Excerpts from the 2010 Rotary International Manual of Procedure - Section 2 - The District

Selection of Governor-nominee

The selection by the clubs in a district of a governor-nominee should be conducted in a dignified, responsible manner in harmony with the principles of Rotary. (RCP 19.030.1.) The district must select the nominee for governor not more than 36 months, but not less than 24 months, prior to the day of taking office. (RIB 13.010.)
Any Rotarian who engages in campaigning or canvassing for elective office in RI may be subject to disqualification from election to the office sought and possibly to future RI offices for such periods as the RI Board may determine. (See chapter 3.) (RIB 10.060., 10.070)

Districts are urged to seek out and nominate the best-qualified person for the office of governor and to avoid procedures influenced by any system in which the nomination is traditionally rotated among various groups of clubs or geographic areas.

Rejection of Nomination by Board

If a nominee for governor does not meet the prescribed qualifications and requirements, the Board shall reject the nomination and the general secretary shall not present it to the convention for election. (RIB 13.060.1.)

1. Name of candidate, name and location of club, number of years a Rotarian, classification, name of firm or former firm, position in firm or former firm, meetings attended in last five years, current position(s) or assignment(s) in Rotary (elective or appointed), former position(s) or assignment(s) (elective or appointed)
2. Special Rotary services or particular Rotary activities in which a candidate has been engaged (i.e., what the candidate has done to advance Rotary)
3. Most significant honors or achievements in business and professional activities
4. Most significant honors or achievements in civic and public service activities (RCP 19.030.2.)

 Qualifications of District Governor

In addition to the qualifications of governor-nominee, a governor, at the time of taking office, must have completed seven years of membership in one or more clubs and have attended the governors-elect training seminar and International Assembly. (RIB 15.080.)

Qualifications of District Governor Nominee

At the time of selection, a governor-nominee must

1. Be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district (RIB 15.070.1.)
2. Have full qualifications for membership in the strict application of the club membership provisions, and the integrity of the Rotarian’s classification must be without question (RIB 15.070.2.)
3. Have served as president of a club for a full term or be a charter president of a club having served the full term from the date of the charter to 30 June, provided that this period is for at least six months (RIB 15.070.3.)
4. Demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability, physically and otherwise, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of governor as provided in RI Bylaws section 15.090. (RIB 15.070.4.)
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of governor as prescribed in the RI Bylaws, and submit to RI, through its general secretary, a signed statement acknowledging a clear understanding of them. This statement shall also confirm that the Rotarian is qualified for the office of governor and willing and able to assume the duties and responsibilities of the office and to perform them faithfully. (RIB15.070.5.)

Responsibilities

As an incoming officer of RI, the governor-nominee should:

1. Begin to prepare for the role of governor
2. Foster continuity by working with past, current, and incoming district leaders to support effective clubs
3. Begin analyzing the district’s strengths and weaknesses with background material provided by the immediate past governor, governor, and governor-elect
4. Review the district organization (District Leadership Plan) and club administrative framework (Club Leadership Plan)
5. Attend district meetings when possible, at the invitation of the district governor or district governor-elect
6. Participate in district committees or other activities, as may be suggested by the district governor or district governor-elect
7. Attend district governor-nominee training if offered, or seek other training if available
8. Attend training in leadership skills
9. Select a site for the district conference held during the year of the governor-nominee’s service, with the agreement of the majority of the current club presidents or majority of the club presidents serving in the governor-nominee’s year

Assignments

The governor and governor-elect should provide the governor-nominee:

1. The opportunity to request specific responsibilities or assignments in connection with district committees or district organization
2. Invitations to attend as an observer any or all district meetings
3. A proper introduction at the district conference and an opportunity to be part of the organizing committee as an observer
4. The opportunity to participate in all strategic planning efforts and longterm appointments in the district (RCP 19.040.)