Global Networking Groups

1. Global Networking Groups Rotary Action Groups Rotary Fellowship groups

2. Rotarian Action Groups “In service there is happiness.” -Rotary Founder Paul Harris

3. Rotary Fellowships “Fellowship is wonderful; it illuminates life’s pathway, spreads good cheer, and is worth high price.” -Rotary Founder Paul Harris

4. What Are Rotarian Action Groups? Rotarian Action Groups conduct hands-on, international service projects that advance the Object of Rotary. They’re organized by committed Rotarians, Rotarian spouses, and Rotaractors who have expertise and a passion for a particular type of service.

5. How Rotarian Action Groups Operate • Each Rotarian Action Group is officially recognized by the RI Board of Directors, but functions independently of Rotary International, with its own rules, dues requirements, and administrative structure. • Membership is open to Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians, and Rotaractors. • Each group must maintain at least 100 members representing at least 10 countries and three Rotary zones. • Rotarian Action Groups must adopt RI’s standard bylaws for Rotarian Action Groups and operate in accordance with Rotary policy. • Rotarian Action Groups are expected to facilitate communication among their members and maintain regular communication with RI.

6. Some Benefits of Rotarian Action Groups • Rotarian Action Groups provide opportunities for Rotarians to engage in meaningful service in partnership with like-minded Rotarians outside of their own club, district, or country. • Rotarian Action Groups’ size and internationality enables their service projects to benefit from the expertise and collaboration of Rotarians from all over the world. • Rotarian Action Group projects have the potential to significantly enhance Rotary’s public image.

7. As of 1 October 2010, there are 14 Rotarian Action Groups addressing the following areas of service: Current Rotarian Action Groups • AIDS • Blindness Prevention • Blood Donation • Dental Volunteers • Diabetes • Disaster Relief • Health Fairs • Hunger and Malnutrition • Malaria • Microcredit • Multiple Sclerosis • Polio Survivors • Population and Development • Water and Sanitation

8. Examples of Rotarian Action Groups Blood Donation AIDS Population & Development MS Awareness Dental Volunteers

9. Rotarian Action Groups at the International Convention • Rotarian Action Groups use the International Convention in June as an opportunity to plan meetings, informational workshops, and other activities for attending members and prospective members from around the world. • Rotarian Action Group exhibits make up a vital part of the House of Friendship, and groups use this opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, plan for the future, and recruit new members.

10. How to Join a Rotarian Action Group • Contact a group that interests you directly using contact information found on www.rotary.org, or in the Global Networking Groups Directory. • If a group for your interests does not currently exist, contact RI Staff for information on how to start a new group.

11. Online Resources • For general program information, visit www.rotary.org/actiongroups • On the Web, you may access the following downloadable resources: • Rotarian Action Groups Flyer • Rotarian Action Groups PowerPoint Presentation • Rotarian Action Groups Directory • Rotarian Action Groups Application Form • Suggested Rotarian Action Groups Posting Board

12. Contact RI Staff Rotary International Programs & Presidential Initiatives Section Phone: 1-847-866-4494 Fax: 1-847-556-2182 E-mail:actiongroups@rotary.org Rotary International 1560 Sherman Avenue Evanston, IL 60201-3698 USA

13. Rotary Fellowships “Fellowship is wonderful; it illuminates life’s pathway, spreads good cheer, and is worth high price.” -Rotary Founder Paul Harris

14. What are 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

15. Other Benefits of Rotary Fellowships Rotary Fellowships... • Offer opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside of one’s own club, district and country • Contribute to the advancement of world understanding and peace • Serve as an incentive for attracting new members to Rotary and for retaining existing members

16. 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 1 July 2008, there are 66 Rotary Fellowships.

17. 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.

18. Examples of Rotary Fellowships Scuba Diving Marathon Running Doll Lovers Flying

19. Fellowships at the International Convention • June is Rotary Fellowships Month • Fellowships often use the International Convention in June as an opportunity to plan meetings and activities for attending members from around the world. • Fellowship exhibits make up a vital part of the House of Friendship, and groups use this opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, plan for the future, and recruit new members.

20. The International Convention(cont.) Above: The Convention-Goers Fellowship celebrates Rotary’s Centennial at the 2005 International Convention in Chicago

21. How to Join a Rotary Fellowship • Contact a group that interests you directly using contact information found on www.rotary.org, or in the Global Networking Groups 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.

22. Online Resources • For general program information, visit www.rotary.org and search for “Rotary Fellowships.” • On the Web, you may access the following downloadable resources: • Rotary Fellowships Handbook (publication 729) • Rotary Fellowships Flyer • Rotary Fellowships PowerPoint Presentation • Global Networking Groups Directory • Global Networking Groups Application Form • Join the Global Networking Groups Discussion Forum at http://forums.rotary.org/.

23. Contact RI Staff Rotary International Programs & Presidential Initiatives Section Phone: 1-847-866-4494 Fax: 1-847-866-6116 E-mail:rotaryfellowships@rotary.org Rotary International 1560 Sherman Avenue Evanston, IL 60201-3698 USA