Ruritan Club and District Officers' Handbook

District Growth and Development

Growth and Development Chair In as much as Ruritan views the rentention of pres ent members and clubs of at least equal importance as that of obtaining new members and clubs, this district position has the dual responsiblity of the devel opment of the Ruritan program in the district as well as giving special attention and assistance to any weak and/or struggling clubs in the district. Duties of the G&D Chair 1. Serving as a member of the district cabinet. 2. Developing goals and programs, with the approval of the District Governor, to meet or exceed the goals of the National President. 3. Identifying potential sites for new clubs in the dis ‑ trict, with the assistance of the clubs, zone governors, and members of the district cabinet. 4. Coordinating all activities relative to the develop ‑ ment of any new club to minimize duplication of effort and to avoid any confusion among the potential new members. 5. Maintaining frequent communication with the District Governor in all areas of growth and development. 6. Working closely with any weak and/or struggling clubs, especially those below charter strength, keeping the district governor and lt. governor apprised. Charter Meeting Agenda 1. Meeting called to order by temporary president. 2. Song “America”. 3. Invocation. 4. Meal. 5. Temporary president or Ruritan leader - summarize “What Ruritan Is” (maximum time 3 to 5 minutes). 6. Club business. a. Adoption of Club Bylaws. b. Request to Ruritan National that club be added to its list of tax exempt clubs. c. Report of Nominating Committee and election of officers. d. Election of monthly meeting date, time, and place. e. Club sets amount of club’s quarterly dues. f. Other necessary business. 7. Installation of officers. 8. Presentation of charter. 9. Signing of charter. 10. Closing remarks by Ruritan official. (This is not to be a major address). 11. Pledge of allegiance to flag and adjournment. 12. Members sign charter and pay charter fees. The club board of directors will meet to set date for meeting of directors a. Plan next meeting program. b. Appoint committees. c. Get started on the club’s work. d. Consider proposed new members. e. Instruct new officers. (It is recommended that this be done on an individual basis.)

1. New clubs and growth plans should be discussed at all cabinet and zone meetings. 2. Each district should conduct and keep up to date a complete survey of communities for potential club de‑ velopment within the district and surrounding areas. 3. There should be a Growth and Development Commit ‑ tee in each district and each zone and clubs should consider the feasibility of having a Growth and Devel ‑ opment Committee. 4. Ruritan National will provide the following: a. Promotional and growth and development printed material (see Growth & Development Kit below).* b. Training for district governors, lt. governors, zone governors, growth and development chair, and others as needed. c. The availability of an assigned national director to help when unusual opportunities arise. d. Growth and Development plaques will be awarded to the district governor whose district organizes three or more clubs. 1. The most clubs in first six months of the year 2. The most clubs in second six months of the year 3. The most clubs (total) for the year Districts that tie for National Growth and Develop ment awards shall be recognized with a plaque for each district governor. 5. See Ruritan Awards book for the Distinguished Ruritan Member and the Sponsoring Club/District Award. New Club Charter Meeting NOTE: Between the organizational meeting and the charter meeting of a new club, the temporary president shall appoint a three-person nominating committee which will present its report at the charter meeting. The tempo rary president will make arrangements for the meeting place and the meal. The charter and new club kit will be sent to the district governor. Suggestions 1. Keep meeting and introductions brief and to the point. 2. Do not overwhelm the new club with too much “brass.” 3. Remember that the officers and members of the new club are the most important people at this meeting. 4. Working closely with this new club is the responsibil ‑ ity of the zone governor. 5. Keep the zone governor actively involved. Important Points *Growth and Development materials to charter a new RURI TAN club are available as downloadable items on the Ruritan website http://ruritan.org . Click on the “growth” icon or visit the library under “member resources” and use the search function for the word “charter.” You can also find templates for customized club brochures etc. You may also contact the national office for materials. Material includes charter applications, brochures, procedures, and guides.

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Revised 8/2024