Evergreen Rotary

The Rotary Dine Around: 2007 - 2008 Guidelines

WHAT IS DINE-AROUND?

Dine-Around is a special opportunity for Rotarians to get to know each other at a more personal level. For most of those who have participated, it is cherished as a unique–and often the only–chance to enjoy the fellowship of other Rotarians in an intimate setting for a few hours. These parties are truly memorable.

Once a month during the winter months groups of approximately 8 people (including hosts) gather at the home of a Rotarian host for cocktails, appetizers, dinner, dessert and fellowship. Dates are flexible each month, determined by mutual agreement between hosts and guests. The people in the groups are rotated so that you dine with different people every month as much as possible. Parties of 8 are ideal; smaller and larger parties sometimes occur due to special circumstances with rarely more than 10 or fewer than 6. Dress nicely and informally. Like everything else, Dine-Around is subject to the 4-way test of the things we say and do!

HOSTING RESPONSIBILITIES

Hosts and hostesses are rotated and there is an implied responsibility for all regulars to host. Hosts are responsible for setting a mutually agreeable date and time with their guests, finding substitutes for guests who cannot fit any schedule, and for organizing all aspects of their dinner party. This includes meal planning (host prepares the entrée); assigning dishes to guests; providing directions; following up with all guests well in advance of each event and again just prior; table setting; entrée; and clean-up.

Rotarians with inadequate hosting facilities are encouraged to team up with others to host at a mutually agreeable location OR to sign up as alternates (see below.)

GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES

Guests are responsible for prompt communication with leadership and hosts, being on time and contributing to the meal as assigned by the host. Busy schedules require that all participants be accountable for follow-through after agreeing to a date. Solid communication between hosts and guests is imperative. Guests who find it necessary to renege on their commitments are responsible for finding substitutes to fill their seats and must ensure their contribution to the meal is covered; if they do not find a substitute, they are still responsible for their part of the meal. It is unacceptable to bail out at the last minute unless you have a true emergency. “No-shows” are worse than unacceptable!

CAN’T COMMIT AS A REGULAR? BE AN ALTERNATE!

We know that many Rotarians are intrigued with dine-around but feel unable to commit to being a regular participant. These people should sign up as alternates. They are always on “Stand-By,” available, but not obliged, to fill in for those with scheduling conflicts that cannot be resolved any other way. Alternates are not obliged to host, but should make an effort to do so if possible sometime during the season. Once they commit to a date they must follow all of the guidelines for that dinner party, just like the regulars.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES – QUESTIONS - PROBLEMS

Leadership is responsible for organization, group assignments and problem solving. This year the first point of contact is Gene Wycoff; second point of contact is Bill Anstine.