August 2014

Reorganisation of RIBI Assemblies 2014/15

The Leadership Development & Training Committee, (LDTC) has started the planning process to build upon

the agreements of General Council for changing the focus of leadership training to create a wider

participation to those who have most influence on strategic outcomes – club leaders.

The agreed format to be employed embraces one Leadership and five Regional Assemblies, which will

continue to focus on the three themes of the RI/RIBI Strategic Plan for the Rotary Year 2015/16.

Leadership Assembly 20th – 22nd February 2015

The nature of a Leadership Assembly differs from the Regional ones due to the significance of the role of

incoming Governors (DGE and Partner, DGN and Partner, and the newly appointed DGNNs), and Assistant

Governors.

All AGs are called to the Leadership Assembly. In terms of AGs specifically they have the opportunity and

responsibility to help the leadership in a group of clubs. They motivate and support clubs and are a key

group to build continuity within a District. It is crucial that they receive as much information,

encouragement and help as possible. By participating they will share ideas and positive experiences with

colleagues. Current thinking for a real step forward is for AGs to have first hand access to all the

presentations normally given to service committees behind closed doors.

The DG training programme is currently under review and a revised rolling programme will be employed at

the Leadership Assembly. A possible outcome will be to create more opportunity for integration between

the AG and AG programmes.

The Regional Assemblies March 2015

Bristol 8th, London 14th, Manchester 21st, Birmingham 22nd, Edinburgh 28th.

Each Regional Assembly will provide a one-day event. Time away from families is a deterrent for Rotarians

getting involved beyond their own club. Attendance at a more local event may encourage greater

involvement.

All District Committee Chairs (see July 2014 LDTC Newsletter), Secretaries and Treasurers are expected to

attend (with expenses paid) to the Regional Assemblies. This will also include those groups not previously

expected to attend – District Extension (New Club Formation) Officers, District Rotaract Chairs and District

Youth Exchange Chairs.

New club formation is an essential part of our membership development strategy. Extension (New Club

Formation) Officers too, will benefit from the opportunity to share ideas etc.

Youth Exchange Chairs and Rotaract Chairs are to be included as it is vital that we all understand the

opportunities to work with, and the benefits of engaging with, our young people. Who better than these

chairs.

A central object of the change is to widen participation by opening the Regional Assemblies to other

interested Rotarians, at a modest daily delegate rate of £30 where space is available. Many Rotarians who,

for one reason or another, do not hold district office are passionate about a particular service project or

have valuable experience in one personally. By participating they will get a better understanding of district

committee support and be able to share their passion and successes.

District officers and club Rotarians should choose the closest venue to their home. There is no necessity

for members of one district to attend the same Regional Assembly, as the same facilitated discussions

will take place at each event.

Each Regional Assembly will utilise the supported messages of the RIBI Service Committees. In order to do

this the appointment of the RIBI Service Chairs has been brought forward to establish the committees for

2015/16. These new committee chairs and members will liaise with current chairs and committee. The brief

being, to create through a PowerPoint presentation and webinar delivery their relevant information to

district officers and club Rotarians before the Regional Assembly dates. This creates a modern, convenient,

efficient use of time - again reducing the barriers to participation. The service chairs and their committee

members have an essential part to play and their messages will be available to a greater interactive

audience than ever before.

It is intended that the facilitated discussions and the intergroup working at each event will be made

available along with the webinar materials through E-Learning - a valuable resource available to all who are

interested in learning more at their own convenience.

The facilitated group working at the Regional Assemblies is a real opportunity to hear what others are doing

in their own areas of service and how others may benefit or be able to help from their different

perspective. They are also ideal opportunities for participants to share their experiences and knowledge for

the benefit of all delegates.

The LDTC is currently seeking applications from Rotarians who wish to be trained as facilitators and the

Role of the Regional Facilitator is available for reference.

If you have any queries about items within this newsletter please contact myself as LDTC Chairman email:

keithgrahambest@gmail.com