Friends of Henley Bridge
Friends of Henley Bridge
The Friends of Henley Bridge scheme is now operational and the Club has approved
5 Friends at the end of May 06
The Friends Scheme
Membership is a major concern of all charitable organisations, and Rotary is no exception - people just do not have the spare time available today that they once did. Consequently, we have found that the biggest obstacle to new members is the requirement (both actual and perceived) to attend weekly meetings.
Our Friends of Henley Bridge scheme gives people an opportunity to appreciate the fellowship and enjoyment experienced by Rotarians in attending meetings and taking part in club events without the immediate commitment of full membership. Membership of ‘Friends of Henley Bridge’ is for an initial period of 12 months, and may be renewed annually should the Club and Friend express such interest. Friends are nominated by two members, and formally accepted by Club Council. Membership is not available to existing Rotarians for a period of 2 years after they resign their existing Club membership.
The Club runs two major events (Sue Ryder Fireworks Night and Henley Half Marathon) plus a number of smaller events. It is hoped that Friends would participate in some of these. For all Friends this will be a gentle introduction to Rotary and we hope that some Friends will express interest in becoming a Rotarian and they will then be subject to the usual Club Membership procedures.
In becoming a Friend you will:
· be invited to attend selected meetings, but not usually more than once a month.
· be invited to attend social events and special meetings organised by the Club
· be expected to provide practical assistance at fund raising and service events organised by the Club
· be expected to book with the Attendance Officer if you wish to attend a Club meeting and pay for meals at the same rate as any other guest
· receive a monthly bulletin—The Bridge
In becoming a Friend you will NOT:
· be entitled to call yourself a Rotarian, or to attend meetings of other Rotary Clubs, or to use the Rotary emblem in personal, business or community life
· be required to pay any subscription or dues, or make any other financial commitment, except to pay for meals as and when taken
· be required to attend a specific number of meetings although your attendance at certain of our larger events would be greatly appreciated
· be entitled to vote on any matter relating to club business.
Friends should be in sympathy with the aims and Objects of Rotary which is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service
Friends of Henley Bridge constitutes an informal relationship with the Club intended to aid communication with those who actively support Rotary activity in the area.
Membership will be renewed annually and may be terminated by either party