Senior Active Membership

DURING its third Regular Board Meeting, the Rotary Club of Manila Board of Directors approved the application of Past Vice President (PVP) Joel Valdes for exemption from attendance, recognizing his eligibility to be classified as a Senior Active Member. This recognition was granted in view of his biological age and his long years of dedicated service in Rotary.

Now on its 106th year, the Rotary Club of Manila continues to uphold the original Rotary Constitution and Bylaws, which provide for the following categories of membership: Active, Senior Active, Past Service, Honorary.

The distinction of a Senior Active or Past Service member, as compared to an Active member, lies primarily in two areas:

1. Loss of Business Classification – A Senior Active or Past Service member no longer represents a business or professional classification within the Club.

2. Ineligibility to Propose New Members – They do not have the right to propose new Active members into the Club.

Nonetheless, Senior Active and Past Service members continue to enjoy important privileges. They remain part of the quorum in membership meetings and are entitled to participate in the election of the Board of Directors.

Legal Definitions (per the Rotary Constitution and Bylaws)

Past Service Membership

May be granted to any former Active member with at least five years of Active membership in one or more clubs. The member must have retired from business or professional life and reside within the territorial limits of the Club.

A Past Service member has the rights and privileges of an Active member except that:

1. He is not considered as representing a classification.

2. He may not become a Senior Active member (except as otherwise provided).

3. He does not have the right to propose an additional Active member.

Senior Active Membership

May be granted to an Active member who meets any of the following conditions:

1. Has been an Active member of one or more clubs for at least 15 years.

2. Is 60 years or older with at least 10 years of Active membership.

3. Is 65 years or older with at least 5 years of Active membership.

4. Is a present or past officer of Rotary International.

A Senior Active member has all the rights and privileges of an Active member except that:

1. He is not considered as representing a classification.

2. He may not propose an additional Active member.

Furthermore, any Senior Active member who has served in Rotary for 20 years or more and has reached the age of 65 years may apply in writing to be excused from attendance requirements, subject to Board approval.

In sum, the conferment of Senior Active status upon PVP Joel Valdes is both a recognition of his distinguished service and a reaffirmation of the Club’s fidelity to Rotary’s long-standing constitutional traditions.