Rotary Fellowships

							       Rotary Fellowships

“Fellowship is wonderful; it illuminates life’s pathway,
    spreads good cheer, and is worth high price.”

                           -Rotary Founder Paul Harris
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
Other Benefits of Rotary Fellowships
    Rotary Fellowships...
   Offer opportunities for Rotarians to make
    lasting friendships outside of one’s 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
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.
   As of 1 July 2008, there are 66 Rotary Fellowships.
How Rotary Fellowships Operate
   Each Fellowship is officially recognized by the RI
    Board of Directors, but operates 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 group’s operations.
   Fellowships are expected to facilitate communication
    amongst their members and to maintain regular
    communication with Rotary International.
Examples of Rotary Fellowships




 Marathon Running   Scuba Diving




      Flying        Doll Lovers
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 exhibits 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.
The International Convention
(cont.)




 Above: The Convention-Goers Fellowship celebrates Rotary’s
 Centennial at the 2005 International Convention in Chicago
How to Join a Rotary Fellowship
   Contact a group that interests you directly
    using contact information found on
    www.rotary.org, or in the Global Networking
    Groups Directory.
   Contact your district Rotary Fellowships
    chairperson for guidance.
   If a group for your interests does not
    currently exist, contact RI Staff for
    information on how to start a new group.
Online Resources
   For general program information, visit
    www.rotary.org and search for “Rotary Fellowships.”
   On the Web, you may access the following
    downloadable resources:
    • Rotary Fellowships Handbook (publication 729)
    • Rotary Fellowships Flyer
    • Rotary Fellowships PowerPoint Presentation
    • Global Networking Groups Directory
    • Global Networking Groups Application Form
   Join the Global Networking Groups Discussion
    Forum at http://forums.rotary.org/.
Contact RI Staff

Rotary International
Programs & Presidential Initiatives Section
Phone: 1-847-866-4494
Fax: 1-847-866-6116
E-mail: rotaryfellowships@rotary.org

Rotary International
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201-3698
USA