As I visited clubs, a recurring question arose about the role of the vice president in a Rotary club. In response, I consistently shared that the role of Club Vice President is undefined by Rotary International. This lack of rigid definition provides clubs with significant flexibility to mold the responsibilities of the vice president according to their unique needs. Broadly speaking, within the Rotary community, these responsibilities typically align with three overarching categories.
Supporting the President: At its core, the primary mission of the vice president is to offer support to the president. Contrary to being an automatic stepping stone to the presidency, this role serves as a rich training ground for emerging club leaders. The responsibilities span a spectrum of tasks, including:
- presiding over meetings in the president's absence;
- acting as an "officer at large" on the club's board of directors and ex-officio member of committees;
- ensuring the club meets required deadlines;
- staying abreast of the club’s goals and ongoing activities;
- handling special assignments from the president.
Aligning with Club President Track: Numerous clubs appoint the president-elect or president-nominee to the position of vice president. This signifies their progression towards the presidency and contributes to the club's leadership development. While the president-elect's duties are clearly outlined, the president-nominee focuses on observation, learning, and supporting the president and president-elect in their roles. If your club follows this practice, please ensure accurate reporting on both My Rotary and ClubRunner. Designate them as Vice President for the current year on both platforms. If a member holds both the positions of Vice President and President-Elect simultaneously, report them as President for the upcoming year in My Rotary and as President-Elect for the current year, and President for the upcoming year in ClubRunner.
Board of Directors and Presidential Stand-In: Beyond its supportive functions, the Club Vice President assumes a pivotal role on the club's board of directors. In instances of the president's absence or incapacitation, this leader steps into the shoes of the president. In such cases, the ideal candidate for this stand-in role is a Past President, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the forefront. Several clubs include the responsibilities of the Club Learning Facilitator in this position.
The Club Vice President, with its multifaceted responsibilities, can weave itself seamlessly into the fabric of Rotary clubs, providing a vital link within the leadership structure. This dynamic role, unshackled by rigid definitions, empowers clubs to craft a narrative that resonates with their unique culture. As Rotary continues to evolve, the Club Vice President remains an ever-adaptable cornerstone, shaping the future of club leadership.