The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world. District 6900 is a member of the Sunshine Division of RLI that covers Georgia, Florida, and the Caribbean. This program is great not only for the officers of your club but also those who are chairing positions in your club such as membership, public relations, and foundation.
The program is good for any Rotarian because it helps them to learn more about Rotary and what other clubs are doing. You develop a friendship with other Rotarians that can lead to growth in your own club and joint service projects. RLI is really Rotary Learning Institute.
RLI offers Rotary knowledge courses in three sessions (Parts I, II, and III.) Those completing each course are eligible for the next. The courses are designed to provide leadership skills while advancing Rotary knowledge and understanding.
The Institute believes in course sessions with as much discussion participation as possible. We try to hold the discussion sessions to a maximum of 15 Rotarians. Course methods include discussion groups, role-playing, problem solving workshops, creating projects, and audiovisual presentations. Everyone participates during the sessions. A course workbook containing Institute material is provided to each attendee.
All active Rotarians are welcome. The Institute recommends that clubs nominate all Rotarians who have the potential for club leadership and all new Rotarians. RLI suggests that each club sponsor two to three Rotarians per RLI event in their district and to support previous nominees in completing Parts II and III. Candidates attending RLI events outside of their district is also encouraged.
The current course fee is $95 per day for one seven-hour session. The fees cover breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, facility expenses, and all student materials. To register and for session locations, go to www.rlitraining.org.
Your introduction to the RLI experience begins by meeting fellow Rotarians and your Rotarian Discussion Leaders. Emphasis is placed on providing an overview of Rotary programs and helping develop ideas that participants can take back to their Rotary Clubs. Courses include Object of Rotary, Membership Engagement, Rotary Opportunities, Ethics & Vocational Service, Rotary – The Bigger Picture, and Rotary Foundation.
The RLI journey continues, the depth of subject matter increases and focus is placed on fostering the qualities of a knowledgeable Rotarian by building on the basics learned in Part I. The day includes an individual analysis of your Rotary Club and its effectiveness. Courses include Analyzing Your Rotary Club, Leadership - Team Building, Strategic Planning, Service Projects, Membership Attraction, and Public Relations. Learn team building strategies through fun group exercises.
With the final phase of RLI the courses become much more in-depth and detailed. Learn about opportunities available to you and your club through Rotary International and how to best utilize them. Understand what it means to be a Rotarian and how you can use your RLI knowledge to better your club. Courses include Rotary History, International Service, Leadership - Effective Strategies, Rotary Foundation – The Share Program, Communication Techniques, and Making a Difference.
Click here to go to the course schedule on the RLI website.
"I learned more today in Part 2 than in all three years I've been a Rotarian."
"I've been in Rotary for 18 years and I never knew what it was all about! I am definitely coming back."
"The instructors were great, no lecturing at all, but we learned something in every class."
"I was a member of a Rotary Club for 11 years, but after completing RLI and learning the true essence of what Rotary is, I now consider myself a Rotarian."