Frequently Asked Questions
about The Rotary Leadership Institute NEA
Download FAQs

What are the courses?
When and where are the courses held?
What are the teaching methods?
Who are the faculty?
Why do we need a leadership institute?
Who should be nominated to attend the Institute courses?
What are the costs?
Should our club participate?
What is the Graduate program?
What is the Home Division?
How can we register and pay for courses?
What does our registration fee cover?

What are the courses? The Institute offers a leadership course in three full day parts (Parts I, II, III). Those completing each part are eligible for the next part. The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge and to develop leadership skills for voluntary organizations. Some examples of course sessions include, "The Perfect Meeting", "Rotary Beyond the Club", "The Rotary Foundation" (2 parts),"Membership Development and Retention" (2 parts), "Leadership" (four parts), "Creating Hands On Service Projects", "Vocational Service", "International Service", "Analyzing a Rotary Club", "Creative Service", "Public Relations", "Public Speaking" and other subjects.

When and where are the courses held? Courses are held at convenient locations within the RLI service area. Any nominee may take a course in any location. Courses are listed in this brochure and on the RLI website, where online registration is available.

What are the teaching methods? The Institute believes in course sessions with as much discussion/participation as possible. Discussion breakout sessions are limited to approximately 10-15 persons. Lectures are strictly limited. Course methods include discussion groups, role-playing, problem solving workshops, creating projects and audiovisual presentations. Everyone participates during one of the Institute's sessions. A course workbook containing an Institute Manual, session program agendas, faculty listings and course outlines and materials, is provided to each attendee.

Who are the faculty? The faculty members are carefully selected by the Institute for their teaching abilities. They are drawn from all areas of the member districts and occasionally from outside the member districts. Many are present and past R.I. directors, present and past district governors, successful past presidents and those with experience in special areas. Each new faculty member must attend an initial full day training program and various periodic reorientation programs. The results of course evaluations help the Institute to improve the course content and instruction.

Why do we need a leadership institute? Rotary needs a constant influx of leadership as club officers, etc. change every year. It is difficult at the club level to learn enough about the exciting world of Rotary with its 1.2 million members in 164 countries. Furthermore, leadership skills in a voluntary organization are often different from business leadership skills. It is important that club leaders have every opportunity for education because the success or failure of our clubs depends in large part on the quality of their leaders.

Who should be nominated to attend the Institute courses? The Institute recommends that clubs nominate those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for club leadership, not necessarily as future presidents. They should preferably be at least 3-4 years away from a possible presidency or other key leadership post. Candidates should certainly have a strong interest in Rotary and be ready to be exposed to the larger world of Rotary. The Institute requests each club to nominate one or two Rotarians each year and to support previous nominees in completing Parts II and III.

What are the costs? The current course fees are $95.00 per registrant per day. Several low cost sites charge a fee of $65.00 per registrant per day. The fees cover breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and considerable materials given to participants. Course fees also pay for meeting space, audio-visual equipment and promotional costs. The Institute strongly recommends that clubs pay the fees for their participants.

Should our club participate? If your club cares about its future, it will want the best leadership possible. This is an outstanding opportunity for each club to improve the Rotary knowledge of its key people, who will also be exposed to new ideas of leadership. The exchange of ideas with other experienced Rotarians alone makes the courses worthwhile.

What is the Graduate Program? After completing the three Part basic program, "graduates" are eligible to attend in-depth seminars held at selected locations in conjunction with regular courses. Each seminar runs for at least 2.5 hours in a morning or afternoon session. Registration fees are modest and meals are optional. Seminar topics and registration forms may be found on the RLI website.

What is the Home Division? The Home Division of The Rotary Leadership Institute includes the original area where the RLI was founded in 1992. It now includes 31 districts of Zones 31 & 32 in the northeastern part of the USA, part of eastern Canada (Zone 22) and Bermuda. The RLI is now forming additional Divisions around the world and each Division is listed on the RLI website.

How can Rotarians register and pay for the courses? You can register online (if you do so, please make sure to complete all information on the form, including your email address), and the RLI Registrar will respond to you via email within 24 hours. Then mail your registration fee to The Rotary Leadership Institute, 29 East Woodhaven Drive, Avon, CT 06001-2400. Or you may download and print off the registration form, complete it, and mail it with check made out to Rotary Leadership Institute. Checks should reference the course you registered for, plus the date and place that course will be held. The RLI Registrar will reply to you.

What does our Registration fee cover? Your registration fee covers breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, and the course material. The positive networking with other Rotarian leaders and the Service Above Self are a bonus!