ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AND OTHER PROGRAMS
Q: How are Rotary Peace Fellowships impacted by the pandemic?
A: Due to the current pandemic situation, funded travel is highly restricted and will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Fellows currently in a country experiencing the spread of COVID-19 are advised to follow the recommendations of your host university and the country’s national health agencies.
For first-year fellows preparing for your applied field experience, we recommend you consider options in your study country and have an alternate plan in place in case travel is restricted further. Beyond health and safety concerns, we do not want fellows to be subject to quarantines or have challenges returning to the country where you study because of your field experience travel. You can contact your staff specialist with specific questions about how Rotary’s policy may affect your field experience planning.
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Q: What should I know about other types of Rotary programs and exchanges?
A: Participants in Rotary Fellowships and Rotary Action Groups and their affiliated chapters should follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and the host region’s national, regional, or local health authorities when considering whether to cancel or postpone events, meetings, or activities.
Districts organizing international programs such as Rotary Friendship Exchanges and New Generations Service Exchanges could expose participants to an increased risk. Organizers should follow the guidelines set by the World Health Organization and the national, regional, or local health authorities of participating districts when considering whether to cancel or postpone planned trips or activities.
ROTARY-FUNDED TRAVEL
Q: Have there been any changes to Rotary-funded travel for 2021?
A: Yes. The RI Board decided not to fund any expenses (travel or otherwise) for in-person meetings for Rotary leaders for the rest of the Rotary year, other than for the RI president, president-elect, and Foundation trustee chair. This decision applies to directors, trustees, regional leaders, district governors, assistant governors, and other leaders.
Q: What about grant-funded travel?
A: All grants approved before 1 February that include funded travel can proceed with that travel as planned as long as the travel situation has been reviewed and deemed allowable by The Rotary Foundation. Any grants approved after 1 February will need to hold off on any travel until after the suspension is lifted. Your regional grants officer will work with you on any grants including travel.
Q: Will Rotary refund me for expenses related to cancelling my event or attendance, such as airfare, venue, accommodation, etc.?
A: In line with the Board’s decision, Rotary will not issue refunds for expenses related to in-person events or meetings. Please review your contracts and cancellation policies; most vendors have been flexible with respect to cancellation fees.
Q: What if my travel was already approved by RITS?
A: No travel from 1 February through 30 June will be funded, even if that travel was previously approved and/or purchased by RITS. If your ticket was issued, RITS will initiate the refund request only for travel that was pre-approved and purchased through RITS.
Q: How does this affect Rotary Peace Fellows?
A: Peace fellows currently studying abroad will be funded to return home.
Q: My government health authorities are permitting in-person events if precautions are followed. Why is Rotary issuing a blanket policy not to fund in-person across all locations?
A: As an organization at the forefront of fighting global disease, including COVID-19, we have clear responsibilities in mitigating the impact of this pandemic. And as leaders in our communities, Rotary members set an example for others. During the past year, our organization has done a remarkable job adapting to these unique circumstances with excellent results, and Rotarians have found effective and innovative ways to meet virtually.
This is a rapidly evolving public health crisis and we all have an important role to play in the months ahead. Although some countries have done an admirable job managing the pandemic, and the threat may not seem severe everywhere, as a humanitarian organization we must act responsibly to protect our members and the communities we serve.
Q: How can I fulfill my responsibilities solely through virtual meetings and events? How can Rotary help me?
A: During the past year, our organization has done a remarkable job adapting to these unique circumstances with excellent results, and Rotarians have found effective and innovative ways to meet virtually.
The Rotary Learning Center created a new topic, Meeting Online, where members can share their own resources and best practices with one another. And visit the Rotary Voices blog, for numerous examples of how clubs and members are carrying out virtual events and service projects.