Rotary Terms Explained

A to Z of Rotary.

A to Z of Rotary around the World.

Rotary uses a number of terms and abbreviations which may be confusing to visitors and new members. This page has therefore been put together as a reference which we hope you will find useful in understanding more of what Rotary is about.

AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLAR

The idea of the Rotary Foundation sponsoring 'Ambassadors of Goodwill' began in 1947 and since then over 31,000 scholars have travelled and studied in over 100 countries. This is one of the largest international scholarship programmes in the world and is the flagship of the Foundation educational programmes. Aberystwyth is our nearest University town, overseas Ambassadorial Scholars arrive regularly and Aberystwyth Rotarians act as Counsellors to scholars for their post graduate year. In that time they become very close to the scholar, often resulting in lifetime friendships. These graduates often visit our club, and give talks on their homeland.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The club's Annual General Meeting is usually in April when the Club's officers and committee chairmen report on their year's activity and the Treasurer presents the audited accounts.

ASSEMBLY

The Club Assembly is usually the last meeting in May. The incoming officers and committee present their respective programmes to the club and the Treasurer presents his budget for the coming year. The meeting is usually attended by one of the District Officers, who comments on the proposals and reports back to District.

CLASSIFICATION

Virtually all membership in Rotary is based upon a classification. Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognised business or professional service that the Rotarian renders to society. The classification principle is a necessary concept in assuring that each Rotary Club represents a cross section of the business and professional service of the community.

In 1995 the Council on Legislation permitted the admission of retired people who had never been in Rotary but would have been qualified. These individuals can be admitted as past service members and are the only Rotarians without a current or former classification.

CLUB PLAN

The Club Plan sets out the broad aims and aspirations of the Club to provide clarity for members, particularly new ones. It is the responsibility of Council for each Rotary year to develop specific plans for that year. If this leads to a major diversion from the aims set out in the existing Club Plan then this should be identified and, if the variation is to be ongoing, the Club Plan updated accordingly.

COUNCIL / BOARD

This is the administrative team of the Rotary club. Council members are elected annually and the Club President chairs the council meetings which are held monthly.

Part of the Council consists of the Club officers who are the Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and Immediate Past President. The remainder of the Council is made up of Committee Chairmen comprising of Administration, Service Projects, Membership, Public Relations, International and Foundation. Each Chairman has a committee of up to five members and reports to Council on plans and activities.

COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION

Representatives attend the Council from all the countries of Rotary, to consider proposals for changes to the rules of Rotary International. Such proposals are submitted by Rotary Clubs and Districts, and are communicated to the Rotary world so that members can have an opportunity to consider the legislation. This is usually done at special District Council meetings, so that the District representatives know and understand the views of the Rotarians in their District.

DISTRICT

Rotary Clubs are grouped geographically into Districts. Each district is administered by a District Governor, District Officers and District Committee Chairmen. These District committees reflect the committees which each individual Rotary Club maintains; the Rotary Club of Llanidloes is in District 1180. District also holds an Assembly, and organises an annual Conference.

FATHER CHRISTMAS

Father Christmas walks the streets of Llanidloes on the Saturday before Christmas every year, to the sound of festive music. Rotarians also shake buckets, collecting for local good causes.

FOUNDATION 

This is Rotary's own charity, and Club members support international projects through the programs of The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation was created in 1917 for the purpose of doing good in the world, and is supported almost entirely by member contributions.

Rotary Foundation grants also fund educational and humanitarian programmes which include the global project to free the world from polio, matching grants for club schemes, Group Study Exchanges, Rotary Peace Programmes and other Rotary programmes.

Rotary Foundation humanitarian grants support projects that provide health care and supplies, clean water, food, job training, and education

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'What We Do' Main Pages:

Rotary and the Environment

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Conducts all clubs administration activities.

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The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

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Find out more about the Rotary Thanks for Life campaign.

Thanks for Life - The most ambitious program in Rotary's history. Be part of the polio eradication initiative by getting involved with us. Next fund raising event for this will be on the 1st October 2020 / Polio Day.

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This team develops and implements plan for attracting and retaining club members.

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Whether you participate in Rotary's long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, you'll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language.

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This team deals with all local, educational, humanitarian and vocational projects.

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