BYLAWS AND CLASSIFICATIONS

Rotary Reality…

Many Rotarians remember the days when classifications were used to "protect" your club from too many of any particular profession.  Father passed their classification down to a son or coworker by changing their membership status to "Excused" or "Senior."  Clubs were exclusive and membership was a privilege.

While membership in the "finest Rotary Club in the world," is still a privilege, it no longer is an exclusive or restricted group.  We openly encourage new members and we actively seek to bring a diverse group of individuals to our club.  Rotary International has recognized this change and has updated its methods of identifying membership status.

Classifications remain an important part of the new member process, but the limits have been expanded and we are able to find a fit for most everyone.  That said, take a few moments and check your classification – does it still fit?  If not, the classification committee is working to update everyone's and you can help by bringing it to their attention.

Back to membership types…Rotary International recognizes only two (2) membership types: Active and Honorary.  Your Rotary Club also recognizes only Active and Honorary membership types in our By-Laws, but if you look in your roster, we have many membership types listed beyond Active and Honorary.  Over the next few months, the officer team and Board will be working to bring all members back in line with our by-laws and classification system.  Through a process of education and personal communication, we hope to strengthen our membership and bring the Rotary Club of Canton into a system of membership status and classification that is in line with Rotary International and our own operating requirements.  If you have any questions as we work through this process, feel free to talk to any member of the officer team.