About PETS:

The following paragraphs are excerpts from various RI publications, including the RI "Manual of Procedure" which can be downloaded (2.9 MB) from the RI Download Center.

DEFINITION

The Presidents-elect Training Seminar (PETS) – A training meeting conducted annually, preferably in March, for club presidents-elect. Its main purpose is to develop club presidents who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to create or maintain an effective club as defined by the RI Board.

      - Manual of Procedure 2007

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE

The President-elect shall attend the district presidents-elect training seminar and the district assembly unless excused by the governor-elect. If so excused, the president-elect shall send a designated club representative who shall report back to the president-elect. If the president-elect does not attend the presidents-elect training seminar and the district assembly and has not been excused by the governor-elect or, if so excused, does not send a designated club representative to such meeting, the president-elect shall not be able to serve as club president.

      - Standard Rotary Club Constitution – Article 9 Section 5(c) - 2007

NOTE: If a PE can not attend Mid-Atlantic Rotary PETS, then he/she can attend a PETS in another region with their district governor-elect's permission.

PURPOSE

A PETS, which may be a multi-district PETS, shall take place for the purpose of orientation and training of club presidents-elect in the district as determined by the board. The PETS shall be held annually, preferably in March. The governor-elect shall be responsible for the PETS. The PETS shall be planned and conducted under the direction and supervision of the governors-elect.

      - Rotary International Bylaws - Para. 15.030 - 2007

The Presidents-elect Training Seminars (PETS) are informational programs that are planned and conducted by the district trainer under the direction and supervision of the governor-elect as provided in RI bylaws section 15.030. Its purpose is to develop club presidents who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to:

• sustain and / or grow their club's membership base;
• implement successful projects that address the needs of their communities and communities in other countries
• support The Rotary Foundation through both financial contributions and program participation;
• develop leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level.

      - PETS Leaders Guide 2003

TOPICS

To achieve the stated purpose of the program, the following components and learning objectives will be included in the PETS.

• Presentation of the Annual Theme
• Role and Responsibilities of the Club President
• Goal Setting
• Selecting and Preparing Club Leaders
• Club Administration
• Membership Recruitment and Orientation
• Effective Service Projects
• The Rotary Foundation
• Resources - Where They Are and How to Use Them
• Planning for the Year

      - Manual of Procedure 2004

PARTICIPANTS

Participants attending the PETS should include the governor-elect, assistant governors, the district trainer, and all incoming club presidents in the district. It is recommended that the expenses of the incoming club presidents be paid by the clubs or the district.

Assistant governors shall assist the governor with promoting attendance among the presidents-elect to whose clubs they are assigned and team-building among the presidents-elect, governors-elect and themselves.

      - Manual of Procedure - 2007

Presidents-elect are encouraged to read the Club President's Manual before training, so that they are better prepared to discuss their duties and goals for the coming year. The Rotary International Club-District Support web site provides the manual and numerous other resources. Titles that are available through the "Download Center" include:

Change of Address
Use this form to update your contact information if you are moving less than 20 miles and will be remaining in your current Rotary club.

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