Ruritan National Convention Program 2026

Ballot Items

Ballot Item One To amend the Ruritan National Bylaws, ARTICLE Ill - Membership/Members, Section 2 Ethical Standards/ Members, by redesignating the existing text as subsection A and inserting the following new subsection B: B. Ineligibility for Membership. Any individual who has been convicted of a sexual offense crime that requires registration on a sex offender registry shall be ineligible for membership in any Ruritan Club. Reason for the motion: Steps must be taken to protect not only our youth, but also any vulnerable members of the communities we serve. Ruritan needs to take action to protect the members and communities by ensuring that necessary precautions are in place. Ballot Item Two To amend the Ruritan National Bylaws, ARTICLE III - Membership/Members, Section 2 Ethical Standards/Members by adding the following subsection (to be appropriately lettered by the Secretary): Club Responsibility. In the event that a current club member is found to be subject to a sex offender registry requirement, the club shall take appropriate action under its bylaws to terminate that membership. The responsibility for voting and implementing such termination remains with the club in accordance with its bylaws. Reason for the motion: Steps must be taken to protect not only our youth, but also any vulnerable members of the communities we serve. Ruritan needs to take action to protect the members and communities by ensuring that necessary precautions are in place.

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