Rotary Council On Legislation - Disaster Relief

Posted by Craig Clarke 
 

Council on Legislation representatives requested Wednesday that the RI Board create a committee to develop a worldwide resource that would provide rapid, short-term relief to areas affected by natural disasters.

Recent earthquakes in Chile and Haiti are reminders of how important and urgent it is for Rotary to help victims rebuild their lives, said Raymond T. Martin, of District 9820 (Australia), as he introduced the proposal to the Council.

 

"The world has experienced many major and devastating disasters in recent years. Rotary must be proactive in investigating guidelines on how to speed up response," Martin said. "The future of Rotary is in your hands. Disaster victims' futures are in your hands as well. A quick response is the only solution."

The measure, which received loud applause, was approved 361-148.

Proponents said ShelterBox, a Rotarian-supported disaster relief organization, has demonstrated the value and viability of an immediate response resource, and may provide a useful model for development on a wider and more comprehensive scale by RI.

Luis Ortiz Sepúlveda, a representative from Chile, told the Council that he was overwhelmed by ShelterBox's responses to disasters. "Rotary doesn't need to replace ShelterBox but supplement their efforts," he added.

In other actions, the Council

  • Rejected a measure to raise the Rotaract age limit from 30 to 35. Proponents argued that many young professionals have neither the time nor financial means to join a Rotary club, and that raising the age limit would give Rotaractors more time to connect with a club they could later join. Opponents said passing the resolution could result in a decrease in Rotary club membership and revenues. One objector said that by age 30, people should be self-sufficient and mature enough to join a Rotary club and pay dues if they desire.
  • Adopted a resolution asking the RI Board to consider officially recognizing EarlyAct clubs. This could lead to making EarlyAct a structured program of RI, with policies and requirements set by the RI Board for clubs and districts to follow. Opponents said that during this economic climate, any additional expenses to RI are unnecessary. Proponents said elementary school students would benefit from learning about Rotary's high ethical standards.
  • Supported two similar resolutions requesting that the Board consider including land mine relief efforts in RI and Rotary Foundation humanitarian programs. Advocates said the resolutions would send a strong message to Rotarians already helping victims or striving to ban land mines. "Thousands of new land mines are produced daily. Those working to ban land mines need the support of RI at the level of the United Nations to raise awareness and lend a hand of solidarity," said Hans Pfarr, representative from District 1830 (Germany).
  • Rejected a measure to request that the Rotary Foundation Trustees consider making descendants and spouses of Rotarians eligible for Rotary Peace Fellowships. Proponents argued that the program has established worldwide credibility and must maintain stability by showing fairness to all qualified candidates. Opponents argued that revising the Foundation's current policy could result in actual or perceived conflict of interest.
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