Club & District Officers Handbook

Club Visitation by District Officers

Club Board of Directors’ Meeting

Regular Club Meeting

Make brief remarks if there is a planned program. Be prepared to talk on Ruritan for 15 to 20 minutes if there is no other speaker or if the scheduled program is cancelled. Display an attitude of sincerity, humility, and enthu ‑ siasm. Be complimentary. Express appreciation for anything observed worthy of compliment. 1. Call attention to the value of Ruritan and what it does. Ruritan builds leaders as well as communities. 2. Report progress being made in the zone or district, including organization of new clubs. Also report on projects and activities of existing clubs. 3. Encourage the club to sponsor a new club. Ruritan National has a system of recognition for clubs that sponsor, follow up, and submit proper reports to Ruritan National as outlined in the Sponsoring Club/ District Award. 4. Encourage the club to invite new members into the club, especially if the club has less than 20 mem ‑ bers. 5. Urge clubs to select projects which will give the club recognition and prestige in the community. (For example: Sponsor a March of Dimes or Scout Unit rather than merely making a contribution). 6. If time permits, one of the following can be dis ‑ cussed: a. Such essential points in the club bylaws as pro ‑ cedure for taking in new members; importance of good attendance; honorary membership; leave of absence; and procedure for meetings. b. How to get the most out of Ruritan membership. c. What Ruritan is and does. d. History and development of Ruritan.

1. Compliment the board for things done well and progress made. 2. Get information for the report to Ruritan National. 3. Discuss club activities and problems: a. Inquire as to the club projects or plans for projects. b. Are the committees functioning effectively? Are they doing more than merely providing program material? c. Is the club having good programs at each meet ‑ ing? d. Are there any major problems confronting the club? e. Diplomatically point out weaknesses you have noticed or have had reported to you. 4. Determine what is being done to maintain good attendance. Suggest what other clubs are doing: a. Making certain that every meeting is interesting and informative. b. Making up attendance by attending other clubs. c. Exchanging invitations to meetings with nearby clubs. d. Holding attendance contests. e. Presenting awards for perfect attendance such as pins or certificates. 5. Discussing possibilities of sponsoring new clubs. 6. Discussing methods for getting new members and assisting small clubs. 7. Emphasizing importance of proper installation (including presentation of pin or new member kit), instruction, committee assignment, and mentoring for new members. 8. Other matters for possible discussion a. Length of meetings b. Planning meeting programs c. Speakers and program material d. Length of business session in the club meetings e. Spouses and family nights f. Adopting yearly goals g. Following up on absent members h. Regular board meetings i. Wearing Ruritan pins j. Ruritan road signs k. Delinquent national and district dues and reports l. Working with youth and other partnership orga ‑ nizations

Note: Ask the president to hold a short meeting of the club officers at the close of the club meeting to offer assistance and suggestions for club improvement.

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Revised 8/2023