Board Adopts Speaker Guidelines on Controversial or Political Topics

 
 
The board of directors of Emmaus Rotary Club adopted the attached resolution at its June 23, 2016 meeting:
 
With the guidance of The Rotary International Manual of Procedure and the Emmaus Rotary Club Constitution and in furtherance of the goal to keep political developments under review and seek reliable information through balanced programs, Emmaus Rotary Club hereby adopts the following guidelines for speakers expressing an opinion on any public measure deemed controversial and/or of a political nature:
  1. All speakers should be informed that Emmaus Rotary Club does not express an opinion on any pending controversial public measure. While meetings may serve as a forum for educating members on pending legislation or controversial political issues, the Club does not take sides and does not support particular political points of view.Furthermore, the Club will actively seek out an additional speaker who holds a counter opinion to provide balance.
  2. No political candidates should be invited to speak within 90 days of an election.It is acceptable, however, to have a congressman, senator or other elected official speak to the Club when the format is simply a report to constituents on congressional or legislative affairs.
  3. Any speakers seeking political office should refrain from fundraising, campaigning or recruiting while attending a Club meeting.