Contents
How is the focus on the Objects of Rotary maintained under the new structure?
What in our governance structure is changing?
Where will the administration support come from?
Will the Rotary branding be impacted?
What happens to past district governors (PDGs)?
How will the role of district governor (DG) change?
Who else is participating in a pilot?
How does a section leader differ from a district governor?
Will we be electing the next district governor-nominee?
Are we electing district governors for 2024 and beyond?
Will Rotaract Australia and New Zealand/Pacific be integrated with Rotary or sit outside of it?
Why don’t we make Rotaractors members of Rotary rather than spend more on them?
How do Interactors fit into this new governance model?
Are Regional Committee elections open to everyone?
There are The Rotary Foundation (TRF) chairs in each district. How many will we have in the pilot?
Will clubs be distracted by the changes in governance?
Does a Regional Council Committee coordinate and deliver the training needs for all sections?
Who are Shaping Rotary’s Future (SRF) and what is their role?
Are club structures being reviewed as well?
If there is any confusion during the transition period, who should clubs turn to?
What is the Regional Council and what is its role?
How is the focus on the Objects of Rotary maintained under the new structure?
Our vision, mission, values, and objects don’t change. What does change in how we provide value to members, support clubs, and implement new strategies that enhance our ability to serve our communities, have fun, and make friends, while attracting a new generation of leaders and volunteers.
What in our governance structure is changing?
The roles of Rotary leaders are evolving to be more manageable and doable with a regional approach to the administrative, support and legal responsibilities normally done by DGs.
District roles will transition into new, more focused leadership opportunities with two or three-year terms, depending on the role and the requirements of regional support committees.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs will serve in sections together. All Rotary members can apply for and be elected to any leadership positions in the region.
There will be fewer layers of hierarchy, allowing members to receive more direct support and communication.
What is staying the same?
Rotary’s vision, values, objects don’t change — we remain committed to creating lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Opportunities to help others in need, have fun, and enjoy fellowship will be enhanced, as will leadership development opportunities for those interested in growing personally and professionally.
Members will continue to have access to Rotary resources, such as the Learning Centre, Brand Center, Grant Center, My Rotary, online giving, convention registration, and Rotary Club Central, and will continue to apply for and receive global, regional, and disaster response grants.
Where will the administration support come from?
Support will come from the Regional Council and the Regional Support Committees, who will be supported by the Global Cadre (Specialist Support Team). Staff at Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office (RISPPO) in Sydney will continue to provide support, as will RI.
Will the Rotary branding be impacted?
There is no intention to change Rotary’s brand. We will simply look and work better as one.
What happens to past district governors (PDGs)?
PDGs will serve an important and valuable role as advisors, as they are the custodians of the history of each district. The respect Rotary members have for PDGs is important and we need their support to bring about change. PDG’s have much to offer, and it is hoped they will add the value of their experience as we undertake this important journey. We are all being called upon to work together for the future and leave a legacy.
How will the role of district governor (DG) change?
DGs will continue to serve their clubs and managing the district. In addition, they will be assisted by a Regionalisation District Representative to ensure they understand the proposed pilot before voting in August 2022 and thereafter. Members of each district’s governor train will play an important and crucial role in helping to explore and develop the model to suit our region.
Throughout the pilot, DGs and maybe others, will be part of an advisory council that will provide advice, guidance, and communication pathways during the pilot, maintain the legalities and responsibilities related to the district and ensure their district nuances are provided for.
Who else is participating in a pilot?
Many countries have expressed interest to be a part of this pilot, but at this time, the RI Board wants to limit the pilot to two zones due to cost and RI administration.
Zone 8 is more prepared than any others to be a part of this pilot due to the preparatory work we’ve been doing since January 2019.
How does a section leader differ from a district governor?
In our current structure, a DG has the responsibility to attend up to 480 administrative tasks within the district, while simultaneously managing and supporting an average of 65 clubs. The amount of responsibility makes this position unattainable for some and can limit who can be a Rotary leader.
In the proposed governance model, the current DG position is being divided into two separate and distinct roles: administrative responsibilities will fall under the Regional Council and its support committees, and the section leader will provide guidance and support, inspiring and coaching clubs to enhance their reach, adapt, improve the membership experience, and increase their impact.
Will we be electing the next district governor-nominee?
Current appointment processes will continue until we know the pilot works and decisions are made to formalise the changes with the new governance model.
Are we electing district governors for 2024 and beyond?
It is envisaged that selection processes will continue, and DGs appointed for 2024 and beyond will serve in a key advisory position to the Regional Council, not reporting to them, but playing an important role in ensuring district nuances are considered and allowed for.
Will Rotaract Australia and New Zealand/Pacific be integrated with Rotary or sit outside of it?
Our recommendation is that it be integrated. There needs to be conversation about how this will work and the Rotaractors will be fully involved in that decision. At present, Rotaract has a representative on the Core Team and each of the working groups.
Why don’t we make Rotaractors members of Rotary rather than spend more on them?
Rotaractors are Rotary members. Rotaract clubs have a distinct personality and provide young people with a unique way to participate in Rotary with people their age. It is critical that Rotarians welcome and treat Rotaractors as equals. We need to invest in and support Rotaract as they are our future.
When Rotaract representation in sections is significantly less than Rotary, how will Rotaractors have equal opportunities to be elected to leadership roles?
Endeavours will be made to ensure Rotaractors are proportionately represented as Regional Council members, section leaders and committee members. Consideration is already being given to how this can be done.
Similar thinking needs to apply to the representative needs of Pacific Island clubs and members.
How do Interactors fit into this new governance model?
Interact clubs will continue to be supported by their Rotary club via their section leader and, as important members of the Rotary family with potential to develop into our future Rotaract and Rotary leaders, they will be supported by the appropriate Regional Support Committee.
For many Rotaractors, their first major leadership role is as a District Rotaract Representative (DRR). Is it possible to take on a role leading Rotarians?
We get our experience through leading, both in Rotary or Rotaract. There is no reason a Rotaractor could not take on a leadership role that involves leading Rotarians particularly when their professional experience qualifies them to do so.
Generally, Rotaractors interested in serving in a leadership position would need some leadership experience. We need to find ways for Rotaractors to have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills in current district committee chair roles or as chairs of fundraising events to help them get that experience.
Can we migrate districts rather than closing them down? Can this be done using the title 'Area Governors', which has proved effective?
At this stage districts will not be closed down. With governance and administration work being transferred to the Regional Council, section leaders, free of administration responsibilities, will be free to focus on supporting, inspiring, and motivating their clubs to help them meet strategic objectives.
It is important we remove the word “governor” from any titles so that it is clearly understood the section leader is not a governor. Nevertheless, RI is open to a title for this role that better reflects the area responsibilities and the leadership and coaching aspects of this important position.
Are Regional Committee elections open to everyone?
Yes, any member within the region can apply to serve on the Regional Council.
Will this structure make one person in charge of Rotary in our Zone, enabling us to speak with one voice?
This is one of the key benefits of this pilot. The Regional Council will be able to communicate with local partners, governments, and the public in one local voice. We hope this will enhance our fundraising effectiveness, as well as our image and attractiveness to potential participants and members.
There are The Rotary Foundation (TRF) chairs in each district. How many will we have in the pilot?
The Foundation is a crucial part of who we are and the number of TRF leaders within a region is still being worked through.
Will clubs be distracted by the changes in governance?
Club structure and administration doesn’t change, but we hope they will continue to evolve and adapt and it is envisaged some beneficial outcomes will result in greater satisfaction for members and clubs. The pilot focuses on providing members a better support system to deliver their amazing product: the Rotary experience.
Does a Regional Council Committee coordinate and deliver the training needs for all sections?
The Regional Council and its support committees, plus the Global Cadre, are major resources to assist clubs and section leaders deliver the training needed. Getting the balance right between these roles will be worked through in the pilot along with RI who will conduct training of regional leaders.
We have already developed working groups to examine how to best provide leadership, learning and development, communications, culture change, membership growth, and public image in this modern environment. This work will underpin the implementation of the pilot with training an essential success factor.
By introducing regions, each Regional Council will have more flexibility to provide training that best meets their members’ needs rather than implementing a one size fits all approach.
Who are Shaping Rotary’s Future (SRF) and what is their role?
SRF is an acronym for Rotary International’s Shaping Rotary’s Future Committee, which reports to the RI Board. It commenced in the 2018-19 Rotary year and is currently is chaired by Past RI President Barry Rassin. The committee, which works with RI staff, was formed to examine what is necessary to assist Rotary to deliver on its strategic goals, particularly our aim of increasing our ability to adapt to a changing world. It has developed a model which is a framework which we will explore and develop to suit our region.
Are club structures being reviewed as well?
The pilot only affects district governance, not club governance. Current flexibility and new type options are expected to further evolve to enhance the club experience over time and the section leaders will encourage clubs to embrace these options, and other strategies, aimed at enhancing the membershjp experience and growing Rotary.
If there is any confusion during the transition period, who should clubs turn to?
A spirit of cooperation and unity through the transition period will be required with the sitting DG working with Regional Council and Regional Support Committees to ensure clubs are supported. This will require a special effort by district and regional leaders, as well as section leaders. We unite to take action to create lasting change.
Why can’t the role of assistant governor (AG) and district governor (DG) be modified rather than creating new leadership positions?
The new structure transfers governance to the regional council. It would be misleading and inappropriate to maintain the existing titles but there will need to be a transition period.
What is the Regional Council and what is its role?
The Regional Council supports and governs leaders and clubs in the region, managing the day-to-day activities of Rotary, including assessing regional dues and creating committees. There are a number of positions on the Regional Council that correspond to key Rotary activities. Each role will be elected by the Rotarians and Rotaractors within the region to serve a three-year term.
What is a section leader and what is its role?
A section leader supports and motivates clubs to set and deliver on their goals as they align with Rotary’s strategic priorities. Section leaders have a unique opportunity to localize their strategy to consider the strengths, weaknesses, and culture of their clubs in ways that are most meaningful to them and their members. Section leaders will communicate and represent clubs’ needs to the Regional Council, providing leadership and relaying concerns.
A section leader will serve a two-year term and support between 10 and 30 Rotary and Rotaract clubs in a geographic area.
It’s important to note that a section leader is not replacing the district governor role. Instead, we’ve taken the best parts of the district governor position and divided it so the administrative responsibilities transition to the Regional Council, while the motivating and guiding clubs part of their role will become the section leader’s responsibility. This separation allows members to choose a leadership role that better aligns with their professional goals and interests.
What is the Global Cadre and what is its role and function?
The Global Cadre are leaders with expertise on specific topics. Their expertise may come for their Rotary experience or their professional lives. A Global Cadre member will support sections, clubs and members as requested by those entities.
