Attendance
Acquaintance as a basis for service is behind the power of Rotary. Naturally, attendance is one of the agreements we make to support the ideals of Rotary.
What are the basic attendance rules?
In each half of a Rotary year, July 1–December 31 and January 1–June 30, I must:
(1) "Attend at least 30 percent of the regular meetings of this club": usually eight of our regular club meetings per half-year. Make-ups do not count toward this requirement.
(2) "Attend or make up at least 60 percent of club regular meetings": usually sixteen regular meetings or make-ups per half-year. [Club Constitution, Article XI, Section 4(a)]
In addition, I must avoid being a member who "fails to attend or make up four consecutive club meetings" which may lead to notice from the board that the Rotarian has requested to be terminated [Club Constitution, Article XI, Section 4(b)].
I "attend" a regular meeting if:
(1) I am present for "at least 60 percent of the time devoted for the regular meeting."
(2) I make-up.
(3) I am in special circumstance. Some are mentioned later as examples.
What is included as a make-up?
A make-up is almost always performed "within 14 days before or after the regular time for that meeting." Let’s assume we all know the pleasure of visiting another regular club meeting in our area, or while on vacation or business almost anywhere in the world. We probably all know attendance at each day of a District Conference, District Assembly or RI Convention is a make-up. Here are three less well known make-ups [Club Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1]:
(1) Attends a regular meeting of an Interact or Rotaract Club.
(2) Attends a district committee meeting (many are "held by direction of the District Governor").
(3) Attends and participates in a club service project or a club sponsored community event or meeting authorized by the board.
(4) Attends a board meeting or a meeting of a service committee to which the member is assigned. Your board has authorized committee meetings as make-ups.
What if I went to the regular meeting place of another club, and they were not meeting there?
That is a make-up. I sign in on the sheet, which should be provided, and smile.
What are some examples of the less common ways to meet attendance requirements?
Extended travel in another country? Going on a Rotary project in a remote area? Sent by our board on Rotary business? On extended assignment, etc., where another USA club meets? Seeking new employment in my classification or a new one? If I am in doubt, I will contact the club secretary.
What about an "exemption" from attendance for protracted ill health or impairment, or travel in a non-Rotary country?
For any "good and sufficient reason" the board may excuse attendance so that my absences will not be included in the club attendance records.
What about an "exemption" from attendance after many years as a Rotarian?
When I add my age to my years of membership in a Rotary club, and the total is 85 or more, only upon my written request, I may be exempt from attendance, upon board approval, and then neither my presence nor my absence will be put into the attendance records of the club.
What if my attendance is a problem (30%; 60%), but I have good and sufficient reason?
I will petition the board of my club, for "consent," based upon "good and sufficient reason," and hope to avoid termination.