Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

RLI offers Rotary knowledge courses in three sessions (Parts I, II, and III.) Those completing each course are eligible for the next. There are Graduate courses available to those who have completed the three-part RLI curriculum. The courses are designed to provide leadership skills while advancing Rotary knowledge and understanding.

PART I – “THE ROTARIAN” Your introduction to the RLI experience. Begin your day by meeting fellow Rotarians and your Rotarian Discussion Leaders. Emphasis is placed on providing an overview of Rotary programs and helping develop ideas that participants can take back to their Rotary Clubs. Courses include:

• My Leadership in Rotary!
• My Rotary World
• Ethics & Vocational Service
• Foundation 1- Our Foundation
• Engaging Members
• Creating Service Projects

PART II – “ THE ROTARY CLUB” The RLI journey continues, the depth of subject matter increases and focus is placed on fostering the qualities of a knowledgeable Rotarian by building on the basics learned in Part I. The day includes an individual analysis of your Rotary Club and its effectiveness. Courses include:

• Rotary Opportunities
• Effective Leadership Strategiesli
• Attracting Members
• Club Communication
• Team Building
• Foundation II- Targeted Services

PART III – “THE ROTARY JOURNEY” The final phase of RLI, courses become much more in-depth and detailed. Learn about opportunities available to you and your club through RI and how to best utilize them. Understand what it means to be a Rotarian and how you can use your RLI knowledge to better serve your club. Courses include:

• Strategic Planning
• Leadership
• Effective Strategies
• Foundation II- International Services
• Public Image & Public Relations
• Building a Stronger Club
• Making a Difference.

RLI Graduate Courses

For those who become RLI Graduates following successful completion of the three-part curriculum series of RLI Graduate Courses focused on one Rotary subject for the entire day and are comprehensive and detailed. Current Graduate Courses include:

• Membership
• The Rotary Foundation
• Public Speaking

Discussion Leader Training/Faculty Orientation

RLI Graduates, by invitation only, may also take Discussion Leader Training/Faculty Orientation as a precursor to being accepted as a RLI Discussion Leader assisting other Rotarians in their RLI journey. Discussion Leader Training is also offered to non-RLI Graduates such as District Governors want to learn the skills associated with a RLI Discussion Leader that can be used in Club, District, or Zone trainings. Without being an RLI Graduate, the Discussion Leader Training Graduate may not lead RLI sessions.

RLI believes strongly in the facilitation of discussion method of teaching. It has been proven that facilitation of discussion is the most effective way to educate adult learners. RLI also believes strongly in small class sizes, between 15 and 25 maximum. 15 is ideal. This leads to more effective participation by all attendees. Our trainers are called facilitators or Discussion Leaders. Techniques used by our Discussion Leaders include discussion groups, role-playing, problem solving workshops, creating projects, and audiovisual presentations. Everyone participates during the sessions. A student guide workbook, containing the course material is provided to each attendee.

The Institute offers a leadership development program in three full day sessions where each course requires approximately seven hours to complete. Courses must be taken in sequence – Part 1, Part 2 and then Part 3. Once you have taken Part 3, you are considered a RLI graduate and entitled to register for the more advanced graduate courses. Our Discussion Leader Training courses are by invitation only. The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge and to develop leadership skills for voluntary organizations beyond Rotary.

RLI has considerable preparation involved for each class including: text materials, diplomas, and meals must be pre-ordered, and Discussion Leader assignments must be coordinated. Because of these reasons, RLI operates on a pre-registration/pre-payment policy. Walk-ins are not permitted and Transfers and substitutions are not permitted except under emergency situations. Class walk-in’s are not permitted. Everyone must pre-register and pre-pay. To cancel a registration, contact either the Convener or Vice Chairman District. All cancellations are processed in accordance with RLI Policies.

RLI may at times cancel a course if there are not enough pre-registrations or Discussion Leaders available, or other extenuating circumstances. If this should happen, everyone will be notified in time to re-schedule the course. In the event a student should cancel a course, you must do so at least ten days prior to the class you had requested to be entitled to a refund or credit toward another class. Refunds within the 10 day period before a class will be considered on a case by case basis due to materials and meals already being purchased.

Each District determines registration for each course. This fee includes breakfast, lunch, course material, and lots of Rotary fellowship; making this a good investment in your club’s future. Also, it is an honor and benefit of membership to your future leaders and tells them the present club leaders have faith in them. We recommend you sponsor someone like your President Elect & Nominee, club directors, committee chairs, etc.; however, any active member of your club may attend.

Unless otherwise noted on the calendar or registration page for the event, REGISTRATION BEGIN AT 8:oo A.M. AND TRAINING SESSIONS START AT 9:00 A.M. TEA BREAK AND LUNCH ARE INCLUDED AS PART OF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE. SESSIONS END AT 5:00 P.M. You must fully participate in all the modules to be entitled for a certificate of completion.