Rotary Leadership Institute

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is designed to improve knowledge of Rotary International and to develop leadership skills of future club leaders.  While club presidents need to complete these courses, RLI provides valuable information to Board members, program chairs, and committee chairs.  While RLI is designed for future club leaders, it also provides a great learning experience for members who want to learn more about Rotary and meet other Rotarians outside of their local club.  It is an excellent opportunity to share ideas and club experiences.  RLI is composed of three courses that must be attended in order.  Topics covered include:  A Look Outside the Club, Introduction to Leadership, Creating Service Projects, Problem Solving, Effective Communications, International Service and Motivating and Effecting Change.  George McIlvaine, currently an RLI trainer, believes that “if people can learn about Rotary, they will embrace Rotary.  This will make themselves and Rotary better.”

Ron Hammel, a 25 year member of our club and President for 2012-13, chose to attend RLI after seeing the enthusiasm expressed by the graduates with whom he spoke at the District Conference in Casper last year.  He asked me to write about RLI in the COG to encourage others to have the same experience.  He said, “even though I have been a Rotarian for 25 years, I learned a lot about Rotary programs that I wasn't aware of and things that had changed over the years.  I am now more prepared to help with programs in the club and hopefully will be a better Rotarian.”

Jean Martinez also has attended RLI.  Her reasons for attending included a “need to have a better understanding of how Rotary works-at the District and international levels.   I felt lost when district grants were funded and how it was determined which club would receive them.”  After attending the she reports, “I feel more informed but also, I have a better understanding of who is where in the District and who they are.   It does not mean I am well-recognized by others or that I have tremendous knowledge about Rotary.   I just feel more comfortable knowing more about Rotary on a whole and knowing others who share the Rotary vision.”  She said she “would encourage others to attend the trainings because it will just make a more informed member and the opportunities to talk to other members from other clubs helps expand the definition of “club”.  You feel connected to other members from other clubs.

 If you are interested in attending the RLI training and learning more about your Club, District and Rotary International, you may find the schedule at the District Website: http://rotary5440.org/.  When attending, our members frequently carpool with a group either attending or teaching the session.  Reimbursement for the $40.00 fee is available through the club.