NEW GENERATIONS SERVICE

New Generations Service became Rotary's fifth Avenue of Service in 2010.  It is defined in article 5 of the Standard Rotary Club Constitution and the Rotary International Manual of Procedure discusses membership of younger persons:

Membership of Younger Persons:
Clubs should remember the importance of seeking out younger persons, including RI and Rotary Foundation program alumni such as former Rotaractors and Group Study Exchange participants, who are qualified for membership.  Clubs implement strategies to increase the appeal of membership to the growing number of young men and women who are occupying positions of responsibility in businesses and professions.  Clubs may waive club dues and admission fees for members under the age of 35.  In addition, clubs may pay district dues for new members in this age group or, by action at an assembly or conference, districts may reduce the per capita district dues for new members in this age group. (RCP 5.040.2)  
Rotary clubs also should maintain contact with Rotary Foundation alumni in their respective localities, and use the talents of alumni who are not yet qualified for membership or have declined invitations for membership. (RCP 5.020)

The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is acting to attract younger members.  We have made application to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to amend our use of gaming proceeds to fund the costs associated with "The New Generations Rotary Training Allowance" to allow our club to attract young adults who have an interest in participating in community service activities along with other Rotary endeavors.  It is aimed at young individuals who do not plan to enter Rotaract or are out of university and cannot afford to pay full Rotary membership costs.  Initially, there could be up to six New Generation Rotarians sponsored annually and estimated cost to the Rotary Club of Edmonton West is $800 per individual.

Training funds of $4,800.00 per year is proposed to be allocated from Casino funds to cover out of pocket costs to the Rotary Club of Edmonton West for third party membership costs such as membership in Rotary International plus coverage of luncheon costs exceeding the reduced luncheon revenue to be obtained from the New Generation Rotarians.  Funds could also be used to pay for registration in Rotary District 5370 Rotary training sessions and Rotary District 5370 Assembly and Conference.

A New Generation candidate may be proposed by any Rotarian.  Nominees would undergo the same advertising and proposal process as regular proposed Rotarian candidates.

Upon granting of the Rotary Training Allowance, special attendance rules could be considered on an individual basis.  For example, University students may not be able to attend every meeting, so the Board of Directors could grant a bi-monthly or other suitable attendance goal.

This program would allow the Rotary Club of Edmonton West to entertain membership for youths who have serious service club membership intentions but who cannot afford to pay the entire cost of such membership.

We hope you agree that this is a positive step towards growing membership in our club and in getting younger demographically.