ABOUT ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

What is our mission?

The mission of The Rotary Leadership Institute is to provide an educational opportunity for Rotarians identified as potential leaders by their RLI Officers and/or club presidents. Each Club president will be asked annually to nominate club members as potential RLI students and club leaders (not necessarily future presidents) in the years ahead. Courses will be given for the nominees to foster Rotary knowledge and leadership skills, It is hoped that these courses will also motivate the participants to be enthusiastic, creative and dedicated Rotarians and help in the healthy growth and development of Rotary.

Why do we need a leadership institute?

Rotary needs a constant influx of leadership as club officers, etc. change every year. It is difficult at the club level to learn enough about the exciting world of Rotary with its 1.2 million members in 164 countries. Furthermore, leadership skills in a voluntary organization are often different from business leadership skills. It is important that club leaders have every opportunity for education because the success or failure of our clubs depends in large part on the quality of their leaders. According to RLI International Chair, Past RI Director David Linett said, "Rotary is blessed with members of high quality, but all Rotary clubs depend on outstanding leadership to harness the talents and skills of our membership to high levels of accomplishment. The annual turnover of club presidents and other club officers places great pressure on our clubs to maintain a high level of leadership every year. Only through excellent education in Rotary and leadership skills can we develop the quality leadership we need to keep Rotary in the forefront of world service organizations."

Who should be nominated to attend the Institute courses?

The Institute recommends that clubs and/or RLI leaders in the District to nominate those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for club leadership, not necessarily as future presidents. They should preferably be at least 3-4 years away from a possible presidency or other key leadership post. Candidates should certainly have a strong interest in Rotary and be ready to be exposed to the larger world of Rotary.

What is the difference between RLI and PETS?

PETS, like most R.I. Training programs is "job specific". It attempts to orient incoming club presidents to prepare them to be in those positions. RLI is a general education program that starts well before someone may aspire to become a club president. It seeks to identify and provide a quality education for POTENTIAL club leaders, not necessarily as presidents. RLI believes that someone ready to attend PETS should already have a working knowledge of Rotary and training in leadership skills for voluntary organizations. It is too late at PETS to provide that in one day or weekend for someone who lacks Rotary knowledge and knowledge of the necessary leadership skills.

What are the courses?

The Institute offers a leadership course in three full day parts (Parts I, II, III). Those completing each part are eligible for the next part. The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge and to develop leadership skills for voluntary organizations. Some examples of course sessions include, "The Perfect Meeting", "Rotary Beyond the Club", "The Rotary Foundation" (2 parts),"Membership Development and Retention" (2 parts), "Leadership" (four parts), "Creating Hands On Service Projects", "Vocational Service", "International Service", "Analyzing a Rotary Club", "Creative Service", "Public Relations", "Public Speaking" and other subjects.

When and where are the courses held?

The RLI cooperated with the Philippines Division by providing faculty training and ultimately encouraging Trainees to train. Thirty one (31) Rotarian leaders from the eight Rotary districts were trained and graduated as Faculty Members, last February, 2008 at the AIM Conference Center. After graduation, the first batch of faculty members will now have the individual responsibility to observe and follow through the trainings.

Courses are held at convenient locations within the RLI service area. Any nominee may take a course in any location. The 2nd batch of RLI faculty orientation seminar was held at the AIM Conference Center with no less than RLI International Chair Dave Linett and International Vice Chair Frank Wargo in attendance. The seminar was held last October 24 and 25, 2008, to coincide with the first Annual Meeting of the RLI Philippines Division. Last August 30, 31 and September 6, 2008, thirty three (33) senior Rotarians and leaders of RI District 3780 successfully completed the orientation program for members of the faculty of the Rotary Leadership Institute at the SEAMO-Innotech Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City and are now fully qualified to served as faculty members for the RLI Philippines Division. RI Districts 3790, 3770, 3810, 3820 and 3800 are likewise implementing the RLI program to their respective districts in order to spread the advocacy and spirit of the RLI.

Course Methods

Courses will be given for the nominees to foster Rotary knowledge and leadership skills. It is hoped that these courses will also motivate the participants to be enthusiastic, creative and dedicated Rotarians.

Those attending the three course days for their full duration will receive a recognition of completion of the Seminar. The Institute believes in course sessions with as much discussion/participation as possible. Discussion breakout sessions are limited to approximately 10-15 persons. Lectures are strictly limited. Course methods will reflect the most innovative and participatory methods possible. Methods will include discussion groups, role playing, problem solving workshops, group planning exercises etc. Lectures will be limited. Everyone participates during one of the Institute's sessions. A course workbook containing an Institute Manual, session program agendas, faculty listings and course outlines and materials, is provided to each attendee.

Courses are fun, topical, interactive, and geared toward busy business and professional persons who want to be more effective leaders in their vocation and club and more knowledgeable Rotarians.

Rotary Clubs are encouraged to select at least two candidates for RLI annually. Students return to their club with enthusiasm, new contacts, fresh ideas, an increased understanding of their potential as Rotarians, and valuable skills impacting their potential leadership in the club.

Thus, the succeeding batches of trainees for RLI Philippines Division will be responsible to train future club and district leaders as members of the RLI faculty, to share and make available their knowledge, time and talents to Rotarians so that they may continue to perform and adhere to the tenets and principles of Rotary. Members of RLI Philippines Division faculty now welcome the opportunity to perform speaking engagements in district trainings, regular club meetings and participate in Rotary clubs' planning sessions as resource persons and discussion leaders.

Club and District Support Group
Rotary Leadership Institute
RLI District 3780

Official Egroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/d3780rli
d3780rli@yahoogroups.com
Administrator: CP Winston Sia