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.

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.

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 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 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.

Fellowships at 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 the group directly using contact information found on the RI Web site, or in the Global Networking Groups Directory.RI Web siteGlobal 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.membership inquiry form 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.RI Staff

Online Resources For general program information, visit 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: Join the Rotary Fellowships Discussion Forum at

Contact RI Staff Rotary International Service Support & Awards Department Phone: Fax: Rotary International 1560 Sherman Avenue Evanston, IL USA