Rotary International Student Protection Policy Updated March 2013

 Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities.  To the best of their ability, Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouse, and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people they come into contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. (November 2006 Mtg., Bd. Dec. 72) Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth

 Upon obtaining information that a club has failed to address an allegation against a member in connection with a Rotary- related youth program for violating applicable law regarding the protection of youth, the board may suspend or terminate the membership of the club in accordance with RI Bylaws section (June 2007) Failure to Comply with Youth Protection Laws

 RI has a zero-tolerance policy against abuse and harassment.  An Independent & thorough investigation must be made into any claims of sexual abuse or harassment.  Any adult involved must be removed from all contact until investigation is complete.  All allegations must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Sexual Abuse and Harassment Prevention

 Any adult convicted or admitting to abuse or harassment is not allowed to work with youth, and must be removed from Rotary membership. Sexual Abuse and Harassment Prevention

Sexual Abuse ◦Intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, fondling ◦Viewing pornographic materials ◦Taking part in making pornographic materials Physical Abuse ◦Hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or burning ◦Excessive training Neglect ◦Failure to meet basic physical needs ◦Constantly leave alone or unsupervised ◦Failure or refusal to give affection or attention ◦Left in an unsafe “at risk” environment What is Abuse or Harassment?

Emotional Abuse ◦ Persistent lack of love and affection ◦ Frequent shouting ◦ Taunting ◦ Over-protection ◦ Constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to perform to higher expectations Financial Abuse ◦ Misappropriation of student’s funds ◦ Overt illegal use of funds by other than student Definitions

Need to think Internationally – Not USA Be aware of cultural differences – refer to: ◦ ProQuest CultureGrams Touching/Hugging is perceived by different cultures in different ways Body language means different things Be aware of your students culture and make sure family members and others are sensitive to potential pitfalls Cultural Differences

 Tell your host parent  Tell your Rotary Counselor  Tell your Student Protection Officer in the Host Country  Contact Nancy Loughlin, D7120 Student Protection Officer.  Contact Your D7120 Country Officer  Contact Your D7120 Vice Chair  Contact Your D7120 Chairman Mark Wyse What to do if you feel that you are being abused or harassed.

 Clubs and districts must:  Obtain written permission from the parents or guardians of all youth participants for travel outside the local community in advance;  Provide parents with specific details about the program, location of the event, travel itineraries, sleeping accommodations.  Provide insurance when traveling 150 miles or more away from the home. Travel by Youth

 Travel is under the control of the host district.  Host Districts must get the permission from the natural parents for travel outside the host district.  Some districts will require the permission of the sponsoring district.  In cases requiring the permission of the sponsoring district chair, the requests must be reasonable. An example of a not reasonable request: Running with the Bulls. Travel by Youth

Questions ?