Bonding over Rotary Fellowships
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.
Rotary Fellowships globally unite individuals around a common interest, vocation, or recreational activity with the primary purpose to network, further friendship and build community. Starting a new fellowship requires significant time and dedication. Fellowship leaders are responsible for creating a meaningful, engaging, interactive and thriving global community of Rotary and Rotaract members and friends.
Thousands of Rotary members meet regularly as fellowship groups for adventure, music, sports, environment, motorcycling, flying, camping, gourmet cooking, scuba diving, sailing, camping, photography, golf, travel, hosting, etc. Such stalls are seen at Rotary conventions.
For general information on Rotary Fellowships and a list of currently active fellowships, visit www.rotary.org/fellowships. Reach out to rotaryfellowships@rotary.org to ensure that your new fellowship does not conflict with any of the above categories.
New Rotary Fellowships are subject to review by RI for recognition. Discuss your idea with existing fellowships to understand the details of managing an international group, especially on matters such as structure, bylaws, appropriate membership dues, communication between members, and election and changeover of officers. Addressing these administrative issues early can help to ensure the long-term viability of a fellowship. Consider using Rotary’s online discussion groups to network with prospective international supporters.
To help you get started, review the following resources: Article 42.010 of the RI Code of Policy, Recommended Standard Bylaws for Rotary Fellowships, Rotary Fellowships Visual Identity Guidelines and Online Submission Form to Propose a new Rotary Fellowship. If your Fellowship proposal is approved, you and your fellow leadership team will be responsible for maintaining a vibrant, global Rotary Fellowship. The leadership team must periodically communicate with Rotary staff and apprise RI of your activities. Contact rotaryfellowships@rotary.org for more information.
I urge you all to join an existing fellowship of your interest or start a new fellowship. Fellowships will promote friendship and membership retention in Rotary. You will be able to invite several new friends and family members to join Rotary once you identify their fellowship interests. Fellowships will have diverse membership of youngsters, women and men promoting Rotary’s DEI policy. This group will have the power to support service projects together. Together we can Imagine Rotary in a new dimension of friendship and fellowship.
Dr Mahesh Kotbagi
RI Director, 2021–23
