Pilot clubs: E-clubs and meeting frequency

T he RI Board of Directors conducts pilot projects to test new ideas, methods, or organizational frameworks for clubs that may help secure Rotary’s future as a premier humanitarian service organization. Pilot clubs are fully functioning Rotary clubs that are exempt from some requirements in the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. Clubs can’t join a pilot project after it has started.

Currently, the Board is running two pilot projects for Rotary clubs. The first is the Rotary E-Club pilot project (started 1 July 2004 and ending on 20 June 2010) for holding online meetings. The second is the Meeting Frequency pilot project (started 1 July 2007 and ending on 30 June 2013) that allows participating clubs to meet on any schedule other than a weekly meeting. 

E-clubs are more than a quick fix for a missed meeting. Their members pay dues, carry out community service projects, and work much like any other club, except that a Web site serves as their meeting place. During online meetings, e-club members can use Web cameras and microphones, which allow them to see and hear each other. Also, e-clubs can either be fully online or only partial e-clubs. The partial arrangement is a good option for Rotary clubs that still want to meet in person. Often, members participate in local community service projects as part of their club membership requirements.

Of the 200 participating clubs in the Meeting Frequency pilot project, most have elected to meet twice a month, with a few taking off the summer months, and others meeting more than once a week in various locations. The RI Board is interested in how the frequency of a club’s meeting affects factors such as membership development and retention, attendance, service projects, participation in The Rotary Foundation, and leadership.

View lists of clubs participating in the E-Club and Meeting Frequency pilot projects.