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ROTARY PROTOCOL AND DECORUM

Every Rotary Club has to organize a number of 5. Once protocol is observed in a meeting initially
functions and meetings. There is certain protocol the subsequent speakers need not repeat the
to be observed to recognize dignitaries, to show protocol. This will help save time and avoid
them love and respect of the organization. A proper possible foul-up of protocol.
observance or protocol enhances the prestige of
the concerned Club and also brings decorum. A few 6. If the Mayor or the First Citizen of the town is
hints on protocol are : present in a meeting. He should be invited to
the dias and should be recognized first.
1. Any Rotary meeting hosted by a Club, and/or a
regular meeting of the Club should be presided 7. In any Rotary meeting if the Governor is present
over by the President of the Club. The meeting as the Chief Guest. he should speak last. After
should be called to order by the President and the speech of the Governor, there should be
not by the Master of Ceremonies. no further speeches. The only item after his
speech should be acknowledgments and vote
2. Any Rotary meeting hosted by the District or of thanks.
District Committee will be presided over by the
District Governor. Governor will call the meeting 8. During the official visit of the Governor to the
to order. Club, there should be no other Chief Guest,
Governor being the only one.
3. The protocol to be observed in order to
precedence of greetings is District Governor, 9. All Rotary Club meetings, except training of
Past District Governors (seniority wise), District informative sessions should be concluded as
Governor Elect, District Governor Nominee, far as possible, within one hour. Care should
Assistant Governor, District Secretary, District be taken to ensure that the standard and values
Officers, President, Past President, President- of Rotary are not diluted or compromised at
Elect, Secretary and so on. meetings.

4. The General Rule is that current position takes 10. The functions of Master of ceremony, if at all
precedence over post position, past position necessary, should be limited only to announce
takes precedence over future position, the item of the agenda to be followed. He/
Accompanying spouses will have the same she is not expected to make comments on the
ranking. speeches or assure anything on behalf of the
Club, which should only be the prerogative of
the Presiding Officer.

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