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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. 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 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 expertise 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.
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 "ballot-by-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 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.
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