Rotary Club of Tampa- Hyde Park

Rotary International and Other Organizations

Throughout its history, Rotary International has collaborated with many civic and humanitarian organizations as well as government agencies in its efforts to improve the human condition. An excellent example of what these partnerships can accomplish can be found in Rotary's ambitious PolioPlus program. Launched in 1985 in concert with the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and UNICEF, Rotary's goal is to immunize every child in the world against polio by the year 2005. Rotary brought to the effort millions of volunteers to assist in vaccine delivery, social mobilization, and logistical help at the local, national, regional, and international levels.

Rotary International's External Relations Department was developed to help maintain and improve collaboration between Rotary International and other nongovernmental organizations. External Relations focuses on extending Rotary's outreach to the international community through:

1. Support of Rotary's Representative Network with the United Nations and other organizations.
2. Promotion of Rotary programs and activities by organizing keynote speeches, panel presentations, and exhibits at major international events.
3. Education to the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) about community level partnership opportunities with Rotary.

Administration

Rotary is organized at club, district, and international levels to carry out its program of service. Rotarians are members of their clubs, and the clubs are members of the global association known as Rotary International. Each club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of the standard constitution and the constitution and bylaws of Rotary International.

Clubs are grouped into 529 Rotary districts, each led by a district governor who is an officer of Rotary International and represents the RI board of directors in the field. Though selected by the clubs of the district, a governor is elected by all of the clubs worldwide meeting in the RI Convention.

A 19-member board of directors, which includes the international president and president-elect, administers Rotary International. These officers are also elected at the convention; the selection process for choosing directors and the nominating committee for president are based on zones, each of which comprises approximately 15 districts. The board meets quarterly to establish policies.

While the Rotary International president is the highest officer of RI, the chief administrative officer of RI is the general secretary, who heads a staff of about 600 persons working at the international headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, USA, or in one of seven international offices around the world.

RI Strategic Plan

In 2001-02, Rotary International launched the development of a strategic plan to guide our association as it prepares to enter its second century of service. Working with the consulting firm, Interactive Business Systems, a Strategic Planning Committee appointed by the RI President outlined seven major goals for Rotary. These goals were developed after careful consideration of data collected at the leadership, staff and grassroots levels of the organization as to the important issues and challenges that Rotary faces in the coming decade. Following is a list of the goals:

• Eradicate polio
• Sharpen program focus
• Select new corporate program focus
• Refine governance/leadership structure
• Improve training and education at all levels
• Expand and integrate membership globally
• Enhance public image

Three-year measurable objectives were then developed for each goal. Action teams composed of volunteer leaders and staff members are currently developing and implementing action plans for accomplish these objectives.

Educating Rotarians on Rotary's Strategic Plan will be key to widespread understanding and acceptance of the direction that Rotary is taking. To assist with this, you can view the Strategic Plan as either a Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt) presentation or Adobe Portable Document File (.pdf). Please feel free to utilize the presentation at club and district meetings for educational purposes. To download the PowerPoint file to your hard drive, use your right mouse button and select "Save Target As."

Send e- mail to Joanne Pistorius joanne@transflor.com  with questions or comments about this web site.
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