What is Great Lakes Rotary PETS?
Our district is fortunate to be connected with a multi-district PETS that includes six districts from Michigan, Indiana, and Canada, representing 312 clubs. Our clubs all benefit from training together. We hear from top-notch Rotary speakers, have the best training resources, and share ideas and experiences with Rotarians from outside of our district. Representatives of all six districts work for a year to make the Great Lakes Rotary PETS a success for our clubs.
As a President-Elect am I required to attend PETS?
Yes, this is required training and is covered in the Rotary International Manual of Procedure 2007, Club Constitution Article 10 Section 5(c).
Is there any way that I can make up this training, if I can't make that date?
Other PETS events are available but you miss the connection with your district. Contact your District Governor-Elect for a date of another PETS meeting. A portion of your registration fee for Great Lakes PETS will be refunded to your district after you attend the other PETS.
I just served as president of my small club. Why should I go to PETS when I already know how to be president?
The 2007 Council on Legislation reaffirms that anyone who serves as president must attend PETS. This is a required training event. Every year, Rotary International develops new materials to assist club leaders and provides new programs and activities to help strengthen clubs, so you will find some new information as well. As an experienced president, you will be able to grasp the importance and depth of the new information being presented, so your PETS experience this time will be very valuable. You also will be important as a mentor to your PN. Your shared time at PETS will allow you to develop plans to strengthen your club.
Do I have to pay my own expenses for PETS?
Every club pays for the PETS registration fee for the President Elect whether or not the PE attends. Each club sets its own policy for paying the registration for the PN and PE/PN Partners, as well as for hotel expenses. Check with your current club president or treasurer. Note that the PETS registration fee does not cover the cost of the hotel room.
What can I expect to learn at PETS?
Professional speakers will lead sessions on a variety of topics, including club organization, leadership and team building, goal setting, refining volunteer management, club budgets, conducting a club meeting, managing time and expected time commitments for a club president and a general orientation to club administration.
Is there anything I can do to better prepare for the PETS?
There are a number of Rotary International publications, written specifically for Club Presidents, that you could read. Check the list of materials that are available.
Should I ask our President Nominee to attend PETS?
Yes - Last year over 60 clubs of the 250 clubs attending PETS had their PN attend PETS. Those club PN's, when asked after PETS, said that it was very worthwhile and that they looked forward to coming back this year to get more ideas and to be able to ask questions that they did not ask last year. Many clubs pay the registration fee for the PN's.
Should I ask my partner to attend with me?
Yes! - Many times the partner does not have a good understanding of Rotary and what is expected of a club President. They gain better understanding of the Rotary Foundation and what it means to promote "World Peace."
What materials will I be able to bring back to my club?
As a PE, you will be given a President's Manual which covers everything that you will need to carry out the mission of being a Club President. You are expected to carry this manual to all of the sessions and be able to make notes in the appropriate places.
Will I be able to visit Rotary vendor and exhibit booths at this meeting?
Yes, there will be licensed Rotary vendors with displays which will be there for the entire meeting. There will also be Rotarians from other districts with exhibits of successful, replicable club and district projects.
If I have some questions that I wanted answered that are not outlined in this section, who do I call or contact?
For questions about PETS or hotel registration email Marc Cooper. The hotels will NOT be able to help with registration questions.
For other questions contact the Great Lakes Rotary PETS Chairperson:
Gail Scott, PDG 6380
Ann Arbor North Rotary Club
PETS Chair 2009-2010
930 Sherman Court
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Email:
PDG Gail Scott
Phone: (734) 483-5319
Must my spouse/partner be registered?
Yes, everyone attending PETS must register online.
How will I know if my online registration was successful?
When you complete the online registration you will receive a receipt in your e-mail within a few minutes.
What do all those initials stand for?
PE - President Elect: that person who will be club President starting July 1, 2007
PN - President Nominee: that person who will be club President starting July 1, 2008
DG - District Govenor: that person who currently is District Governor
AG - Assistant Governor
DGN - District Governor Nominee: that person who will be District Governor starting July 1, 2008
DGE - District Governor Elect: that person who will be District Governor starting July 1, 2007
PDG - Past District Governor
TRFT - The Rotary Foundation Trustee
PRIVP - Past Rotary International Vice President
RIPE - Rotary International President Elect
What should I wear?
Large Rotary meetings are usually 'Business Casual.' Slacks and sweaters or casual jackets for men, slacks or skirts for women and blouses or shirts and jackets are ideal. Suits and ties are not necessary at PETS.
On Saturday morning, travel clothes are very appropriate. There are no black-tie optional evenings at PETS.
The kick-off on Thursday is the most 'formal' and that is whatever you wore to work that day. PDGs, DGs and especially, DGEs should wear their class jackets Thursday (If they still fit.)
Please remember to always wear your Rotary pin.
