Fellowship Month is June in the world of Rotary International.
There are two ways to look at what Rotary fellowship means.
The first version comes with membership. As a new member, it is easy to be awed by the whole scenario. However, as you become active on committees and participate in events, you come to realize that there are some mighty good people out there in Rotary land. From there, you will become aware of the fact that some of your closest friends are Rotarians. It's a lot healthier to feel you are enriched by being able to visit with good friends every week rather than feeling you have to go to keep your attendance above 50%.
The second version has to do with what are called "Rotary Fellowships." Rotary Fellowships are independent groups of Rotarians, their spouses, and Rotaractors who share a common passion. Being part of a Fellowship is a fun way to make friends from around the world who enjoy such things as stamp collecting, ham radio, boating, bird watching, etc. Fellowships can be initiated by any Rotarian who wants to join with other Rotarians with the same interest. To do so, you need to tell RI what kind of fellowship you want to initiate. RI does not administer them, but special interest fellowships are promoted on the Rotary website. You can check it out: https://www.rotary.org/en/form-rotary-fellowship.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is my final column as 2013-14 District Governor. The first thing I want to stress is that June can be a very active month. For starters, there is the RI Convention in Sydney. What a fantastic opportunity to meet Rotarians from around the world (if this isn't fellowship, then what is?). They may be of different color, belief, or attire, but we all have one thing in common - Service Above Self.
The next thing I would like to stress is that it is a good time to take a look at the Planning Guide your president and the board put together last year and work on achieving the goals set forth. The obvious ones are in the areas of Membership, Foundation Annual Fund and Polio giving. I am sure that some of the ones which are dangling at this point are achievable. You might as well finish off what you started - and remember, these are the goals as determined by the club itself, not something mandated by the district.
My final comment is very basic: All the DG's pontifications combined do not a good district make. Every achievement this year started and finished on the club level. It has been an extraordinary experience; Kristine and I wiil cherish these memories forever. I am awed by and grateful for your club's hospitality and for the continued good work at applying "Service Above Self" to your local and international communities. Thanks to EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for your commitment and for making this another great year in the life of Rotary District 5020!