To be read in conjunction with the Zone 8 Regionalisation Pilot Fact Sheet and information on creatingtomorrowrotary.orgWhy are we having a vote?
Our region, or Zone 8, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific and other Islands, has been approved by the Rotary International Board to be one of two regions to pilot a regional approach to governance.
For the past three years a group of Rotarians and Rotaractors have been working on a pilot project to consider how we can enhance Rotary and Rotaract and ensure we remain relevant for the future, while also addressing some of the challenges we have been facing for a while.
As part of the Board’s approval, the project can only proceed with the support of members and clubs, to be shown through a vote of Rotary clubs. We are clarifying the vote for Rotaract clubs.
What is the vote for?
In September 2022, the clubs and districts in our zone will be asked to vote whether they approve participation in a pilot to explore, develop and test new ways of Rotary operating in our countries and zone. A Yes vote would enable the pilot to develop a framework and pilot it, in full consultation with members, clubs, and districts. It should be noted that the aim of the pilot is to support the core work of Rotary and Rotaract clubs and their members, not to change things within clubs.
How will the vote work?
The vote will be by electronic ballot, managed by the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office in Sydney. This will be a secret ballot, held over a period of time in September and Clubs will be advised 15 days prior to the ballot opening.
Every club will have one vote. Club Presidents will receive an email to eVote and it will be up to clubs to decide how they come to their voting position.
The process will be that two thirds of clubs in a district are required to vote Yes for the pilot to proceed. Clubs vote first then each District Governor will vote. As District Governors are the officers of Rotary International and will play an important leadership and advisory role during the pilot, their vote is an indication of their commitment. All Districts in Zone 8 will need to achieve the two thirds majority of clubs for a Regional Pilot to proceed.
How can you prepare for the vote?
From early June 2022, extensive club communication is scheduled to commence. This is an ideal time for 2022 – 23 Presidents to ensure their email addresses are up to date.
Every club will have the opportunity to have a representative of the pilot from their district come and speak to them, either in person or via zoom. There will also be online meetings held in July and August, open to all Rotarians in the zone, held at different times.
The website has further information, and the opportunity for you to send your questions to the pilot planning group. Visit creatingtomorrowrotary.org
Download Regionalisation Fact Sheet
Download PDG Chris Wright's Presentation on Regionalisation from the District Training Assembly
