story by: Max thorne

The reasons for becoming a Rotarian will almost certainly be different for everyone, even if there are a few core themes. As a ‘newbie’ there is a lot to take in, starting with remembering everyone’s names in your club.

What may not be immediately apparent is the sheer scale and scope of what our world-wide organisation has to offer a newly inducted club member.

In addition to the camaraderie, engaging projects to become involved in and the opportunity to make a difference locally or abroad, there is a key word we ‘newbies’ hear but don’t yet know anything about. Fellowships – and June is the Rotary International month which focuses on fellowships.

In a nutshell, Fellowships are a real life, real world opportunity open to every Rotarian as an extension of Rotary membership.

Now, here’s the thing - for a ‘newbie’, Fellowships may not be the first area of personal opportunity they hear about. Plus, to be honest, there is perhaps a bit of mystery about it; or is it ‘them’?

Fellowships are a diverse collection of groups established across the world which bring together Rotarians who share a common interest.

Actually, ‘common’ is not a word which should be used, as the list of Fellowship groups exceeds 100 and is so diverse, you really couldn’t make up the wide-ranging list of specific interests. A phrase which describes the many Fellowships best would probably be, “There’s something for everyone”.

“The list of Fellowships has evolved over time, starting in 1927 with an informal group coming together due to a shared interested in ‘Esperanto’, the widely spoken international language.

What the list shows without doubt, is the sheer range of personal interests Rotarians have. It’s also proof positive of how the Rotary spirit of collaboration and information sharing can overcome thousands of miles, cross national borders or simply bring you into contact with other Rotarians nearby who have the same interests as you.

So, if such disparate groups such as bird watching, old and rare books, cricket, beer, leadership, and beard and moustache are officially under the Rotary banner, how does the organisation itself view Fellowships as part of what the organisation has to offer to new - and existing members?

Rotary International’s view is clear. Fellowships give Rotarians opportunities to make lasting friendships outside their own clubs. Fellowships contribute to the advancement of world peace and understanding, and Fellowships give new Rotarians an additional element to their membership throughout it.

As a new Rotarian, Fellowships have a particular resonance with your own interests which can make you feel more at home and connected to other Rotarians either across the country you live in or in the wider world.

Joining a Fellowship is very straightforward - you just make contact via the list on the Rotary website. Your involvement doesn’t mean you have to be an expert in, say, cybersecurity (yes, it is a Fellowship group). However, if you have a genuine interest, have developed expertise in that area or perhaps work in the industry, your voice will be welcome.

So, what are the pluses in being a Fellowship member?

In addition to contacting and potentially collaborating with others who share the same interests as you, for example, chess, gardening or fishing, there is also the opportunity to learn from others who may have specialist knowledge that could be helpful to you in your job.

As we know, Rotarians love to share their knowledge and what could be better than having access to seasoned mentors and knowledgeable Rotarians who can give you greater insights or new information?

There is, of course, a great deal of information about Fellowships ready and waiting for you to read on the Rotary website. It is clear, concise and helpful for anyone who wishes to maximise the personal benefits of becoming or being a Rotarian.

Quite simply, we are part of a friendly, effective international organisation. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, Rotary brings people together for friendship, the exchange of knowledge, fun and mutual understanding.

What could be better than making friends anywhere in the world, who share the same interests and passions that you do?

Finding the right Fellowship group for you - or finding out how to establish a new group - is just a website search away at this link.

Feature image: Sandesh M. Kaddi, of the Rotary Club of Belgaum, India, a member of the Rotary International Fellowship of Kites, a global community of kite enthusiasts.