History of PROBUS (Cont'd)
Once formed PROBUS clubs are completely autonomous and independent of Rotary. Generally, of course, there is a continuing interest by Rotary contact a few times a year. Visits to each other’s clubs are encouraged.
PROBUS clubs are similar to Rotary since both aim to provide, among other things, fellowship and the opportunity to develop acquaintance. However, there are some differences.
In
PROBUS:
There is no restriction in the number of members from any one vocation.
There is no compulsion to attend any number of meetings.
The constitution provides that they are non-fund raising organizations.
Each PROBUS club is entirely independent of any other PROBUS club and there
is no central controlling body.
PROBUS members may be retired or semi-retired men, who, if they were younger, would normally be sought out as potential Rotarians, are, broadly, those who should be contacted by sponsoring Rotary clubs as potential members of new PROBUS clubs.
PROBUS clubs have two principal activities:
A
monthly meeting, on a fixed day of the month, from 10:00 A.M. to 12 noon and
this meeting usually comprises of:
20 to 30 minutes of general business,
30 to 40 minutes - coffee break,
60 minutes - Guest speaker and/or discussion.
From time to time, some clubs hold luncheon meetings of which wives of members
and guests are invited.
Visits
(between meetings) are made to places and organizations of particular interest
to members. These have included a newspaper plant, an oil refinery, a television
station, Parliament buildings, manufacturers, and similar places.
Some clubs from time to time, arrange barbecue lunches, harbour and river cruises,
visits to
wine growing areas and others, including two and three day trips to resort centres.
Since
clubs are autonomous, rules concerning the involvement of wives and guests vary
from club to club.
In most clubs only members attend monthly meetings. In the majority of them,
wives of members are limited to
an occasional luncheon meeting and to most outings.
It
costs very little to be a PROBUS member; membership fees range from about $5
to $30 per annum. These funds provide for a supply of PROBUS lapel badges to
members, lunch for guest speakers, club bulletin and postage, supplies of PROBUS
CENTRE-CANADA and newsletters, shortfall on transportation costs and other similar
expenses. A minimum annual subscription of $25 per member for new clubs is recommended.
Of this amount $1 per member should be donated to PROBUS CENTRE-CANADA for the
establishment of new PROBUS clubs. Some clubs ask a joining or initiation fee
of $20. Meetings are held from 10 A.M. to 12 noon to avoid members becoming
involved in the expense of lunch (unless they choose to do so). Coffee at meetings
is paid for by members present.
The venue for meetings varies. Some clubs choose a location removed from normal
social activities but most prefer it. The majority of PROBUS clubs meet at lawn
bowling, yacht, golf, tennis, ex-servicemen’s and businessmen’s clubs.
Most have welcomed the PROBUS Clubs at no cost. They welcome it as an opportunity
to join with Rotary in a community service project and recognize that their
facilities are being used at a time when few of their members are in the building.
They see also that there is chance that some additional revenue may flow from
those who choose to stay after the meeting for lunch and the occasional luncheon
meeting. Some have gained additional members for their own club.