Dual Membership

[Jim]

We have had a discussion for some time in our club re the "Dual Membership" clause in the Rotary constitution.  It states:  "No person shall simultaneously hold active membership in this and another club".....  

There are some here who believe this clause means an individual who is a member of another community organization, i.e. Lions, Kiwanis, Elks, etc, cannot be considered for membership in Rotary.

I believe the true interpretation of this clause is that it restricts a Rotarian from having membership in two Rotary clubs at the same time.

Can anyone give me clarification on this issue?

thanks
Jim Dicharry

[GovRon]

Jim,

Very good questions.  I went to the book - 2007 RI Manual of Proceedure covers both;

4.040. Dual Membership.
No person shall simultaneously hold active membership in more than one club. No person shall simultaneously be a member and an honorary member in the same club. No person shall simultaneously hold active membership in a club and membership in a Rotaract club.

Page 17
Membership in Other Organizations
In order to comply with the obligations of membership in a Rotary club, a Rotarian should not belong to similar community or service clubs that would substantially reduce the member’s opportunity to comply with the obligations of membership. A person being considered for membership in a Rotary club should be expected to disclose membership in other service organizations. Rotarians who wish to join a similar community or service organization should seek prior approval from the Rotary club board of directors. (RCP 4.020.)
The club’s board may terminate the membership of any member for any good cause. (SRCC 12, 5(a)) This could include not fulfilling the obligations of Rotary club membership due to continued membership in another service club. (RCP4.020.1.)

Hope this clarifies that in reality dual Rotary Membership is a no no while the other is up to the club/board of directors. 

Governor 08-09
District 6110
Ron Petersen Sr.