Recommend A Speaker

PROGRAM COMMITTEE GUIDELINES

The Ann Arbor Rotary Club Program Committee is an active group of about 20 members who meet monthly to oversee and schedule some 45 weekly programs during the calendar year. The Committee seeks and welcomes suggestions of the membership via completion of our online submission form.

A large measure of member satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) with the Club is based on the programs presented at the weekly luncheons. This represents a special challenge due to the size of the Club; the diversity and sophistication of the members; and other factors.

The Committee seeks suggestions for presenters on a variety of subjects and issues, with both members and non-members as potential candidates. There are two major limitations which Rotary has traditionally observed. (1) No person who is a candidate for political office may be invited or permitted to address the Club; and (2) no member, speaker, guest or other person or organization shall sell products, tickets, solicit donations or otherwise engage in overt fund raising activities directed to Club members.

Suggestions submitted via this form fully completed are presented for consideration by the Committee at monthly meetings. The Committee maintains an extensive list of presenter candidates from which priorities are discussed and reviewed. Due to the busy schedules of most presenter candidates, the Committee customarily sets a calendar of programs over a period of several weeks in advance. Firm dates for future programs may be confirmed only by the Committee Chair, Mike Marich. It goes without saying that no member should make any commitment to a candidate until notified of favorable action by the Committee.

Generally speaking, presenter candidates are presumed to be qualified and well informed individuals within their sphere of expertise. On the other hand, presenting skills may vary widely depending on experience and other factors. Members suggesting candidates should take the factor of presenting skills as a significant element in making the recommendation.

Sometimes a speaking opportunity request comes to the attention of the Committee directly from a volunteer presenter. In general, the Committee prefers to generate presenter candidates submitted by Club members rather than from external self-nominated individuals. Candidates who have delivered presentations on past occasions remain eligible for consideration to future invitations.

Any questions or comments relative to the Program Committee guidelines stated above should be directed to Mike Marich, Chair of the committee.

For more information on club policies please see the Policy on Fund Raising and Information for Luncheon Speakers.

Mike Marich
Program Committee Chair
mmarich@umich.edu

If you would like to recommend a speaker please provide us with the following information: