Let me explain: As a relatively new Rotarian I found it sometimes difficult to get the answers to questions like ‘How to make up for meetings’ when I needed them, e.g. in the middle of the night, without seriously annoying my fellow Rotarians. Not a good idea to disturb their well-earned sleep or to disgrace myself by asking questions with obvious answers.

Shortly after I took over as President of my club I had the pleasure of inducting a new member, great joy, but what would I say to give the event the appropriate gravitas? Needless to say that it was a late Sunday evening when I was trying to draw up something meaningful. Repeat the pattern for the proper choice of colours for the Rotary gearwheel on our new club sign and the endless other questions I had ... Help was in hand on the RIBI website!

After a lot of searching I unearthed the items I was looking for. I’m happy to report that finding the answers to the many questions you might have regarding running your club or your committee, choosing the right stationery templates, getting info on Rotary Foundation, creating your own club website or using template press releases, or any of the questions raised above, has become much easier.

Once you have mastered the login (please check your registered e-mail address with your club secretary if you have any difficulties with this process) a wealth of information is available in the Members’ Area.

The menu bar will guide you to info on Clubs, Districts, Events, Committees, Secretariat and Membership Marketing. For instance various sample induction addresses for active and Honorary members can be found in Appendix A of the Manual For Incoming Club Officers (under Clubs look for Resource Manuals for Clubs).

To find the right ‘Make-up’ go to Committees, then Membership, Development & Retention, follow the link to Information sheets and open ‘Attendance’. It certainly helps to use the proper Rotary terminology, the search for ‘Make up’ returned 83 results, whereas ‘Attendance’ got me right on the track for the information sheets.

‘Know your Rotary’ seems the obvious answer, but that’s another story ... erm ... information sheet!