The Role of the Club President
The President is the presiding officer of the club and the primary leader responsible for ensuring that the organization functions in accordance with governing documents and parliamentary procedure.
The President should:
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Know the bylaws of:
- Ensure the club functions accordingly.
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Perform any duties specified in state or local bylaws.
Core Leadership Responsibilities
Presiding Over Meetings
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Preside at all meetings using proper parliamentary procedure.
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Prepare an agenda in advance of each meeting.
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Ensure meetings begin on time — even if only one member is present.
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Maintain order and move business efficiently.
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May not debate from the chair but may clarify issues for understanding.
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Ensure only members in good standing vote.
The manual emphasizes:
“The two most important components of a successful meeting are an agenda and adherence to parliamentary procedure.”
Attend Monthly Region Director Meetings
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Attend the monthly scheduled meetings with other Club Presidents in her Region as determined by the Region Director.
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Invite club Vice Presidents and Elected Officers (Executive Committee) to attend those meetings with her or if she is not able to attend.
Attend Board of Directors (BOD) Meetings, Conferences, and Conventions
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Plan to attend each CFRW BOD Meetings and Conferences or appoint someone as her delegate for those meetings and encourage members to attend. (Only Club Presidents or their delegates may ask questions at the BOD meetings).
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Plan to attend each CFRW Convention or appoint someone as her delegate for those events and encourage members to attend. ARTICLE XII, Section 2 of the bylaws state that “each local club that has been a member in good standing in CFRW for at least ninety (90) days prior to the convention date shall be represented by its President or a Vice President (in their order) or a delegate elected by their Executive Committee, and one delegate and alternate for the first twenty-five (25) members and one delegate and alternate for each additional twenty-five (25) members or major fraction thereof.
Appointments & Oversight
The President appoints:
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Parliamentarian (Required)
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Financial Review Officer (Required)
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Corresponding Secretary (Optional)
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All standing and special committees (except the nominating committee)
In elections:
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Appoints two tellers for ballot votes if needed.
Financial Oversight
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Authorized to approve routine bills for payment that have been budgeted.
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Ensures financial procedures follow bylaws.
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Works with Treasurer and Budget Committee.
Elections & Installation
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Appoints tellers for ballot elections.
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Announces results and ensures they are recorded in the minutes.
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Installation is ceremonial but recommended in December.
Reporting & Compliance Responsibilities
President’s Packet
Each incoming President receives a packet that includes required forms, deadlines, and submission instructions from CFRW in November.
Packet includes:
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Incoming & Outgoing President Check-Off Lists
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Roster Information
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Per Capita Reporting Forms
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NFRW Service Charge Form (only paid in odd years)
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Website Information Form
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Ambassador Program Information
Each form includes:
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Deadline
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Person to whom it must be sent
Click HERE to go to the President’s Packet.
Achievement Awards
To maintain certification and award eligibility:
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Monitor and complete the worksheet from NFRW throughout the year.
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Inform Executive Board quarterly of accomplishments.
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Meet final reporting deadlines.
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Achievement Award Form must be returned to State President by June deadline in the odd years.
Certification requires:
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Ensures NFRW Service Charge is paid every other year (due December of odd years).
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Full membership dues reported monthly on per capita reports to CFRW.
Communication & Representation
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President thanks program speakers (not the Program Chair).
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Ensures newsletters and/or regular emails include required information (President contact info must appear).
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Ensures copy of newsletter and/or emails are sent to:
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CFRW President
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Region Director
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Clubs in their Region
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Leadership Expectations
Expectations of the office:
- Be fair, honest, and impartial.
- Look for the best in others.
- Keep your high ideals and your sense of honor as you supervise the workings of this organization.
The President is the steward of:
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Unity
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Integrity
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Order
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Effectiveness
Freedom is preserved not by accident, but by leadership. Lead your club with conviction, and you strengthen the cause we serve.