Get More From Your Rotary Dues Investment
Rotary Friendship Exchange | "Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships"
By Dan Hall - Yes, I know we join Rotary to serve others, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun as we “live the Rotary life of service.” The focus of this article is to acquaint not only new Rotarians, but even many long time Rotarians, with different programs that may be new to them. Ever hear of “Rotary Friendship Exchanges,” “Rotarian Action Groups,” or personal or vocational interest groups called, “Fellowships in Rotary?” Now let’s look at all three groups to see if you, like thousands of others, can gain more value from your investment in Rotary.
Rotary Friendship Exchange is Rotary's exchange program for Rotarians and their families. Friendship Exchanges allow Rotarians the opportunity to experience another culture firsthand in the homes of Rotarians in other countries. Participating in a Friendship Exchange offers Rotarians an opportunity to make a personal contribution to advancing world understanding while expanding their own horizons.
Friendship Exchange is not simply a way to obtain friendly lodging during a business or vacation trip. The exchange of Rotary families and couples who are motivated by a sincere desire to learn about others and to share international fellowship can be an effective tool in promoting better human relations around the world.
Currently, efforts are underway between our District 6040 and Sweden District 2380 to do a “Friendship Exchange” probably in September 2012. Committee Chair is Dan Shepherd (Huntsville) dan@valley.net. Each Friendship Exchange team member pays for their own transportation costs with lodging supplied by hosts in each district. A Friendship Exchange is no doubt the very best way to see another country and experience the culture. Please watch in future District Newsletter issues for details on this exchange. All Rotary members in our district are eligible to participate.
Rotarian Action Groups
Rotarian Action Groups provide assistance and support to Rotary clubs and districts in planning and implementing service projects in their respective areas of expertise. They are autonomous, international groups organized by committed Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses, and Rotaractors who have expertise in and a passion for a particular type of service. Your club can get involved by contacting a Rotarian Action Group with expertise in the appropriate area. If you have a personal interest in a particular issue, consider joining a group. Here is a list of Rotarian Action Groups: These groups operate in accordance with Rotary International policy, but are not agencies of or controlled by Rotary International.
World Health Fairs - A Rotarian Action Group (New)
Global Network for Blood Donation - A Rotarian Action Group (New)
Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group
Rotarian Action Group for Population & Development
Disaster Relief - A Rotarian Action Group
Polio Survivors & Associates - Rotarian Action Group
Rotary Diabetes Action Group (New)
Rotarian Action Group for Blindness Prevention (New)
Rotarians for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
Rotarians for Fighting AIDS
Rotarian Action Group for the Alleviation of Hunger and Malnutrition (New)
Rotarians for Mine Action
Rotarian Action Group of Dental Volunteers
Rotary Action Group for Microcredit (New)
Rotarians for Hearing Regeneration
Rotarians Eliminating Malaria
Humanitarian Service Rotarian Action Group
Rotarians for the Prevention of Drug Abuse
Fellowships In Rotary
Many Rotarians know about our respective clubs, but not about the fellowships of Rotary. Fellowship groups focus on fellowship of a recreational or vocational nature. In addition to community, nation wide, and international service activities, Rotary has over 70 fellowships that cover both vocational and recreational association. Some of these groups are made up of lawyers, physicians, computer experts and even those who have had heart surgery.
For example, my interest for over 35 years has been in downhill skiing which I do in Colorado and Utah. Yes, “you bet” an International Skiing Fellowship exists for persons like me. Skiing is enjoyed worldwide by thousands of Rotarians and their families of all ages and abilities. This fellowship allows we skiers to sharpen our skills on the slopes of the world or see the world on cross-country skis! Most of these 70 Fellowships have a booth at the Rotary International Convention each year.
These are Fellowships authorized by Rotary International (or were once):
Antique, Classic and Historic Automobile World Fellowship of Rotarians
International Fellowship of Rotarians of Amateur Radio
International Fellowship of Bird-watching Rotarians
International Fellowship of Bridge Playing Rotarians
International Fellowship of Canoeing Rotarians
International Caravanning Fellowship of Rotarians
International Fellowship of Carnival Parades and Festivals
International Chess Fellowship of Rotarians
International Fellowship of Pre-Colombian Civilizations
International Computer Users Fellowship of Rotary
International Fellowship of Rotarian Convention Goers
International Fellowship of Cricket Loving Rotarians
International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians
International Fellowship Cycling to Serve
USA Dictionary Project*
Digital Technology Rotarians Fellowship*
Rotarian Doctors Fellowship
Dog Owning Rotarians**
Doll Lovers Fellowship
Fellowship of Rotarians for the Prevention of Drug Abuse **
Fellowship of Rotarian Editors and Publishers
Environment Fellowship of Rotarians
Esperanto World Fellowship of Rotarians
Fine Arts and Antiques Fellowship
International Fellowship of Fishing Rotarians
International Fellowship of Running & Fitness Rotarians** IFRFR has been changed to International Fellowship of Wellness and Fitness of Rotarians. IFWFR
International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians
International Fellowship of Wellness and Fitness of Rotarians
Fellowship of Rotarian Gardeners **
The International Genealogy & Heraldry Fellowship of Rotarians
International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians
World Fellowship of Rotarian Gourmets
Rotary Heritage and History International Fellowship
Rotary Global History Fellowship (RGHF)
Rotarian Home Exchange Fellowship
Rotarians for the Advancement of Latin Culture
Rotarian Automobile License Plate Collectors Fellowship
Fellowship of Literacy Providers
Fellowship of Rotarian Magicians
Magna Graecia International Fellowship of Rotarians
International Marathon Fellowship of Rotarians (IMFR)
International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians
International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians
Rotary International Fellowship “Old and Rare Antique Books and Prints”
International Fellowship of Rotarian Physicians
Police/Law Enforcement Professionals Fellowship of Rotarians
Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fiber Artists
International Fellowship of Railroading Rotarians
Rotary Recreational Vehicle Fellowship
Rotarians on the Internet
International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians
International Fellowship of Rotarian Scuba Divers
International Fellowship of Shooting Sports Rotarians
Rotary Singles Fellowship International (RSFI)
International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians
Rotarians On Social Networks Fellowship
History of Rotary on Stamps Fellowship (ROS)
International Tennis Fellowship of Rotarians
Rotarians' International Fellowship of Total Quality Management
international Fellowship of Travel Agents
International Traveling and Hosting Fellowship
Rotarians' Wine Appreciation Fellowship
International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians - The First Fellowship
*Listed here, but not an official Fellowship of Rotarians ** No longer active
Now that you know about these personal opportunities why not follow up by learning more on the area or areas that interest you. Please share this information with your spouse and family as they may also have an interest in one of these groups. Remember to consider in your daily life how you will contribute to building goodwill and better friendships.