District 5495 – Help Wanted

The District 5495 Public Image Committee is looking for volunteers to assist our clubs with their efforts to promote their clubs, activities and projects. Those interested should have a thorough understanding of the Rotary Brand and how it is to be used, as well as familiarity with the Rotary Brand Center. Additional skills: Marketing, Writing (to help our clubs tell their stories of impact!), knowledge of Clubrunner and how to use social media effectively. Contact District PI Chair Bret McKeand at editor@rotary5495.org for information.

Join Us: Board Member Opportunity for the District Charitable Fund 🌟

 Are you a bold thinker with a heart for service?  

Do you believe in the power of collaboration across Rotary Clubs to create lasting impact?

 The District Charitable Fund is seeking a new board member to help guide our mission of supporting meaningful projects across all Rotary Clubs in the district.

Commitment:  

- Quarterly meetings (4 per year)  

- 3-year term  

What We’re Looking For:  

- A creative, out-of-the-box problem solver  

- Passion for community service and inter-club collaboration  

- Strategic mindset with a willingness to roll up your sleeves  

- Experience in nonprofit, finance, or grantmaking is a plus—but not required  

 Why Join?  

- Shape the future of district-wide charitable initiatives  

- Build relationships with leaders across Rotary  

- Leave a legacy of impact through sustainable funding and support  

If you're ready to make a difference and bring fresh energy to our board, we’d love to hear from you.

To express interest or nominate someone, contact Stephen Phair – Chairman, @ Stephen.phair@edwardjones.com

District Finance Committee

FINANCE COMMITTEE – note…this is from the District Bylaws

1.  Composition

The Finance Committee shall have seven members consisting of six (6) Rotarians who have financial management experience. The seventh member will be the Committee Chairperson

appointed by the current District Governor. The Chairperson could be reappointed to serve up to three years at the discretion of the successive District Governors. The committee should have at least one member who is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant).  The candidate can be either professionally active or retired.

The District Governor, District Governor-Elect, District Governor-Nominee and District Treasurer shall serve as ex officio members of the Finance Committee with voice, but without vote.

2. Terms

Each Rotarian member shall serve for three years.

3. Election

At each District Council on Legislation, the club delegates shall elect two Rotarians for a three-year term. No member of the Finance Committee may be elected or appointed to a successive term and, subject to that limitation, the District Governor shall fill by appointment any vacancies occurring on the Finance Committee because of death, resignation, or removal during his/her term.

1. District Finance Committee

   1. General Duties

The Committee shall supervise the financial operations of the District including budget preparation and oversight of the District Fund. It is charged with reviewing the proposed budget, spending, and expansion plans, as prepared by the Governor-Elect, to ensure appropriate scope of program funding and balanced financial objectives for all district events, committees, and programs. The approval of the Finance Committee precedes the general acceptance of an annual budget and spending program by vote. It shall also develop financial operational policies in coordination with the Bylaws and Policies Committee.  The Finance Chair will assign members of the Committee to liaise with RYLA, Interact, the Education & Leadership Development Committee, Youth Exchange and those responsible for the District Conference in the preparation of annual budgets and reporting to the District.

2. Meetings

The Committee shall meet quarterly subject to the discretion of its chair as to date, time, and place.

3. Reports

The Committee is responsible for ensuring the timely submission of all financial and statutory reports required by federal and state laws and regulations, the RI Manual of

Procedures and District Bylaws or Policies and Procedures, expressly including the compilation of the annual financial statements of the District required by ARTICLE V, Section E of the District Bylaws. These include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Federal Tax Form 990s for all accounts that use the District TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), which will be consolidated into a single 990. These federal filings are due by 15 November each year. State of Arizona filings for the above accounts as required.

PURPOSE AND MISSION: note – this is from RI 

Maintaining transparent financing and good stewardship makes sure that clubs remain in proper financial standing with RI and the district. The Finance  committee supervises district funds, manages district governor expenses, and prepares annual reports on the status of the district’s finances. We also:

• Identify and mitigate possible risks to protect clubs and the district.
• Ensure that proper income and expense records are kept.

TYPICAL ACTIVITIES/INITIATIVES: note – this is from Sandy Abalos 

The Finance Committee roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• monitor and review District Finances
• review, adjust and approve the annual budget prepared by the District Governor-Elect
• review, adjust and approve the District Conference budget prepared by the District Governor-Elect
• communicate with and assist the District Treasurer
• compare budget to actual financial results
• assist youth services with developing and managing budgets
• monitor youth service financial results and communicate with youth service leadership during the year
• finalize the District’s annual financial statements
• secure an independent CPA to prepare the Annual Statement and Report on District Finances and the District tax returns
• prepare and submit the annual District Governor Funding Report to Rotary International
• submit the Annual Statement and Report on District Finances to Rotary International 

BENEFITS OF SERVING:

Monitoring District finances is essential for financial health.   Members with financial statement acumen and experience are good candidates for the Finance Committee.