Rotary FellowshipsRotary 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?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 FellowshipsOther 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 HistoryRotary 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 OperateHow 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 FellowshipsExamples of Rotary Fellowships

Marathon Running Scuba Diving

Flying Doll Lovers

Fellowships at the International ConventionFellowships 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 ConventionThe International Convention(cont.)(cont.)

Above: The Convention-Goers Fellowship celebrates Rotary’s Centennial at the 2005 International Convention in Chicago

How to Join a Rotary FellowshipHow 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 ResourcesOnline 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 StaffContact RI Staff

Rotary InternationalPrograms & Presidential Initiatives SectionPhone: 1-847-866-4494Fax: 1-847-866-6116E-mail: rotaryfellowships@rotary.org

Rotary International 1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, IL 60201-3698USA