Page 119 - Friendships Through the Years

associations who align themselves with the ideas expressed in the previous article.
They are those few associations who apparently wish to be all powerful and
entitled to operate in accordance with their own wishes; who seem to believe they
have the right to usurp the authority of the Probus Centre, usually at the behest of
two or three individuals whose aim appears to be to interpose associations
between the Probus Clubs and the Probus Centre.
To understand the true role of associations one must reflect on their origins, a
product of clubs banding together to exchange names of guest speakers, to discuss
venues for outings and similar items of mutual interest. Today, there are many
such small groups continuing to meet and operate with the same simple purpose.
For identification such groups are referred to as “interest groups”.
It was from such simple and effective arrangements that the opportunity was
taken to convince others that larger organisations could do it better and so the
concept of associa- tions was born.
From time to time the Probus Centre hears of complaints such as clubs being
coerced into joining an association, clubs being instructed to report problems to
associations, associations representing themselves as being the spokesman for all
clubs within their state, association publications being recommended in
preference to Probus News, associations giving advice on constitutional and/or
insurance matters, clubs being instructed on operational procedures, etc.
Unfortunately, these complaints are always hearsay, never first-hand, which
behoves the question are clubs aware that they maintain, at all times, the right of
direct approach to the Probus Centre -South Pacific on any matter whatsoever.
Probus is a community service project of Rotary who own the Probus name and
Probus emblem. By delegation of authority the Probus Centre -South Pacific is
the custodian of the Probus name and the Probus emblem, is empowered to
undertake the control and administration of all matters relating to Probus, has the
right to set capitation and other fees, to accredit clubs and associations and set the
rules, etc. relating to their operation.
When applying for accreditation associations are required to complete an
application form which lists terms to be complied with:
a. To provide a vehicle for the exchange of ideas and information between clubs;
b. To assist, to advise and to co-ordinate joint activities of member clubs;
c. To protect the integrity of Probus and prevent the unauthorised use of the
Probus name and emblem;
d. To confine itself to the furtherance of these objectives;
e. The Association shall not be or be seen to be a fund- raising organisation.
Clauses a. and b. clearly state the purpose of an association and clause d. confines
an association to work within the parameters set by those clauses. An association
does not have authority to formulate policy nor seek to influence the management
of member clubs.
Associations continuing to promote and undertake unauthorised self-sanctioned
activities are therefore in breach of the terms of accreditation and by continuing
with such activities may invite a review of their position as an accredited
association. In other circles, such disregard of compliance with a signed
agreement would probably be considered to be a breach of contract.