Report on the 2007 Council on Legislation
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On the 21st of April, 2007, the 2007 Council on Legislation convened in Chicago, Illinois. There were 525 voting members authorized to be voting delegates - having
been elected by the clubs in their respective districts.
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Brief History |
Prior to 1970 the authority for legislation resided in the annual RI Convention. In its early days the Council on Legislation grew up mainly as an advisory body, making recommendations to the voting delegates at every convention. By the time legislative authority shifted to the Council, the Council met in conjunction with the convention, it met only in the even-numbered years when the convention was a “Legislative” one. In 1970, the Council on Legislation became the sole legislative body of Rotary International and currently the COL meets every three (3) years.
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What Really Is The Council On Legislation? |
In the United States the Congress is mentioned as where laws are made by Americans
for Americans. In London, England, the Palace of Westminster is the Parliament which
houses the National Legislative Body of Great Britain.
In the same vein, the Council on Legislation in accordance with the provisions of
our constitutional documents constitutes the legislative body of Rotary International,
subject only to balloting by clubs recording their opposition to action by the Council
in adopting various items of proposed legislation. It is the function of the Council
to be responsible for any changes in the constitutional documents and to approve
certain policy matters brought before the Council in the form of resolutions.
The 2007 council faced a formidable task. On the desks before us were 337 proposed
enactments or resolutions.
The council made time for careful, deliberate consideration of the important proposals.
Members were free to speak to the issues, but they generally did not be-labor the
obvious or repeat an earlier speaker. It was a business-like meeting, conducted
with mutual good feeling and characterized by a paramount concern for the welfare
of all Rotary International.
The final tally at adjournment was: 169 Enactments - 168 Resolutions
84 proposals adopted as proposed, (E – 45 ) ( R – 35 )
13 proposals adopted with some amendment, ( E – 12 )
14 proposals referred to the RI board for further study,
152 proposals rejected,
50 proposals withdrawn,
24 considered withdrawn.
Of the 337 legislative proposals, most important achievements were in the area of
membership and RI finances. The council, with minor amendments, adopted a proposal
from the Board of Directors to ensure an annual balanced budget, and instructed
the board to continue providing more detailed financial information to the Rotary
world. It then resoundingly approved a US $1.00 per year per capita dues increase
beginning July 1, 2008-2009. In the area of membership, the council adopted two
major provisions amending the Rotary International Constitution and the Standard
Rotary Club Constitution to qualify for active membership an individual who has
demonstrated through involvement in community affairs a commitment to service and
the Object of Rotary and also, to allow Rotary Foundation alumni to be active members
of Rotary.
The proceedings were translated into seven different languages.
You are, of course, reminded that all proposals adopted by the council are subject
to ratification by clubs. If ten percent of the voting strength of the world’s 32,000+
clubs register an objection in writing to any item of legislation adopted by the
council, it will be reconsidered by the 2007 convention in Salt Lake City.
A Council on Legislation of Rotary International is always a remarkable demonstration
of the democratic nature of our association, and this council was one of the best!
It was an efficient, affirmative council, but, it was also a cheerful, happy council,
remarkably free of bias, animosity, anger or ill will.
Rotary, and district 5180, can and should take great pride in the council and the
service of every member, each whom truly exemplified President Bill’s challenge
to “Lead the Way” in Rotary.
I wish to thank District 5180’s clubs the opportunity of serving as your delegate
to the 2007 Council on Legislation.
Yours in the Service of Rotary
Fred
Fred E. Croy,
PDG 2000-2001
Rotary Club of Roseville |
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