RATIONALE

The concern for protecting and nurturing youth is as old as Rotary itself. Programs for youth have been a central focus of Rotary from its earliest days, beginning with service to children with disabilities and projects to help boys. In 1949, the RI Board of Directors adopted the slogan 'Every Rotarian an Example to Youth'. The Interact, Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Wards (RYLA) and Rotaract programs epitomize Rotarians' dedication to the healthy development of young people.

The RI Board of Directors (November 2002) adopted a "Code of Conduct" for working with youth, which states: "Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians' spouses, partners and other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children and young people with whom they come into contact."

POLICY

This directive is to be posted in such a manner that all members in District 7040 and clubs will have access to and be aware of its content. Now more than ever sexual abuse, mainly involving children, is in the forefront of newscasts and newspapers everywhere. The liability from this type of accusation whether sustainable or not would be devastating to Rotary. Rotary must take action to protect our youth and children that we come in contact with.

Sexual abuse is a Criminal Act, and a Human Rights violation. Abuse in any form will not be tolerated by Rotary in general and within our District 7040 specifically. We are responsible for and will be accountable for our actions. While we are all presumed innocent until proven otherwise, steps must betaken to properly address these situations.

ACTIONS

1. District 7040 will treat all allegations seriously, and will do nothing to impede any criminal investigation.

2. Abuse is: inappropriate or suggestive language, including but not limited to unwanted and sexual touching, violence or threat of violence, embarrassing or threatening remarks, talk of sexual desires and gratification.

3. If abuse is suspected or reported, realizing the need for confidentiality, a case must be documented and reported immediately to the Club President.

a) The President then must notify the District Governor, and appropriate authorities, immediately.

b) The Children’s' Aid Society as well as the police have a role to play in accusations of this type, and must be advised.

c) Each will conduct an investigation with a view to protect the children and to lay charges where appropriate.

4. All individual Rotarians and volunteers to Rotary such as host parents, who are involved in activities with youth, must obtain police record checks.

5. If the parties refuse to obtain clearance checks for this type of history, then they should not be entrusted with the care of our youth and children.

6. In the case of hosting parents, both parents and anyone at least 18 years of age within the household must obtain police record checks.

7. Always contact references before accepting an out of club volunteer to host our youth exchange students.

8. Hold discussions and training sessions within the club and District relating to these issues.

APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT COUNCIL, 3/25/00.
RATIFIED AT DISTRICT ASSEMBLY, 4/29/00.
AMENDED AT DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 4/27/02.