Connection activities: How to make new friends all over the world

By Rotary Service and Engagement staff

This post is part of the ‘Making the Most of Your Membership’ series celebrating Rotary Membership and Club Development Month throughout August.

Rotary is a global community of 1.2 million members. That means you have 1.2 million Rotary friends all over the world! You regularly attend club meetings and work within your local communities to make a difference, and your Rotary membership comes with access to a network of people located all over the world who share your passions and interests. Through the networking activities below, you have opportunities to make a global impact by connecting with Rotary members outside your club and district:

• Join a Rotary Fellowship to share your passions and hobbies with fellow Rotarians. Fellowships enhance the Rotary experience by helping members make friends outside of their clubs and expand their international network, interests, and develop a more global perspective. Fellowships range in topics from recreational interests to vocational groups who all find ways to combine their passions to network and improve communities. Take a look at of some of the activities undertaken by fellowships.

• Through the Rotary Friendship Exchange program, you can discover new cultures while making new friends all over the world. Through the program, participants deepen their international understanding, foster goodwill, and explore professions in a different context while building lasting friendships and a foundation for peace and service. Districts are encouraged to organize exchanges around at least one of these themes: culture, service, and vocation. Read about the benefits of an exchange and contact your district’s Rotary Friendship Exchange Chair to get involved.

• Attend a project fair to support a new international service effort while learning about the local community. Project fairs are regional events, hosted by Rotary districts, to encourage international friendship and collaboration. Fairs give clubs a chance to showcase their service efforts to potential partners, and they offer international visitors the chance to find a project that meets their club’s goals. Fairs typically run two to three days and may include site visits to service projects as well as opportunities to experience the local culture. Read previous experiences of fair participants:

⇒ How my first trip to Africa changed my life

⇒ Connecting for good at Multi-Club Workshops

• Foster inter-cultural understanding through an Intercountry committee (ICC). An ICC is a network of Rotary clubs or districts in two or more countries working together working to promote peace, friendship, and strengthens relations. You might work with an ICC on international service projects, sponsor a new Rotary club, develop a sister or twin club relationship, and even undertake a Rotary Friendship Exchange between the two countries.

Throughout August, we encourage you to make the most of your membership. Follow this blog and look out for more activities and programs available to the Rotary family.

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