The ins and outs of Club Extensions
Club Extensions (or satellites) offer members and prospective members a way to create a new club experience together, as a smaller group supported by an established local club. The Extension club is an offshoot of a sponsor club, which serves as the governing body of the Extension club.
An Extension club can form with only eight members and usually meets at a different time and location than the sponsor club. They pay dues, hold regular meetings, organize service projects, and have their own club leaders. Sponsor clubs, on the other hand, provide advice and support to the Extension club through frequent communications. Members of Extension club can come from the sponsor club or they can be members new to Rotary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How are Extension/Satellite Clubs named? Satellite clubs use the name of the sponsor club plus a qualifier that distinguishes it from the sponsor. For example, Red Oak Rotary Club and Red Oak Rotary Evening Club.
Can satellite clubs create a separate board with a separate set of officers from the sponsor club? Satellite clubs set up their own board and have their own officers. However, instead of a president, a satellite club has a chair.
If there are two boards, how are disagreements handled? The board of the sponsor club has the final authority when there are disagreements.
Does the leadership of the satellite club have a position on the sponsor club's board? This is highly recommended, but not required.
Can a satellite club have separate bylaws? Yes. The satellite club determines its own bylaws in collaboration with its sponsor club.
Are satellite club members Rotarians? Yes, they are members of a Rotary club.
How long can a satellite club exist? There is no time limit on the life of a satellite club.