David Linett, R.I.P.D. International Chair

Michael Rabasca Int'l Executive Director

ABOUT US: The Rotary Leadership Institute is a recommended unofficial affiliate of Rotary International, but not an official program of R. I. nor under its control. Clubs and districts looking to train Rotarians as leaders at local levels can now access online a wide array of resources developed by the Rotary Leadership Institute. Established in 1994 to assist in improving the Rotary knowledge and leadership skills of the future leaders of clubs and districts, the Rotary Leadership Institute is a multi-district program already functional in Zones 31 and 32 in the United States, and is forming divisions around the world. The institute offers a training program in three full-day sessions, followed by graduate seminars. Trainers are carefully selected from among Rotarians with outstanding leadership abilities and prepared to conduct innovative and participatory course sessions.

RI Director David Linett, international chair, said leadership development programs are critical for the continued success of Rotary clubs and the achievement of the Global Quest goals. "Rotary is blessed with members of high quality, but all Rotary clubs depend on outstanding leadership to harness the talents and skills of our membership to high levels of accomplishment. The annual turnover of club presidents and other club officers places great pressure on our clubs to maintain a high level of leadership every year," he said. "Only through excellent education in Rotary and leadership skills can we develop the quality leadership we need to keep Rotary in the forefront of world service organizations."

According to Linett, membership growth is dependent in large part on the quality of Rotary clubs, as clubs with good leadership are more likely to involve their members in exciting service activities and programs and, consequently, to retain their members and attract new ones. "Quality education can best be presented on a multi-district basis," he said. "Through the dedicated efforts of our officers, executive committee and faculty, the Rotarians of our member districts have a unique opportunity for quality Rotary education. We invite all clubs of our member districts to join with us."