Pre-PETS Training

 

We know that no one enjoys “drinking from the firehose.” To make your preparation more manageable—and more meaningful—we’ve organized the essential information for incoming Club Presidents into an 8‑week online learning series.

This series is not a replacement for PELS (President‑elect Learning Seminar). Instead, by moving foundational topics online, we can dedicate our in‑person time to what matters most: leadership development, collaboration, and connection.

Each week, Presidents‑elect receive one module by email, but the full program is outlined below so you can move through it at your own pace.

 
Some words about Rotary’s Learning Center
Most of these Learning Center courses are available within Club President Basics learning plan. When you click on a learning center link, you will have to log into my.rotary.org first, then it will take you to the Learning Center home page; then click the link in this document again and you should go to the correct module. Even if you have completed these courses before – check them out – there may be updates.  Don’t be intimidated by the estimated time listed. Most courses take far less than the posted duration, and some content appears in multiple learning plans. 
 
If you have any problems connecting to MyRotary, please ask for help – these links contain important information and ideas on managing your club and you need to cover these independently.  They will not be covered in our live learning event.
 
 
 

Week 1 – Know your Resources

There’s a lot to learn as you prepare for your year as Club President. Rotary International originally designed this material to be delivered over a day and a half—we’ve streamlined it so you can complete it in under a day.

Please make sure you review this content before attending PELS. Doing so allows us to spend our in‑person time building relationships, strengthening leadership skills, and avoiding that “drinking from the firehose” feeling.

From the Learning Center

Find Out:

Think about:

  • Do you have a change in directors and committee chairs that will take place on July 1? Are all positions filled? What activities between now and July 1 will help all directors and committee chairs start the year ready to go?
  • Encourage your Club Officers and Committee Chairs to register for Club Officer Training.  (Link)
  • As you look at your club’s Board Meetings, what do you want to continue, what do you want to stop doing, and what do you want to add during your term as president?
 

Week 2 – Rotary’s Action Plan and Goals

This week, we’ll dive into Rotary’s Action Plan and Goals—what they are, where to find them, and how to update them for your club. The Learning Center modules will guide you through this process.

From the Learning Center

Find Out:

  • Committee Structure: Review your club’s committees. How do they set goals and action plans for the year? Do you have copies of their recent goals?
  • Club Goals in Club Central: Check your existing club goals in Club Central. By Week 8, you’ll enter your own goals. If you need help, reach out to your Assistant Governor (AG) or current president.

Think About:

  • Review your club’s documents: Club Constitution and Bylaws, current budget and financial statements plus any vision/action plan/strategic plan.  Do these documents align with Rotary’s Action Plan? If not, what changes might be needed?
 

Week 3 – The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation is how Rotary clubs around the world join forces to create lasting change. By pooling resources, we amplify our impact and make a bigger difference together.

From the Learning Center

  • Go through the last 2 modules in the Learning Center from Club President Basics this week.  One of these modules covers Rotary Foundation Basics—an essential part of your leadership journey. You should finish this section by the end of the week.

Find Out:

  • Review the work of your club’s RI Foundation Committee.
  • Review your club’s giving trends over the past several years.
  • Finalize your club’s Rotary International Foundation goal for your year.
  • Check out how many Paul Harris Fellows are in your club and how your club celebrates each new recipients.
  • Confirm whether your Foundation Chair has completed the Club Rotary Foundation Committee Basics module in the Learning Center.

Think about:

  • Decide on a personal contribution to the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus. Leading by example inspires others in your club to give generously.
 

Week 4 – Is Your club Healthy?

A healthy club starts with strong membership. Success depends on balancing retention of current members with attracting new members, while keeping everyone engaged and connected. 

From the Learning Center

Find Out:

  • Meet with your Membership Committee to learn about past strategies for attracting new members.
  • Review membership trends for the past few years.
    • How many members have left?
    • How many have joined?
  • Review your club's demographics. Does your membership reflect your community in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, and profession?
  • Check if your club is engaging individuals who have participated in Rotary programs like Interact, Rotaract, or Youth Exchange. These connections are valuable—don’t miss the chance to welcome them as future Rotarians!
  • Confirm whether your Membership Chair has completed the Club Membership Committee Basics module in the Learning Center.

Think About:

  • Be a role model by inviting guests to attend meetings and by proposing at least one new member yourself.
 

Week 5: - Running your Meetings

Successful meetings don’t happen by chance—they require planning. Now is the time to think about how your meetings will look during your presidency and create a plan that keeps members engaged and energized.

From the Learning Center

Find Out:

  • Review how your club currently plans programs and meeting agendas.
  • Visit another club’s meeting in your district to see different approaches and gather ideas.
  • Meet with other club leaders to discuss
    • Which parts of the regular meetings should remain the same.
    • Which activities that should be added or changed.
    • Which elements should be discontinued.
  • Decide on a signature activity or unique touch for your meetings during your year as president to make them engaging and fun.

Think about:

  • Consider using a member survey to gather opinions and suggestions about club meetings. This feedback can help shape meetings that everyone looks forward to.
 

Week 6 – Running your Club

Strong leadership starts with a clear plan. Now is the time to think about how you’ll work with your officers to manage responsibilities and keep your club running smoothly throughout your year.

From the Learning Center

Find out:

  • Review your club’s Constitution and Bylaws. Are there updates that should be considered during your presidency?
  • Examine your club’s committee structure and officer selection process. Is there a succession plan for future leaders?
  • Encourage your club officers to complete the appropriate courses in the Learning Center
  • Don't forget about inviting your club officers and key committee members to attend Club Officer Training on March 28!

Think About:

  • Are roles for club officers clearly defined?
    • Who is responsible for reporting updates to Rotary International?
    • Who is responsible for the club budget and paying bills?
  • Have new club officers been reported to the District and Rotary International?  (Reporting to the District automatically updates RI!)
  • What are the duties of the Club Secretary or Club Executive Secretary?
  • Schedule a meeting with current and incoming leaders to clarify roles and discuss how information will be communicated.
 

Week 7 – Promoting Rotary

Telling your club’s story matters. By intentionally sharing your activities and successes, you help the community understand Rotary’s impact, keep members engaged, and attract new members.

From the Learning Center

No new modules this week—use this time to catch up on any unfinished courses.
Want to learn more about Public Image?  Explore the Public Image course in the Learning Center.

Find Out:

  • Review the work of your club’s Public Image Committee and their plans for internal and external communications.
  • Ensure someone in your club is connected to local media outlets and regularly captures your club’s story through photos, videos, and articles for sharing.
  • Check out ideas for promoting your club’s public image on my.rotary.org and rotarydistrict5650.org
  • Confirm whether your Public Image chair has completed the Club Public Image Committee Basics module in the Learning Center.

Think about:

  • Be a role model by practicing your “Elevator Speech” – why are you a Rotarian? Develop talking points about Rotary International and your club to be used when interacting with club members and the public.

Week 8 – Your Projects

Strong projects are the heart of a vibrant Rotary club. They boost membership, increase giving to The Rotary Foundation, and make it easier to promote your club. One of the main reasons people join Rotary is to make a difference—and that happens through meaningful projects.
 

From the Learning Center

No new modules this week—use this time to catch up on any unfinished courses.
Want to learn more? Explore Club Service Projects Committee Basics in the Learning Center. Many concepts will overlap with what you’ve already completed—share this course with the appropriate committee members in your club.
 

Find Out:

  • Review the work of your club’s Service Projects Committee(s) and evaluate existing projects.
  • Check which of the Five Avenues of Service and Seven Areas of Focus are represented in your club’s projects.
  • Use resources available on my.rotary.org to help plan meaningful projects.
  • Discuss with members how your club has applied for and utilized District Grants and Global Grants in the past.

Think About:

  • Has your club conducted a community needs assessment recently? This is a key step in ensuring your projects meet real needs and create lasting impact.
 

Week 9 – Your GOALS

Congratulations—you made it! Next week is PELS, and now it’s time to set your club’s goals in Rotary Club Central. We ask that you enter goals not only for your year but also for the next two years.

By the end of PELS, you should have goals entered for at least these six primary areas for all three years. If you experience any issues with the system, bring your goals to PELS—we’ll help you get them entered.

 
Club Membership:  How many members will you have at the end of your year: ____
 
Will you create or update a Strategic Plan during your year: Yes/No
 
Service Participation: How many members will participate in a service project: ____
 
Annual Fund Contribution: How much will your club give to the Annual Fund (SHARE): ______
(Note: Every Rotarian Every Year status has each club member giving at least $20; Sustaining Member status has each member giving at least $100)
 
Polio Plus Fun Contribution: How much will your club give to Polio Plus: _____
(Note: Rotary wants each club to give $1,500 to polio.  If you feel that your club cannot do that, consider asking each member to donate $37.50.)
 

Take this time to also set other goals for your club for your year. Setting at least 13 goals – and achieving them – earns your club the Rotary Club Excellence Award, a powerful way to highlight just how strong, vibrant and forward thinking your club is.

 

See you next week at PELS!