Rotary Fellowships

Groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses and Rotaractors who unite to:

• Share a common interest in worthwhile recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.)
• Further their vocational development through acquaintance with others of the same profession
• Make new friends around the world
• Explore new opportunities for service
• Have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary

Rotary Fellowships History

• Rotary Fellowships informally began in 1928 when a group of Rotarians with an interest in Esperanto joined together. In 1947, Rotarians organized a group of boating enthusiasts, which became the Yachting Fellowship.
• These activities gained more attention and operated over the years as World Fellowship Activities, International Vocational Contact Groups, Rotary Recreational and Vocational Fellowships, and finally, Rotary Fellowships.
• As of 14 June 2013, there are 63 Rotary Fellowships.

How Rotary Fellowships Operate

• Each Fellowship is officially recognized by the RI Board of Directors, but operates independently of Rotary International, with its own rules, dues requirements, and administrative structure.
• Membership in fellowships is open to Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians and Rotaractors.
• Each fellowship must maintain a membership base representing at least three different countries.
• Each fellowship elects at least three officers to oversee the group’s operations.
• Fellowships are expected to facilitate communication amongst their members and to maintain regular communication with Rotary International.

How to Join a Rotary Fellowship

• Contact a group that interests you directly using contact information found on www.rotary.org/fellowships, or in the Rotary Fellowships Directory.
• Contact your district Rotary Fellowships chairperson for guidance.
• If a group for your interests does not currently exist, contact RI Staff for information on how to start a new group.

For more information about Rotary Fellowships, go to RI's page More Rotary Fellowships. This lists all currently recognized fellowships broken down into a number of categories.  For each fellowship, there are 4 links to its website, FB page, discussion group, and contact.