Rotary Fellowships
Introduction
Rotary Fellowships are groups of individuals who globally unite around a common interest, vocation, or recreational activity with the primary purpose to network and further friendship.
Every year, fellowships are encouraged to submit a report of activities to Rotary International.
Goals of Fellowships
- Help participants to make lasting friendships outside their own club, district or country
- Advance Rotary's public image and identity
- Serve as an incentive for joining Rotary and for maintaining active membership
Fellowship Organisation
- Fellowships function independently of Rotary International by esablishing their own rules, dues requirements and administrative structure.
- Fellowships are open to Rotarians, their family members aand the participants and alumni of all Rotary and RI Foundation programs.
Historical Background
Rotary Fellowships began informally in 1928 when Rotarians with a shared interest in the language Esperanto joined together. In 1947, a group of Rotarian boating enthusiasts began flying the Rotary flag from their masts.
Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians; this fellowship now boasts the longest continuous existence. The scope of Rotary Fellowships has greatly changed over the years, but today their purpose is still to unite the Rotary family in friendship and provide venues for enjoying their favourite recreational or professional activities.
2019-2020
In 2019-20, the General Secretary, on behalf of the RI Board and in consultation with the Global Networking Groups Committee, recognized two new Fellowships:
Bee
Beard & Moustache (you don’t need to have any facial hair to join)
Learn more about a few of the fellowships through fun informational sessions, then continue the conversation at their booths in the House of Friendship at the Rotary International Conference or your district conference.
Rotary Fellowships in a Nutshell
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
Learn more about a few of the fellowships through fun informational sessions, then continue the conversation at their booths in the House of Friendship at the Rotary International Conferefnce. Many Fellowships are having online meetings. Use Rotary’s presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote or explore a fellowship. Rotary action groups and will covered further in this. To get the latest fellowship links, go to: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships.
