The RFI Club Charter
The first RFI Club was created by listeners in Cotonou, in 1995, at a French Language Summit. Since then, many clubs have been created – there are approximately 100,000 members in several countries around the world. RFI Clubs organize cultural, sporting, and environmental activities – which attract more members. Not only is an RFI Club a place to make friends, it is also a pla
ce for exceptional learning. In order to preserve the spirit of the RFI Clubs, RFI has established a charter, which all RFI Clubs must adhere to. Once the chart is accepted and signed by the applicant, RFI establishes the club. The Charter is based on four principles:
Independence
Honesty
Neutrality
Respect
Independence
RFI Clubs are independent entities. The clubs are voluntarily created by listeners who share the same ideals as RFI. Within this framework, and following the values of RFI, RFI Clubs contribute to the cultural and educational enrichment of its members, excluding ANY personal financial gain. Any departure from this clause may be subject to legal proceedings. Because RFI’s name is used by the Clubs, RFI reserves the right to validate or invalidate, in writing, the existence of said Club. RFI Clubs must abide by the RFI Charter, and accept the Charter’s fundamental principles, namely:
Honesty
Unless otherwise authorized in writing, RFI Club members must in no way use the name of RFI or membership in an RFI Club for personal, financial, or material gain. Any abuse of the RFI Club name will be subject to legal proceedings. Neutrality
RFI Clubs must be politically neutral, and may not belong to any political party. RFI Clubs must adhere to this fundamental principle for all their activities. Although the Clubs must be independent in their cultural activities, they may partner with the Alliance Française or any French institutions or local organizations, for their activities. The Clubs must ensure that the majority of the financing for any activities come from Club membership itself, and ensure that any financial gifts or subsidies received from outside sources do not in any way influence the nature of the activities. RFI Club activities must be in accord with current pluralistic thought and opinion. Respect
The RFI Club Charter requires mutual respect between Clubs. Each Club is free to choose and conduct their activities as they wish. Two or more Clubs can work together on any project, on condition that it is done in a spirit of good faith and fairness; failure to adhere to this spirit will not be tolerated. RFI Club members are respectful and:
1 - Do not defame others, do not engage in controversy
2 - Do not intrude in the private lives of, nor render judgment on anyone
3 - Do not say things about others which they would not directly say to that person
4 - Do not discriminate against a country or a person because of race, religion, s*x, or political beliefs or practices,
5 - Are cautious of actions and speeches which appear discriminatory. Following the Charter
All RFI Clubs are required to follow the requirements of the present document, or risk losing their right to act as an RFI Club. The Listener Relations Department Role
RFI Clubs who have signed this Charter work closely with the Listener Relations Department. Department members are to be informed of all Club activities; staff members will assist within the limits of possibility. Department staff members are not able to satisfy demands which are not within the realm of the RFI Club activities. Membership Requirements
All RFI listeners who conform to the requirements of the RFI Club Charter may join an RFI Club, without conditions. S/he will receive an RFI Membership card from the Listener Relations Department. The listener may participate in all activities organized by their local RFI Club. The RFI Membership Card
The RFI Membership card shows that you belong to an RFI Club. RFI has no responsibility in case of fraudulent use of the RFI Membership card.
