Rotary Clubs foster a unique sense of fellowship among members. On the international level, the worldwide community of Rotarians includes many who share the same interests. Rotary Fellowships enable these members to communicate, exchange information and ideas, and build relationships. The Rotary Fellowship program, a structured program of Rotary International, brings together Rotarians who share common interests in recreational activities, professional fields, and various health and medical issues. Currently, there are more than 70 Rotary Fellowships dedicated to a variety of interests ranging from engineering to wine tasting and appreciation. Rotary fellowships conduct activities independently of Rotary International. Typically, members use their vocational and avocational skills to serve others or to raise awareness of medical and health - related issues. Whether recreational, vocational, or medical/health-related, Rotary Fellowships unite Rotarians to foster friendship, international understanding and service in unique and exciting ways that benefit the global community. To the end that District 5520 enjoys the benefits to be derived from membership in Fellowship activities, the following addition to Article III, Standing Committees of the District Operating procedures for 2004-2005 is submitted with the following wording: Article III.17 Rotary Fellowships. III.17.A Function This committee shall be appointed by the DGN shortly after nomination. Its function shall be to promote Fellowships throughout the District and Clubs. Many Rotarians are avid participants in vocational and avocational activities which when properly promoted can provide other Rotarians the opportunity to join, learn and expand their horizons. III.17.B Composition This committee shall consist of a chairperson and three additional members drawn from around the district whose duties it shall be to provide: awareness of the many Fellowship opportunities in the Rotary World, an electronic addendum to the District Newsletter, resource material to Rotary Clubs in the District and maintain a record of the Fellowships existing in the District with their membership roles. III.17.C Meetings Shall meet at the call of the chairperson but not less than twice annually. III.17.D Expenses Members shall be reimbursed for mileage ($.30 per mile) and accommodations when required to attend meetings more than 50 miles from home. Having identified that a Committee is actually in being and functioning, it is only a matter of formality to approve the addition of this committee into the family of Committees operating in and throughout the District. To the end that we profit from the Fellowship program, all Rotarians are encouraged to join a Fellowship, establish a Fellowship or associate themselves with a functioning Fellowship. A full discussion on the RI Fellowship program with aims, objectives, do’s and don’ts follows on the following pages.

In our District, there are several members of Fellowships. They are identified as :

PDG Robert DeLa Hunt	Fellowship of RVs
PDG Reba and Clark Lovrien	Fellowship of RVs
PDG Dan Schulte	Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians,
	Flying Rotarians
	Music Rotarians
PDG Henry Pick	Fellowship of Golfing Rotarians

Unfortunately, this is probably a small number of the total Fellowships which we can identify. We need to know who is involved so we can publicize their activities so others can become involved.
On the other hand, there may be potential Fellowships to be organized in our District and with two other countries becoming involved, would broaden the scope of involvement. Possible ideas might be International Museum Fellowship, International Spielunkers, International Sky Divers, River Rafters, Mountain Climbers, Snow Boarders, Inner – Tube Tobaganers, to name a few. Can you think of others?

For the moment, we need a central collection point for those interested in getting involved. RI has published an excellent Pamphlet (729A-EN) listing all of the Fellowships currently on - going. From Medical to Vocational to Recreational, there is something for everyone. Click onto www.rotary.org to view the listing and you can contact the person listed. Let me know what your interests are and if we can get enough interest, we’ll start one of our own.

PDG Dan Schulte

ROTARY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

 

According to the Rotary Code of Policies (43.060, May 2003), all Rotary Districts are requested to establish and to formalize Recreational and Fellowship Programs throughout the Rotary World. In this sense, the formalization process would include documents such as, constitutions and By-laws and send them to RI to approve and make pertinent suggestions.

Definitions:

- A Rotary Fellowship is a group of Rotarians who unite themselves to pursue a specific worthwhile activity, which advances the Object of Rotary, including but not limited to educational, health, vocational, environmental and recreational activities.

- Fellowship activities must be conducted independently of RI, but must be in harmony with RI policy, including the use of Rotary’s names and emblems.

- Fellowships may not be used to promote religious beliefs, political issues, or other organizations.

- Recognition of a Fellowship by RI in no way implies legal, financial or other obligations or responsibility on the part of RI, or any district or club.

- A Fellowship may not act on behalf of RI. Fellowships must be self-sustaining financially, administratively and otherwise.

- Fellowships may not exist or function in any country in violation of the laws of such country.

Organization and Membership:

- A Fellowship shall have a governing document (charter, constitution, bylaws or similar document), which must be consistent with RI policy. All governing documents and amendments thereto, must be reviewed by the Fellowships Committee, if practicable, and the General Secretary.

- A Fellowship shall be organized with at least three officers, one of whom shall be the chairperson (president or other administrative head) and serve as a non-voting member – at – large of the Fellowships Committee.

- A Fellowship’s membership shall be open to all interested and qualified Rotarians.

- A Fellowwship may open its membership to interested and qualified spouses of Rotarians.

- Fellowships are encouraged to accept Rotaractors into their membership.

 

Criteria For Recognition As a Rotary Fellowship:

1. Be a group of Rotarians representing at least three countries who share a common interst in a specific worthwhile activity which advances the Object of Rotary. The Board may reduce or waive the number of countries represented.

 

2. Be organized in accordance with RI policy.

3. Not duplicate the purposes of an existing Fellowship, unless approved by the Board. Groups that are denied recognition after 1 July 2003 may not reapply for a period of three years from the date of such denial.