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Revised 8/2016
District Growth and Development
Growth and Development Chair
1. New clubs and growth plans should be discussed at all
cabinet and zone meetings.
2. Each district should conduct and keep up to date a
complete survey of communities for potential club de‑
velopment within the district and surrounding areas.
3. There should be a Growth and Development Commit‑
tee in each district and each zone and clubs should
consider the feasibility of having a Growth and Devel‑
opment Committee.
4. Ruritan National will provide the following:
a. Promotional and growth and development printed
material (see Growth & Development Kit below).*
b. Training for district governors, lt. governors,
zone governors, growth and development chair,
and others as needed.
c. The availability of an assigned national director to
help when unusual opportunities arise.
d. Growth and Development plaques will be awarded
to the district governor whose district organizes three
or more clubs.
1. The most clubs in first six months of the year
2. The most clubs in second six months of the year
3. The most clubs (total) for the year
Districts that tie for National Growth and Develop-
ment awards shall be recognized with a plaque for
each district governor.
5. See Ruritan Awards book for the Distinguished Ruritan
Member and the Sponsoring Club/District Award.
New Club Charter Meeting
NOTE: Between the organizational meeting and the
charter meeting of a new club, the temporary president
shall appoint a three-person nominating committee which
will present its report at the charter meeting. The tempo-
rary president will make arrangements for the meeting
place and the meal. The charter and new club kit will be
sent to the district governor.
Suggestions
1. Keep meeting and introductions brief and to the
point.
2. Do not overwhelm the new club with too much
“brass.”
3. Remember that the officers and members of the new
club are the most important people at this meeting.
4. Working closely with this new club is the responsibil‑
ity of the zone governor.
5. Keep the zone governor actively involved.
*Growth and Development materials to charter a new RURI-
TAN club are available as downloadable items on the Ruritan
website . Click on the “growth” icon or visit
the library under “member resources” and use the search
function for the word “charter.” You can also find templates
for customized club brochures etc. You may also call toll free
at 877-787-8727 ext. 303 for materials. Material includes charter
applications, brochures, procedures, and guides.
Charter Meeting Agenda
1. Meeting called to order by temporary president.
2. Song “America”.
3. Invocation.
4. Meal.
5. Temporary president or Ruritan leader - summarize “What
Ruritan Is” (maximum time 3 to 5 minutes).
6. Club business.
a. Adoption of Club Bylaws.
b. Request to Ruritan National that club be added to its list of
tax exempt clubs.
c. Report of Nominating Committee and election of officers.
d. Election of monthly meeting date, time, and place.
e. Club sets amount of quarterly dues.
f. Other necessary business.
7. Installation of officers.
8. Presentation of charter.
9. Signing of charter.
10. Closing remarks by Ruritan official. (This is not to be a
major address).
11. Pledge of allegiance to flag and adjournment.
12. Members sign charter and pay charter fees. The club board
of directors will meet to set date for meeting of directors
a. Plan next meeting program.
b. Appoint committees.
c. Get started on the club’s work.
d. Consider proposed new members.
e. Instruct new officers. (It is recommended that this be
done on an individual basis.)
Important Points
In as much as Ruritan views the rentention of pres-
ent members and clubs of at least equal importance
as that of obtaining new members and clubs, this
district position has the dual responsiblity of the devel-
opment of the Ruritan program in the district as well
as giving special attention and assistance to any weak
and/or struggling clubs in the district.
Duties of the G&D Chair
1. Serving as a member of the district cabinet.
2. Developing goals and programs, with the approval
of the District Governor, to meet or exceed the goals of
the National President.
3. Identifying potential sites for new clubs in the dis‑
trict, with the assistance of the clubs, zone governors,
and members of the district cabinet.
4. Coordinating all activities relative to the develop‑
ment of any new club. this is to minimize duplication of
effort and to avoid any confusion among the potential
new members.
5. Maintaining frequent communication with the District
Governor in all areas of growth and development.
6. Working closely with any weak and/or struggling
clubs, especially those below charter strength, keeping
the district governor and lt. governor apprised.
District