Satelite District Area Plan

Satelite District Area Plan



Satellite Clubs, Innovative and FlexibleClubs 

The Rotary Growth Opportunities (Rotary GO) offer opportunities to form new types of clubs, Satellite, Innovative and Flexible and E-clubs. District 1100 already has D1100 eClub.
Information on each of these types of club is given below. You can also download information from the Resources section.  
If there is interest in your area for setting up another Rotary club, there is a team ready and able to assist you every step of the way, starting with your district governor and district extension (new clubs formation) officer.
 
To contact Howard Small, you can click on the link at the bottom of this page. 
 

Guidance Notes on Satellite Clubs

What’s the purpose of the new Satellite Club policy established through the 2013 CoL enactment?
 
The new Satellite Club policy provides a new way to create Rotary clubs. A Satellite Club functions as a short-term, transitional step on the path to becoming a full, independent Rotary Club.
 
How does a club apply to have a Satellite Club?
An application is sent to Club and District Support Rotary GB&I  by the sponsor club president.
 
Is there a minimum or maximum number of members of a Satellite Club?
There is no minimum number needed to start a Satellite Club. However, there will need to be sufficient members to form a Council. There is no maximum number of members.
 
How are Satellite clubs named?
Satellite clubs are named: Rotary Satellite Club of [Sponsor Club Name]  Example: Rotary Satellite Club of   XYZ .
 
If the sponsor club is terminated, does the Satellite Club need to close as well?
Yes, Satellite Clubs are terminated with the sponsor club.
 
Can Satellite Clubs create a separate Council with a different set of officers than the sponsor club?
Satellite Clubs set up their own Council and have their own officers. However, instead of a president, a Satellite Club has a chair.
 
If there are two Councils, how are any disagreements handled?
The Council of the sponsor club has the final authority when there are disagreements.
 
Does the leadership of the Satellite Club have a position on the Council of the main club?
This is not required, but is highly recommended.
 
Are Satellite Club members Rotarians?
Yes, they are Rotarians and members of the sponsor club.
 
Do Satellite Club members pay Rotary GB&I dues?
Yes, they are Rotarians and so pay the same Rotary dues as other Rotarians.
 
Can a Satellite Club have a separate dues structure and bylaws?
Yes. The Satellite Club determines its dues structure and bylaws in collaboration with its sponsor club.
 
Who decides on the Satellite Club’s meeting place and time?
The Satellite Club.
 
Will the Satellite Club need to set goals as well? Will they be able to use Rotary Club Central for this purpose?
All clubs, including Satellite Clubs, are strongly encouraged to set goals to achieve success. Rotary Club Central cannot accommodate Satellite Club goals at this time.
 
Does someone who has only served as the chair (president) of a Satellite Club meet the qualifications for a DGN?
No, but the district can ask the Rotary International President to waive this requirement.
 
If an existing weak club becomes a Satellite Club, what are the criteria to revert back to autonomous club status?
Satellite Clubs are considered to be a new way to start a Rotary Club. It may be possible for a weak club to become a Satellite Club for a period but please discuss this with the relevant member of the Rotary GB&I MDR Team.
 
How does a Satellite Club apply to become a new, independent club?
The Satellite Club works with the sponsor club and district governor to complete the application for a new formation. Where a club is formed from a Satellite Club a survey is not required.
 
How long can a Satellite Club exist?
Satellite Clubs are intended as a temporary step on the way to becoming a full, independent Rotary club. However, there is no time limit on these clubs.
 

 
 
 

Guidance Note on Rotary GB&I Innovative and Flexible Club

Pilot Programme

  

What is the purpose of the Innovative and Flexible Club Pilot Programme?
The Rotary GB&I Innovative and Flexible Club Pilot Programme focuses on clubs’ ability to self determine their operations to fit better with the needs of their members and the community. 
 
What sort of things could we do?
The club could try out different meeting logistics (time, day, frequency, location, online, use of social media, club event or social activity, and so on) 
 
How does this fit in with The Rotary GB&I Standard Constitution and Bylaws?
Clubs are authorised to make changes to the Standard Rotary GB&I Club Constitution and their By-laws in any area other than the Rotary GB&I/RI membership dues requirements. 
 
Did CoL 2013 decisions make Rotary more flexible? 
Many people need flexibility to become or remain involved with a Rotary Club. Following CoL 2013 more flexibility was given to attendance requirements so that members may now use service as part of the attendance requirements. However, members also like to keep in touch and instead of / as well as conventional meetings members can communicate through social media. 
 
If a ‘traditional’ club is working well but not attracting new members what could they do? 
Because people may now have tighter working hours those clubs which meet at lunch time may find it difficult to attract new members. The club could consider ‘additional meetings’ at time which is more attractive to working members. For example, in the evenings with or without a meal. 
 
Could we have more than one meeting time in other circumstances?
Yes, it is for the club to decide how and when they wish to meet. It is perfectly acceptable to have more than one meeting time or location. 
 
If clubs have more than one meeting time and location could one group split and form its own club? 
The idea of a Satellite Club fits this situation. A Guidance Note is available separately. Generally, a Satellite Club will become a club on its own once it has gained 20 members whereas additional meetings will not be used to form a new club. 
 
What is the difference between a Satellite Club and a Satellite Meeting? 
At the start of the pilot these terms were used interchangeably. CoL 2013 approved the use of Satellite Clubs as a method of forming new clubs. To avoid confusion where a club runs meetings in addition to the regular weekly meeting these are probably best referred to as ‘additional meetings’. 
 
Can we change membership qualifications and requirements? 
Decisions at CoL 2013 also widened the membership qualifications as contained in Article 7 of the Rotary GB&I Club Constitution. However, it is up to the club to interpret the membership qualifications laterally and /or create relevant membership qualifications to meet the needs of the community. 
 

District 1100 Membership and Extension Chair 

Drewe Lacey

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