Most Rotary members strive for regular attendance at our weekly club meetings, and those who have to miss a meeting may “make up” the meeting by attending another club’s meeting or participating in a board-approved Rotary activity.
But sometimes that’s just not possible — for example, when there’s been a temporary change in job responsibilities, a serious illness in the family, or extended travel commitments. In those situations, members may apply for excused absences or a leave of absence in order to maintain their membership and their attendance record.
Excused Absences
Members whose age and years of Rotary service total 85 are designated as “exempt,” which means they are no longer subject to Rotary’s attendance requirements. (They were formerly identified as “senior active with service.”) If they miss a meeting, they are automatically listed as excused in the club’s weekly attendance report. They are billed a minimum meal charge each quarter or are charged for the meals consumed when they attend, whichever is greater.
Nonexempt members who miss meetings are expected to make up the absence by attending meetings of another club, either in person or on the Internet, or by participating in board-approved Rotary activities. Missed meetings are supposed to be made up within two weeks before or after the absence, but the rules can be stretched in special cases. When extenuating circumstances prevent a member from making up the missed meetings, the board can be requested to excuse the absences. No rebate of meal charges will be granted, however.
Leaves of Absence
If a member anticipates having to be absent for an extended period because of a personal or work situation, he or she can write to the board, setting forth “good and sufficient cause,” to request a leave of absence for up to six months. When that period of leave is completed, the member may apply for a second leave of up to six months if necessary. No more than two consecutive leaves of absence will be granted. During the leave period, the member continues to pay dues, but the meal charges are waived. Leaves of absence may be granted in retrospect when something unforeseen occurs.