Rotarians are prone to use lots of acronyms, even 'though we should try not to ...

 

Rotary Acronyms*

Acronym

    

Description

     
3H   Health, Hunger and Humanity
3-H GRANTS   Health, hunger and humanity - Grants of US$100k to $500K for multi- year international projects and social development
ACRE   Australian Campaign for Rabbit Eradication
ADG   Assistant District Governor
AG   Assistant Governor - One of a number of senior Rotarians appointed by District Governor (DG) to assist with administration of a group of clubs in that year
AIDAB   Australian International Development Assistance Bureau
ALUMNI   District and Club Groups - Association of former members of Group Study Exchange teams (GSE), Scholars and other Foundation programmes
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS   An international programme of Rotary Foundation - Enables men and women to spend an academic year abroad in university level or vocational studies
ARHRF   Australian Rotary Health Research Fund - A multi-District project approved by RI to seek public donations in support of health research within Australia
BOARD   The governing body of a Rotary club expected to meet monthly - Consists of President, Vice President(s), President Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Directors and others as the By-Laws shall provide
CATALOGUE   List of all major publications, supplies etc available from RI - Supplementary updates issued annually in July Contains order forms to send to NSW Branch Office of RI (Gratis)
CHARTER MEMBER   The original members of a newly chartered club - Identified with a special lapel badge
CLASSIFICATION   A principal concept to assure each Rotary club represents cross section of business/professions - Describes the distinct and recognised business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society (Not position held)
CHANGEOVER - CLUB & DISTRICT   A mainly formal event held annually just prior to a new Rotary year and includes partners - Formal changeover to new President and team of incoming Officers/Directors and provides a review of past year achievements and activities
CLUB BANNER   A small flag expressive of the community, country or region of a club - Commonly used to present to visitors or exchange with clubs visited throughout the world
CLUB CHARTER   A document issued when a new club is admitted to Membership in RI - Signed by RI Pres, General Secretary and DG Date thereon represents date of official membership Framed and preserved
CLUB COMMITTEES   The "action" groups within a club - Comprise standing committees under the 4 Avenues of Service plus others approved by the Board Each headed by a Director, with Deputy and committee members
CLUB FORUM   Formal meeting of an entire club - Called to inform members about service activities and progress of projects Also an opportunity for members to air views
CLUB SECRETARY’S MANUAL   Issued by RI to each incoming Club Secretary - Contains procedures and guides to dates and secretarial functions etc
CMS   Citation for Meritorious Service
COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS   A District committee - Past DG’s who convene to give advice to the current DG on programmes, policies and procedures
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION   The legislative body of Rotary International - Composed of one delegate from each Rotary District that meet each 3 years to consider proposed changes to the Rotary Constitution and Bylaws
DDF   District Designated Funds
DG   District Governor - Directly responsible to the Board of Rotary International (RI) for the supervision of clubs within a designated district
DGD   District Governor-Designate (DG next+2 Rotary Year)
DGE   District Governor-Elect (DG next Rotary Year)
DGN   District Governor-Nominee (DG next+1 Rotary Year)
DGND   District Governor Nominee Designate
DIK   Donations-in-kind - Supplies of donated educational and medical equipment available to serve a need in the developing world
DIN   Donations-in-Kind Information Network
DISTRICT CONFERENCE   Annual event for members and partners - Held annually in each District to further the programmes of Rotary through fellowship, inspiring speakers and recognition of club activities etc
DLP   District Leadership Plan
DLT   District Leadership Team - Approved by RI to begin 1/1/1997 An enhanced organisational structure in a District to enable cost-effective growth and faster, more responsive support to clubs by appointment of Assistant Governors
DRFC   District Rotary Foundation Committee
DRR   District Rotaract Representative
DSA   Distinguished Service Award
DT   District Trainer
EN   English (language)
FARG   Foundation Alumni Resource Group
FELLOWSHIP   A major club function - Promotes acquaintance among members through participation in clubs? recreational and social activities
FOUNDER OF ROTARY   Refers to Paul P Harris - Organised the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905 Born 19 April 1868 died 27 January 1947
FOUR AVENUES OF SERVICE   The major elements of the "Object of Rotary" - Term used to refer to Club Service; Vocational Service; Community Service and International Service
FRIENDSHIP CLUB   A less formal agreement that may lead to Sister Club status after a trial period - As above but less demanding of mutual co-operation until proper communication lines and philosophy is established
GETS   Governor-Elect Training Seminar
GSE   Group Study Exchange
GSE TEAM   Group Study Exchange Team Programme of Rotary Foundation of RI - A cultural and Educational exchange of young non-Rotarian professionals which promotes international understanding through travel and personal contact Usually once annually for duration of 4 to 5 weeks under Rotary leadership
HELPING GRANTS   Up to US$15K based on 2:1 match of club or district contributions - For projects in a country other than that of the sponsor where Rotary participation is not possible
HONORARY MEMBER   Recognition of a past member or non-Rotarian - Persons who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals
IFYR   International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians
INNER WHEEL   An international organisation of women - A Rotary sponsored service group open to wives, widows of present and past Rotarians
INTERACT   Interaction between youth and service - World-wide Rotary sponsored group of young people dedicated to service and International understanding and is open to students in their last 4 years of secondary education
INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY   An annual assembly of District Governor Nominees held in Anaheim, US in Feb/Mar - To educate, instruct and inspire DGNs and adoption of RI theme and new programmes of RI
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION   World-wide gathering of all Rotarians and partners - Held usually in May in a different country chaired by RI President
INTERPLAST   International Plastic Surgery Programme - Established by District 9800 in 1980 and sends teams of volunteer surgeons and nurses to developing countries to operate on deformities, burns et
IPAC   International Projects Advisory Committee - A national committee to update registry of international projects identified as suitable for support by clubs
IPDG   Immediate Past District Governor
IPEC   International Polio Eradication Committee
IPP   Immediate Past President
IPPC   International PolioPlus Committee
LEAVE OF ABSENCE   Upon written request to the Club Board - May be granted to excuse member from meetings for a specified length of time but does not operate to give credit for attendance (See Make-Ups)
MAKE-UPS   Making up of attendance at meetings or another Rotary Club or District meeting - A card is obtained from the visited club in order that credit for attendance is gained Make-ups can be within 14 days prior to or following the normal meeting
MATCHING GRANTS   Up to US$50K that match club contributions - For projects involving Clubs in 2 or more countries for humanitarian service
MEMBERSHIP IDENTIFICATION CARD   Used by member to verify current membership (CD3-420-EN) - Issued by Club Secretary upon payment of annual dues Shows expiry date of year end
MOP   Manual of Procedure - A reference manual for Rotary Leaders updated each 3 years Contains policies & procedures for club and RI administration
MUNA   Model United Nations Assembly - An international youth project that simulates the workings of the United Nations Usually held annually for 2 days in March
NCC   National Coordinating Committees (of RAWCS)
NYSF   National Youth Science Forum - A programme sponsored by Rio Tinto to enable select secondary science students to attend a science forum annually
OBJECT OF ROTARY   A statement from the Rotary Constitution - The object is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY   A RI publication - Issued by RI annually containing list of all clubs, names and addresses of all Presidents, Secretaries, time and place of meetings etc Available from Club Sec
OPERATION LIVEWIRE   A vocational programme in Australia - formerly sponsored by Shell Australia to encourage young people aged 18-25 to establish their own business Rotarians act as mentors
PAG   Past Assistant Governor
PDG   Past District Governor
PE   President-Elect
PEDS   Presidents Elect Designates Seminar
PEPS   Presidents Elect Preparatory Seminar
PER CAPITA DUES   Dues each club pays to RI for each active, senior active and past service member - Payable semi-annually on 1 July and 1 January at current rate of exchange notified by RI
PETS   Presidents Elect Training Seminar - Held annually for incoming Presidents and partners to be trained in the administration of their club and to develop challenging projects and programmes
PHF   Paul Harris Fellow - A form of recognition for financial or meritorious service to the Foundation or to the community generally
PHF SUSTAINING MEMBER   Recognises financial contributions to the Foundation in increments - Recognises individuals who have made contributions in instalments up to US$1000
PHF WITH SAPPHIRE   Supplementary recognition to above PHF - A special recognition gold pin with blue stone to represent additional financial contribution or meritorious service
PHSM   Paul Harris Sustaining Member
PISAPO   Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office
POLIO PLUS   An international programme of Rotary Foundation - To protect all of the world’s children from poliomyelitis through national immunisation days, laboratory networks and reporting of suspected cases
PP   Past President
PRID   Past Rotary International Director
PROBUS   Professional and Business - A Rotary sponsored group for retirees and semi-retired professional and business people Meet monthly
PROVISIONAL CLUB   A group organising the formation of a new club - Meets weekly until admitted to membership of Rotary International with minimum of 25 charter members
RAM   Rotarians Against Malaria - Project to support anti-malaria projects in selected countries in Asia Pacific region
RAOAF   Rotary Australia Overseas Aid Fund
RAWCS   Rotary Australia World Community Services Ltd - A public company formed 1987 to co-ordinate and authorise the various international activities within Districts
RC   Rotary Club
RCC   Rotary Community Corps
RCD   Rotary Club Director
RCP   Rotary Code of Policies
RDU   Rotary Down Under
RI   Rotary International - The association of Rotary Clubs of Rotary Clubs throughout the world
RID   Rotary International Director
RIF   Rotary International Foundation
RIMC   Rotary International Membership Coordinator
RITS   Rotary International Travel Service
RNN   Rotary News Network
ROAR   Rotary Organization of Armature Radio
ROMAC   Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children - Established by District 9800 in 1984 and is expanding statewide and interstate Finances medical aid and operations in Australian hospitals for children up to age 15 brought from South East Asia and Pacific Region
ROTA   Rotary Overseas Travel Award
ROTARACT   A Rotary sponsored service group - For young people aged 18 to 30 who meet each two weeks to foster service to the local and international community
ROTARY   Founded 1905 by Paul Harris in Chicago US - An organisation of business and professional persons united world-wide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world
ROTARY CLUB FLAG   The official flag of Rotary with emblem and club name - For display at club and district assemblies
ROTARY DOWN UNDER (RDU)   The official Rotary magazine for the South West Pacific region - Distributed monthly to clubs or by post to Rotarians address Subscription is compulsory
ROTARY EMBLEM   An emblem representing "civilisation and movement" - A gear wheel with 6 spokes, 24 cogs, in colours of royal blue and gold A key was added in 1923 to signify the wheel was a "worker" not an "idler"
ROTARY FOUNDATION   A philanthropic Trust - A not-for-profit corporation whose activities extend world-wide to achieve world understanding and peace
ROTARY THEMES OR MOTTOES   Official slogans adopted annually by RI President - A theme that changes yearly to reflect the philosophy and programmes for the year Principal motto that remains constant is "Service Above Self" since 1989
ROTARY VOLUNTEERS   A local and overseas volunteer programme - Teams of from 2 to 6 volunteers visit for 2 to 4 weeks to developing countries to provide skills training and assistance
ROTARY VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME   Voluntary overseas service - Facilitates placement of volunteers and may cover some expenses of those serving abroad for 28 days or more
ROTEX   Organisation of Ex-Rotary Exchange Students
ROVE   Rotary Overseas Vocational Exchange - A programme to encourage vocational exchanges of up to 12 weeks
RRFC   Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator
RRVF   Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships
RTN   Rotarian
RYLA   Rotary Youth Leadership Award - A programme of a week’s leadership training to assist young people engaged in youth work Seminars held in March/April
RYPEN   Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment - A programme of weekend seminars for young people aged 14 to 17 years Two seminars held Oct and March
SHARE   Share (RF distribution of funds)
SISTER CLUB   Relationship agreement between clubs in other Countries/districts - To foster better understanding and fellowship exchange and mutual support and co-operation on humanitarian projects
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC SERVICE CENTRE   Office of RI based in Parramatta, NSW - Serves Rotary clubs and Districts in Australia, NZ and Pacific Islands
SRCC   Standard Rotary Club Constitution
STANDARD CLUB CONSTITUTION   Originally adopted in 1922 - Provides the framework for all clubs in the world and is a condition to receiving a charter
SWSL   Save Water Save Lives - Project teams of up to 3 weeks to funding and assisting install fresh clean water tanks and dams in overseas communities
TARFT   The Australian Rotary Foundation Trust - A trust funds that offers Rotarians and corporations etc a tax free deduction on donations to the Rotary Foundation
THE 4-WAY TEST   A measure for Rotarians of conduct and thinking - 1 Is it the truth? 2 Is it fair to all concerned? 3 Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4 Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
THE ROTARY WORLD   An RI publication - Three copies sent bi-monthly to all club presidents direct from RI
THEME MONTHS   Focus in various months on major activities - Gives specific attention to Membership (August) Youth (Sept) Vocational (Oct) Foundation (Nov) Awareness (Jan) World Understanding (Feb) Magazine (April) Rotaract Week (Mar)
TR   The Rotarian (magazine)
TRF   The Rotary Foundation
WCS   World Community Service
WFA   World Fellowship Activities
WORLD FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE   An international programme - For the many groups of Rotarians sharing common sporting & vocational interest and encourages reciprocal visits to other countries where home-hosted
YEP   Youth Exchange Programme
YOUTH EXCHANGE   An international youth programme of exchange - Reciprocal 12 month secondary school exchanges between students sponsored by local and overseas Districts and clubs
     
* based on District 9790's list, edited
 
Another Glossary for Understanding Rotary is on the Rotary Global History website here