The World Community Service and Rotary Volunteers programs will be phased out by 30 June to reinforce the priorities and goals of the RI Strategic Plan and to shift from a program-based model to a resource and support model. (more after the break)
The goal of this new model, approved by the RI Board at its November meeting, is to expand the resources available to clubs for connecting and partnering with each other.
"A significant component of Rotary’s new strategic plan is the transformation of Rotary’s involvement from monitoring, regulating, and administering specific projects to functioning in a highly supportive mode of providing clubs and districts with essential resources in their international service," says RI Director Kenneth W. Grabeau.
The World Community Service program has helped Rotarians find partners for international service projects. RI will continue to fully support Rotarians in their efforts to serve communities in other countries.
While recognizing the importance of Rotary Volunteers, the Board supported an approach to volunteerism that would provide guidance and resources to a greater number of Rotarians, clubs, and districts. Rotarians are encouraged to include volunteers on service projects, both locally and abroad.
"The primary benefits of this evolution are a greater focus on club and district service, enhanced resources in the development of sustainable and more significant projects, and the development of cooperative relationships between and among the participating parties," Grabeau says.
In the coming months, the Rotary Friendship Exchange program will be transformed with a new, enhanced set of resources to support Rotary connections for international service projects, fellowship visits, and volunteer opportunities. These developments will be shared on the RI website and with Rotarians appointed to serve in district leadership positions for 2011-12.
"It is likely that the form and function of Friendship Exchanges will evolve as we implement the strategic plan to better provide necessary resources and essential support to clubs and districts," Grabeau says.
Rotary International staff will also be improving ProjectLINK , RI’s projects database.
The RI Programs staff looks forward to providing support and guidance to clubs on their service projects. Please contact international.service@rotary.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes.
- Read about other decisions from the November board meeting
- Learn more about the RI Strategic Plan
- Find out more about how to plan an international project
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