Organization of RAG AP in chapters

International Board and Continental Chapters

RAG AP is structured around six continental chapters:

  1. Africa
  2. Asia
  3. Europe
  4. North America
  5. Oceania
  6. South America

Currently, four chapters are active: Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Each active chapter is represented by two board members on the International RAG AP Board.

Responsibilities of the International Board:

  • Serve as liaison with Rotary International and the RAGs Council
  • Coordinate global communication and alignment
  • Provide strategic guidance and oversight of chapter activities
  • Organize RAG AP representation at annual Rotary International Conventions and relevant forums

Responsibilities of Continental Chapters:

  • Implement and coordinate regional addiction prevention activities
  • Submit annual reports on actions and finances to the International Board
  • Support sub-chapters in their development and alignment with RAG AP goals

 

Sub-Chapters: Country-Level or Thematic Divisions

Each continental chapter can be subdivided into sub-chapters, typically aligned by country or
region, due to differing:

  • Cultural norms and religious beliefs
  • Governmental policies and legal frameworks
  • Local addiction-related challenges and needs

Sub-chapters may also be organized around specific themes (e.g., youth prevention, alcohol
policy) that span multiple countries.

Responsibilities of Sub-Chapters:

  • Implement local prevention initiatives
  • Collaborate with local NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies
  • Report annually on their activities and finances to their continental chapter
  • Members of sub-chapters are also encouraged to become members of their continental chapter and of RAG AP as a whole

This layered structure ensures that:

  • Projects are regionally anchored and contextually relevant
  • Support and follow-up are locally managed, improving effectiveness and accountability
  • All continents are represented at the global level through their chapter delegates on the International Board

 

Membership and Financial Contributions

Continental chapters have the autonomy to set membership fees, based on their local
context and strategy. For example, the Asia Chapter has proposed lower membership fees to encourage broader
participation. However, it is expected that a modest percentage of each membership fee is allocated
to RAG AP International, to help cover global operational costs and coordination efforts.

Membership Eligibility

  • Chapter Board Members: Must be Rotarians, Rotaractors, or Rotary Peace Fellows
  • Ordinary (working) Members: Open to all individuals interested in addiction prevention, regardless of Rotary affiliation

 

Why This Structure Matters

Our chapter-based structure allows RAG AP to:

  • Respect and integrate local knowledge and leadership
  • Build strong relationships with local stakeholders
  • Scale initiatives sustainably through shared ownership
  • Ensure all regions have a voice at the international level

This structure is already being successfully implemented, with board members from countries
like India and Belgium...