Other Rotary Code guidelines that impact on peace

Reference: http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/downloadcenter/pdfs/code_feb04.pdf

RI and its member clubs must refrain from issuing partisan political statements. Rotarians likewise are prohibited from adopting statements with a view to exerting any corporate pressure on governments or political authorities. However, it is the duty of Rotarians within their clubs to keep under review political developments in their communities and throughout the world, insofar as they affect their service to their vocations and their communities as well as the pursuit of the Rotary objective of world understanding and peace. They also are expected to seek reliable information through balanced programs and discussions so that each club member can reach his or her own conclusions after a fair collective examination of the issues. Outside of their clubs, individual Rotarians are to be active in as many legally constituted groups and organizations as possible in order to promote through exemplary dedication, the awareness of the dignity of humankind and respect of human rights of the individual. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Feb.-Mar. 1983 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 288

Clubs are cautioned that it is contrary to Rotary principles to use the movement for nationalistic propaganda purposes. A member club desiring to request the cooperation of other clubs, in connection with any matter whatsoever, shall first submit its purpose and plans to the respective governor or governors to secure the governor’s approval. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

4.060. Dual-Gender Clubs

All Rotary clubs are encouraged to have membership consisting of both men and women. Governors are encouraged to promote dual-gender membership in all clubs in their districts and, where clubs that have single-gender membership remain, should promote the establishment of new dual-gender clubs in the locality of the existing single gender clubs. (June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 345)

Source: Mar 1993 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 183. Amended by Feb. 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 323 and June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 345

8.010. Conduct at Club Meetings Clubs throughout the world include members who have many religious beliefs and values and are united in service to humanity. Each club, being autonomous, should use its good judgment in conducting its meetings in a manner that reflects Rotary's basic principle of tolerance and encourages Rotarians' participation in humanitarian service projects. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348) Source: July 1995 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 28

8.010.1. Decorum of Club Meetings No story, stunt, joke or entertainment is proper or fit to be placed before any Rotarian or any gathering of Rotarians which would not be perfectly proper and fit to place before such Rotarians if each one were accompanied by one's parents, spouse or children. No story or joke is fit to be told or repeated by any individual Rotarian unless such joke or story might properly be repeated before such Rotarian's family. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348) Source: Nov. 1917 Mtg., Bd. Item 3

8.060.1. Statement on Vocational Service

Vocational Service is the manner in which Rotary fosters and supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations.

Inherent in the vocational service ideal are:

1) Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including faithfulness and fidelity to employers, employees and associates, fair treatment of them and of competitors, the public, and all those with whom one has any business or professional relationships;

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8.060.2. The 4-Way Test

All reproductions of The 4-Way Test should be in the following form:

THE 4-WAY TEST

Of the things we think, say or do

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The sole purpose of the reproduction should be the development and maintenance of high ethical standards in human relations.   [Emphasis added]

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8.070.1. Statement on Community Service

Rotary Community Service encourages and fosters the application of the ideal of service to the personal, business and community life of every Rotarian. In carrying out this application of the ideal of service, a variety of activities developed by Rotary clubs have afforded significant opportunities for service by their members. For the guidance of Rotarians and to formulate a policy for Rotary toward Community Service activities, the following principles are recognized:

Community Service is an opportunity for every Rotarian to exemplify "Service Above Self." It is the commitment and social responsibility of every Rotarian and Rotary club to improve the quality of life for those who live in the community and to serve the public interest.  [Emphasis added]

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[click on link above for detail]

8.110. Club Involvement in World Community Service Projects

Clubs are encouraged to engage in one World Community Service project to increase their understanding of the part of the world with which they are matched under the program of matched districts and clubs. The recommended program for World Understanding Week each year shall be structured around world community service, calling upon every club to have at least one weekly club program per year devoted to World Community Service. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

The following declaration has been adopted for the use of Rotarians:

As a Rotarian engaged in a business or profession, I am expected to:

1) Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve;

2) Be faithful to the letter and the spirit of the ethical codes of my vocation, to the laws of my country, and to the moral standards of my community;

3) Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation;

4) Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors, customers, the public and all those with whom I have a business or professional relationship;

5) Recognize the honor and respect due to all occupations which are useful to society;

6) Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community;

7) Adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to the public concerning my business or profession.

8) Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or professional relationship. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: COL 89-148.    [Emphasis added]

21.030. World Community Service (WCS) Committee

It is recommended that districts and clubs establish International Service Committees to include World Community Service subcommittees, with the objective of promoting greater awareness, direct lines of communication and accountability for all types of international service. Where appropriate, club presidents and governors are encouraged to appoint their WCS subcommittee chairmen as ex-officio members of their community service committees. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Nov. 1985 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 84. Amended by Oct. 1988 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 116; Jun. 1990 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 264

26.030. RI Administration

The advancement of the ideal of international understanding, good will, and peace through Rotary requires general recognition of the vital importance of preserving and promoting the international fellowship of member clubs throughout the world, based not upon the grouping of clubs in national and multinational areas, but upon the direct relationship and common responsibility of the member clubs to RI. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

26.040. RI and Politics

Because its world-wide membership includes persons of many facets of political opinion, no corporate action or corporate expression of opinion shall be taken or given by Rotary International on political subjects. (June 2001 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 310)

26.050. Rotary’s Dream for the Future The Board has adopted the following 18-point document Rotary’s Dream for the Future. The general secretary is requested to annually provide this document to all relevant committees as background, providing a measurement against which to evaluate their work. Current and future RI presidents are encouraged to assign specific “dreams” to appropriate committees for further review.

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9. PEACE, GOODWILL AND UNDERSTANDING • Rotary clubs around the world are strongly encouraged to foster peace through international friendships and humanitarian service, thus reaffirming the Object of Rotary.    [Emphasis added; the other 17 points indirectly impact upon peace]

26.080. Four Avenues of Service

a) The first Avenue of Service, Club Service, involves action a Rotarian must take within the club to help it function successfully.

b) Rotary’s second Avenue of Service is Vocational Service. Its purpose includes promoting high ethical standards in businesses and professions, recognizing the worthiness of all occupations, and fostering the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations. The role of the club includes developing projects that help members contribute their talents to meeting society’s needs. The role of Rotarians includes conducting themselves and their businesses in accordance with Rotary’s principles and responding to projects their clubs develop.

c) Rotary’s third Avenue of Service, Community Service, comprises varied efforts that Rotarians make, sometimes in conjunction with others (for example, a Rotaract or Interact club, or a Rotary Community Corps), to improve the quality of life of those who live within their club’s locality or municipality.

d) Rotary’s fourth Avenue of Service, International Service, comprises all the things that a Rotarian can do to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace by fostering acquaintance with people of other countries, their cultures, customs, accomplishments, aspirations, problems – through reading and correspondence and through cooperation in all club activities and projects (including those associated with The Rotary Foundation) designed to help people in other lands. (Nov. 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 103)

35.010. General Guidelines

35.020. Cooperation with United Nations

35.030. Cooperation with Other Organizations and Groups

The mission of Rotary International is to assist, support, and guide Rotarians, Rotary clubs, and Rotary districts to accomplish the Object of Rotary. This support should ensure Rotary’s continuing relevance, help enhance the quality of life and human dignity, and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, as well as further international understanding and peace. To accomplish this, it is sometimes appropriate for Rotary International to cooperate with other organizations that have a shared vision and common goals. All such cooperation with non-Rotary organizations shall be in accordance with the procedures and criteria that follow. The general secretary shall provide an annual report, including a summary and duration of RI’s commitments, to the Board at its fall meeting on the status of all existing and proposed agreements or formal cooperation with other organizations.   [Emphasis added]

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35.020.1. Rotary and The United Nations

Rotarians are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the activities of the United Nations directed to the advancement of world peace. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348) 35.020.2.

Source: Jan. 1952 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 98; June 1982 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 393

Membership in UN and its Agencies

RI shall not take membership in any of the organizations related to the United Nations or its specialized agencies. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Jul. 1948 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 28

35.020.3. Support For RI Representatives to UN

RI representatives to the three UN offices should have the best possible orientation and support which should include, at a minimum, basic tools such as business cards and stationery. RI shall provide annual reimbursement of their expenses upon receipt of appropriate invoices. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Nov. 1990 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 138

35.020.4. Orientation For RI Representative to UN

The official RI representative should receive extensive and continuing orientation and guidance by visits to RI world headquarters in Evanston and participation in such meetings as the International Assembly and/or convention, when invited by the president, and should work in cooperation with the staff person responsible for the UN relations (including non-government organizations) in Evanston to establish operational procedures, reporting mechanisms and identification of opportunities for RI to advance its programs and increase its visibility at the UN and its agencies as a world-class service organization which, in turn, will enhance Rotary’s image with governments, world leaders, and the general public. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Mar. 1993 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 196; Jun. 1992 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 350

35.020.5. Terms of Reference for RI Representatives to UN

Principal representatives shall be experienced Rotarians who have interest and expertise in the organization(s) to which they are assigned and who shall live in proximity to these organizations’ offices.

At the request of the president, principal representatives shall serve for at least three years and shall receive initial and ongoing orientation and training as to their responsibilities; the operations of their assigned organization(s) or agency(ies) and the policies, programs and activities of RI and its Foundation.

Principal representatives shall provide regular reports to the general secretary regarding attendance at meetings, achievement of RI program and public relations objectives, and opportunities for enhancing RI visibility through their assigned organization(s) or agency(ies) and contacts with other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Representatives shall monitor their assigned organization(s) or agency(ies) and other NGOs, relaying to RI those matters which relate to RI’s missions and activities. Representatives shall not have the authority to make or change RI policy and programs, but should communicate established policy, programs and activities as reflected in official Rotary material or as developed and approved by the Board, the president or the general secretary.

Within the framework of an approved budget, representatives shall conduct activities to further communication between RI and their assigned organization(s) or agency(ies). These activities must be authorized by the president and coordinated by the general secretary. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Mar. 1994 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 201

35.020.6. Alternate RI Representatives

Alternative representatives shall be experienced Rotarians who have interest in and expertise about the organization to which they are assigned and who live in proximity to that organization’s offices.

At the request of the president, alternative representatives may be appointed in both New York and Geneva for terms of at least three years on a staggered basis consistent with the appointment of principal representatives, and shall receive initial and ongoing orientation and training as to their responsibilities.

If asked to serve, alternate representatives may receive direction from the principal representatives and should provide regular reports to them regarding attendance at meetings, achievement of RI program and public relations objectives, and opportunities for enhancing RI visibility through the UN system and contacts with other NGOs. Alternate representatives shall not have the authority to make or change RI policy and programs, but should communicate established policy, programs and activities as reflected in official Rotary material or as developed and approved by the Board, the president, or the general secretary. (Feb. 1999 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 196)

Source: Mar. 1994 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 201. Amended by Oct. 1998 Mtg., Dec. 140

35.020.7. Volunteer Representatives to UN   The president shall appoint suitable volunteer representatives to UN agencies in other locations. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348) Source: Nov. 1991 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 140

35.020.8. Publicity for Cooperation With UN 

The general secretary shall arrange for periodic publication of articles in the Rotary World Magazine Press on the UN, its agencies, and the work of RI’s UN representatives. (Nov. 2002 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 145) Source: Nov. 1990 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 138

35.020.9. Club Cooperation With UN

All clubs should explore every opportunity for cooperation with local units of the United Nations Associations and at local offices of the United Nations and affiliated agencies, provided that such does not contravene RI’s Constitution and Bylaws. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348) Source: Nov. 1991 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 140

35.020.10. Invitations for RI to Attend Meetings of Other Organizations

The general secretary shall respond to invitations for RI to attend meetings of the UN and other organizations in the following manner :

1) Evaluate the meetings in terms of both potential program information and Rotary visibility;

2) Identify Rotarians -- such as general officers, members of RI task forces and committees, as well another Rotary leaders -- who both live in or near the meeting city and who are knowledgeable about Rotary activities relating to the subject of the meeting and to include this information in the data base being developed for the president, president-elect, and president nominee;

3) Following consultation with the president, invite the selected Rotarians to attend the meeting and to:

a. act only as observers, collecting and recording information pertinent to Rotary, unless otherwise instructed;

b. make written reports, after the meeting, to the president, who through the general secretary will relay them to the UN Liaison Advisory Committee Chairman;

c. be reimbursed for expenses, if any, in connection with their attendance at meetings;

4) Document representatives’ activities, and any resulting Rotary activity, for inclusion in RI’s quadrennial reports to UN agencies with which RI maintains status. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Oct. 1993 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 98

35.030.1. RI Representatives to Other Organizations

The system of RI representatives to the United Nations community and to non-governmental organizations shall be expanded to include the following organizations:

1) Food and Agricultural organization in Rome, Italy;

2) World Food Program in Rome, Italy;

3) Organization of African Unity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;

4) UN Centre for Human Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya;

5) UN Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; 6) World Bank, Washington, D.C.; The president should consider appointing qualified Rotarians to serve as representatives to these organizations in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

7) Organization of American States, Washington, D.C.;

Source: Mar. 1997 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 243

35.030.2. Council of Europe

In its consultative status with the Council on Europe, Rotary International is not to be interpreted as endorsing a particular regional structure or plan, but rather as pursuing its goal of advancing international understanding, goodwill and peace.

As appropriate, the president shall appoint a past governor or higher ranking Rotarian to serve as RI representative to the Council of Europe, reporting through either the UN liaison advisory committee, an equivalent committee or the general secretary. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Nov. 1992 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 97

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42.040. International Understanding and Goodwill 42.040.1.

World Understanding and Peace Day

The anniversary of the first Rotary club meeting, 23 February, is observed as World Understanding and Peace Day. On that day, each club should give special recognition and emphasis to Rotary’s commitment to international understanding, friendship and peace. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Jul. 1983 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 47; Jul. 1985 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 31

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42.090. Urban Concerns

42.090.1. Definition of Urban Peace

Urban Peace encompasses a multitude of areas involving one’s community. With an ever shrinking world due to computerization, travel and other means of communication, an Urban Peace Emphasis encompasses the entire world, of communities of all sizes, not just large metropolitan areas. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Mar. 1997 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 236

42.090.2. Purpose and Goals of Urban Peace

The emphasis on Urban Peace addresses areas of concern including but not limited to: community terrorism; gun violence; domestic/family violence; ethnic and religious intolerance; deteriorating inner city/physical and structural; lack of recreational facilities; hunger/homelessness; and unemployment and unemployability. (June 1998 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 348)

Source: Mar. 1997 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 236

Article 43. RI Awards

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43.060. Rotary Award for World Understanding and Peace

There shall be one winner per year. Consideration of the country of residence of nominees and the countries that will benefit from the grant award should be made carefully in selecting the winner and alternates.

The award recipient must commit to being physically present at the International Convention in order to receive the award.

The winner of the award shall receive:

• A Crystal Flame;

• US$100,000 to support a project of the recipient’s choice. The project selected by the winner is to be approved by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation subject to the Standard Humanitarian Grant Policies of The Rotary Foundation (TRF Code section 9.010.). In order to receive the award, the recipient must submit a proposal for the spending of the grant money in time for the Trustees to review the proposal at the April Trustee meeting prior to the presentation of the award;

• Business class airfare, accommodations and meals for recipient and a guest to the Rotary International Convention to accept the award.

The president of Rotary International shall present the Crystal Flame, and the grant shall be presented by the chairman of The Rotary Foundation during a plenary session at the International Convention.

The recipient is requested to report to the trustee chairman on an annual basis until such time that the grant funds have been adequately expended and accounted for.

The general secretary shall announce the award recipient, as appropriate, separate from the presentation of the award at the International Convention to provide for potential public relations opportunities. (October 2003 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 83)

Source: May 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 379. Amended by Aug. 2000 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 46; May 2003 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 376 and October 2003 Mtg., Bd. Decs. 39 and 83