Rotary Fellowships

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Rotary Fellowships

• Fellowship is wonderful
• it illuminates lifes pathway,
• spreads good cheer,
• and is worth high price....
• Rotary Founder Paul Harris

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What are Rotary Fellowships?

• Groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses and
  Rotaractors who unite to
• Share a common interest in worthwhile
  recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.)
• Further their vocational development through
  acquaintance with others of the same profession
• Make new friends around the world
• Explore new opportunities for service
• Have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary

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Other Benefits of Rotary Fellowships

• Rotary Fellowships...
• Offer opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting
  friendships outside of ones own club, district
  and country
• Contribute to the advancement of world
  understanding and peace
• Serve as an incentive for attracting new members
  to Rotary and for retaining existing members

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Rotary Fellowships History

• Rotary Fellowships informally began in 1928 when
  a group of Rotarians with an interest in
  Esperanto joined together. In 1947 Rotarians
  organized a group of boating enthusiasts, which
  became the Yachting Fellowship.
• These activities gained more attention and
  operated over the years as World Fellowship
  Activities, International Vocational Contact
  Groups, Rotary Recreational and Vocational
  Fellowships, and finally, Rotary Fellowships.

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Rotary Fellowships History (cont.)

• Rotary Fellowships now belong as a distinct
  category under Global Networking Groups, which
  also includes Rotarian Action Groups.
• Rotarian Action Groups are organized in a similar
  manner as Rotary Fellowships, but focus on
  specific service-related activities.
• As of 1 July 2007, there are 84 Rotary
  Fellowships and 14 Rotarian Action Groups.

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How Rotary Fellowships Operate

• Each fellowship is operated independently of
  Rotary International, with its own rules, dues
  requirements, and administrative structure.
• Membership in fellowships is open to Rotarians,
  spouses of Rotarians and Rotaractors.
• Each fellowship must maintain a membership base
  representing at least three different countries.
• Each fellowship elects at least three officers to
  oversee the groups operations.
• Fellowships are expected to facilitate
  communication amongst their members and to
  maintain regular communication with Rotary
  International.

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Examples of Rotary Fellowships
Scuba Diving
Marathon Running
Doll Lovers
Flying
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Fellowships at the International Convention

• June is Rotary Fellowships Month
• Fellowships often use the International
  Convention in June as an opportunity to plan
  meetings and activities for attending members
  from around the world.
• Fellowship exhibitions make up a vital part of
  the House of Friendship, and groups use this
  opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments,
  plan for the future, and recruit new members.

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Fellowships at the International
Convention(cont.)

• Above The Convention-Goers Fellowship
  celebrates Rotarys Centennial at the 2005
  International Convention in Chicago

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How to Join a Rotary Fellowship

• Contact the group directly using contact
  information found on the RI Web site, or in the
  Global Networking Groups Directory.
• Complete a membership inquiry form and submit to
  RI World Headquarters so staff can forward it to
  the group you are interested in.
• Contact your district Rotary Fellowships chair.
• If a group for your interests does not currently
  exist, contact RI Staff for information on how to
  start a new group.

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Online Resources

• For general program information, visit
  www.rotary.org and search for Rotary
  Fellowships.
• Visit the Download Center to access the
  following
• Rotary Fellowships Handbook (publication 729)
• Global Networking Groups Directory
• Global Networking Groups Membership Inquiry Form
• Global Networking Groups Application Form
• To suggest a new fellowship, or view other
  suggested fellowships, visit www.rotaryfellowship
  s.org.
• Join the Rotary Fellowships Discussion Forum at
  http//forums.rotary.org/.

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Contact RI Staff

• Rotary International
• Service Support Awards Department
• Phone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• E-mail rotaryfellowships_at_rotary.org
• Rotary International
• 1560 Sherman Avenue
• Evanston, IL 60201-3698
• USA