Please join me in accepting a compromise to honor the many different beliefs held by STRC members regarding public recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The proposal below was made at the STRC Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, August 8, 2024 to implement a Sergeant-at-Arms to help open our meetings and lead public recitation of the Pledge. There were no concerns by Board members or attendees at the meeting about proceeding in this way. Therefore, this new process will go into effect on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
I recognize that not all members were represented at the Board meeting and there may be some who have concerns about the re-implementation of the Pledge. Please understand that I have taken every member’s concerns very seriously and have not made this decision lightly. I truly believe this is what is in the best interests of our Club at this time.
Currently, STRC Bylaws allow each President the freedom to open meetings as they choose, which could lead to similar turmoil and confusion to what we just encountered over the past month if future Presidents decide not to include public recitation of the Pledge in the meeting opening. A motion was made to the Board to update the Bylaws to include the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence as a standard part of each opening to eliminate confusion about expectations in the future.
The requirements for updating the Bylaws are provided below. The exact wording for the proposed changes is in the process of being drafted and will be provided to the Club at least 10 days prior to a future vote with clear communication of the date and time at which the vote will be taken. Members must be present to vote and results will be reported the following day.
ARTICLE 11 AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting, a quorum being present, by a two-thirds vote of all members present, provided that notice of such proposed amendment shall have been mailed to each member at least ten (10) days before such meeting. No amendment or addition to these bylaws can be made which is not in harmony with the club constitution and with the constitution and bylaws of RI.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and commitment to the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club as we worked through this issue. I look forward to sharing a meaningful, interesting and fun year of service with you.
Please feel free to contact me with any additional thoughts or concerns.
Kate Hoath
President, Souderton-Telford Rotary Club
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To: STRC Board of Directors
From: Kate Hoath, STRC President
Subject: Sergeant at Arms
Date: 8-Aug-2024
From: Kate Hoath, STRC President
Subject: Sergeant at Arms
Date: 8-Aug-2024
Souderton-Telford Rotary Club members have wide-ranging personal, religious and political beliefs regarding the practice of pledging allegiance to the flag. Some members are passionate about including public recital in our weekly club meetings, others are passionate about not including it, and yet others do not have a strong belief either way. In recent years, an opportunity to publicly recite the pledge has been offered and those who would like to say it do and those for whom recitation of the pledge does not align with their beliefs do not say it. That way of operating works well in most cases, unless the President does not believe in endorsing a practice that conflicts with his or her beliefs.
The Harleysville Club currently has a Sergeant-at-Arms who is appointed to help with the opening of meetings. It is proposed that those who are passionate about public recitation of the pledge nominate a Sergeant-at-Arms, who will have the following responsibilities:
• Arrive early to each club meeting
• Welcome all attendees and guests
• Ensure that club flags, banners, and nametags are properly displayed and stored
• Stand in front of the room, ring the bell, open the mee<ng and invite attendees to stand for the pledge of allegiance at 6:00 pm to start the meeting
• Lead the pledge of allegiance for all attendees who wish to par<cipate
• Invite members to recite the 4-way test
• Turn the meeting over to the President
• Clean up and store Rotary materials after the meeting
• Find a designee if they are unable to make a meeting
This proposal is being made for the 2024-2025 Rotary year only and is not intended to commit future Presidents to following it. As determined by Board members on July 11, 2024, each President should have the freedom to open each meeting the way they choose. Board members are requested to raise any concerns from members about this practice to the President.
If approved by the Board of Directors, an announcement would be sent out to the Club and the change would be implemented for the August 15, 2024 meeting.