Ethics & Dispute Resolution

Our District has established an Ethics and Dispute Resolution process.

INTRODUCTION:

Rotary District 7230 Ethics & Dispute Resolution Committee offers a private environment where a Rotarian/Rotaractor member or officer can receive guidance for a concern or complaint which could not be resolved within his/her own club after using every possible resource. Problems addressed would be:

Within a club,
Between clubs, or
Between a club, Rotarian, or Rotaractor, and the District.

The Committee has been appointed by Rotary District 7230’s District Governor to act in accordance with these procedures to assist in resolving such concerns, complaints, and problems.

Each situation will be addressed by one or more non-judgmental, neutral parties who will help a disputant by offering options that might be best for addressing the specific problem, always in deference to the rules of Rotary International. Attention will be paid to conflict of interest where recusal is appropriate. The “non-judgmental, neutral parties” referred to in this paragraph are one or more members of the Committee as chosen/designated by the Committee in each instance.

PROCEDURES:

STEP 1 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

Any Rotarian or Rotaractor in District 7230 can request assistance from the Committee by emailing their name, club name, title, and contact preference, using the Committee’s private email address:

rotary7230ethicsrescomm@gmail.com

STEP 2 DISCREET DISCUSSION & ASSESSMENT

Within one week of receiving the request, a member of the Committee will contact the Rotarian or Rotaractor, using his/her preferred contact option, to discuss his/her concern privately and explain the process.

STEP 3 PRIVATE CONSULTATION

If the disputant wants to engage in consultation after the initial discussion under Step 2, that consultation will be with the whole Committee or, if the Committee so chooses, a subset of the Committee, as chosen/designated by the Committee in each instance, consisting of at least two (2) of its members. The chosen members will meet with the disputant, review the concern, and help the disputant both define the problem and choose the most appropriate option for handling it. Various options will be explained such as non-binding negotiation and voluntary non-binding mediation. This consultation can take place either on Zoom, Facetime, phone, or in person. The main purpose will be for the disputant to have a comfortable atmosphere to air his/her concern, learn about options, and take charge of the situation with the goal of resolving the problem in a satisfactory way. The Committee will have flexibility in determining a reasonable amount of time needed for the consultation process in each situation.

MEDIATION:

(non-binding). Both parties must agree to mediation

Mediation is a voluntary, non-binding process using a neutral third party who helps the parties reach a mutually beneficial resolution of their dispute by facilitating communication, helping them define the actual issues, and helping them develop options and alternatives so they can reach a consensual resolution that is satisfactory and agreeable to all involved. The Committee’s designation of a subset of its members or the whole Committee, as the mediator for the particular circumstance, is subject to consultation with, and agreement by, both parties. This mediator guides the parties toward their own resolution. Each mediation is tailored, appropriately to meet the needs of the participants and defers to the Rotary 4-way test and Code of Conduct.

STEP 1

If the disputant has voluntarily chosen mediation as his/her option, the Committee chair will reach out to the other party or parties. The situation and process will be explained, and he/she will be given the option of voluntarily participating in mediation. All parties will be informed that the Committee will help in the process of resolving the dispute only if all parties in the dispute agree to the Committee mediating the dispute.

STEP 2

The mediator (or mediators) who has (have) been chosen for this situation, will inform the parties of the nature of the mediation process and the mediator’s/mediators’ non-judgmental and neutral role, and endeavor to help both sides define the issue(s) clearly and understand each other’s position. The mediator(s) will make sure the parties are communicating. A settlement is reached only if there is mutual satisfaction. Since this is a voluntary process, no signatures are required unless the two parties come to an agreement.

RECORD KEEPING & REPORTS:

The Committee reports to the District Board - not to the District Governor, Quarterly reports, from the Committee, can have aggregated statistics but no personal data unless the parties agree. The reports will include no names or descriptions of specific issues. The Board will receive:

the number of requests for assistance received for the current Rotary year-to-date; and.
the total number and status of all requests, consultations, and mediations for the current Rotary year to date.

Financial Note: Neither the Committee, its members, or the District will, or will be obliged to, pay or incur any expenses (or take any step or action that could give rise to expense for the Committee or its members) in connection with a consultation or mediation under the procedures.