Once Bitten Part II

Club Presidents enjoy a certain amount of authority. They may act freely within reason and no Rotarian should impose on their presidents’ certain actions which the president is not willing to do. In case of an impasse on club issues, there are avenues available to solve crises. Club assemblies and board meetings are designed to help the clubs manage crises. If properly conducted, they can help both the club and the president immensely.

A club assembly is held for the purpose of making sure that there will be cooperation among members for the smooth implementation of a project or any club affair like governor’s visits, inductions, anniversaries and so forth. It is recommended that at least six club assemblies are held in a year. The club assembly is attended by club officers, committee chairs and members alike for various activities like hostings in the district events and similar concerns.

The Board of Directors on the other hand, is the sole governing body of the club. Board meetings are held once a month or if the situation demands it, a special board meeting is called. These meetings are attended by the Board of Directors and officers or other member/s invited by the President for any particular issue needed by the Board.

Everyone is encouraged to live by Rotary's timeless and immutable principles in their professional and personal endeavors. As Past RI President Bill Boyd said, “(it is) my belief that Rotarians have a responsibility to bring about a better future by living according to these long-held Rotary values. True leaders lead by example, and we must all be unfailing examples of Rotary ideals in our professions, our clubs and our daily lives.” I echo Bill Boyd's call to reinvigorate Rotary's exemplary service when he said that, “our responsibilities as Rotarians go beyond our weekly meetings, rather, it is our responsibility to make our communities -- our world -- a better place.”

Among these principles, I make special mention of the high ethical standards expected of each of us. Rotary prides itself not only of its exemplary work in civic service but it also prides itself to be an organization of high ethical standards. In 1989, the Council of Legislation adopted the Declaration in Business and Professions to provide for more specific guidelines and urge every Rotarian to adhere to the respective honor codes of their professions and employ fairness in their business dealings. Honorable practices in our respective businesses and professions are part and parcel of who we are as Rotarians and are indelible marks of Rotary's ideals in our persons.

Before I end this message, let me share with you what first impelled me to pursue Rotary service when I joined Rotary in 1998 and what continually drives me to the task even today. Beyond my passion to serve others and my genuine desire to share the many blessings in my life, I believe that Rotary's mission and ideals bring forth the best of what is in every man and every year, I could count on Rotary to make one man's life a little bit better and a little bit brighter! Over and beyond my desire to see even greater successes in Rotary, it is my sincerest wish that each one of you enjoy the best which Rotary has to offer, not only in the form of untold blessings which come our way because of our good deeds but also in the enjoyment of the warmth of friendships cultivated in these our gatherings.