D5950 is ready to charter its first Passport Club. What are its pros and cons?
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A Passport Club appeals to Rotarians who can’t conveniently gather at a meeting location. Weekly meetings are online or available to access and watch later.
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Service hours are done on your own and submitted for credit. Involvement with a nonprofit, church committee, scout leader, youth coach, etc., all count.
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With no meeting room rental or meal cost, the fee is $15/month — just enough to cover RI and 5950 dues.
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Passport members are full Rotarians. They’re encouraged to use their passportto visit other clubs and even participate in those clubs’ projects.
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There are no fundraisers. If a group of Passport members want to do a project together, the cost is self-pay shares.
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The downsides are that:
– The focus is on service. Fellowship happens quarterly for this group.
– No fundraisers means no money to give away or use for reimbursement.
– Without a local identity, Passport members’ individual work is rather invisible.
However, a local group can work together and generate PR.