This is the first in a series of blog posts highlighting member engagement opportunities in celebration of Rotary Membership and Club Development Month in August.
By Rotary Service and Engagement
Rotary is a global community of 1.2 million members who share similar values and want to make the world a better place. Your Rotary membership comes with access to this network of 1.2 million people located all over the world who share your passions and interests. Although you may regularly attend club meetings and work within your local community, you also have opportunities to make a global impact by connecting with Rotary members outside your club and district.
How can you go about making these connections? The programs below are a great way to build international partnerships and make new friends:
- Explore your passions and hobbies with fellow Rotarians by joining one of Rotary’s Fellowships. 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 and join an existing group. If you’d like to start a new Fellowship, visit rotary.org/fellowships.
- Discover other cultures and make new friends across the globe by taking part in a Rotary Friendship Exchange. 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. Explore the Exchange Finder Map to find prospective exchange partnering districts and contact one directly to explore a possible exchange.
- Attend a project fair to support an international service effort while learning about another culture. Rotary’s project fairs connect clubs that are seeking international service projects with those that are interested in collaborating with global partners. Project fairs typically last two to three days and may include visits to service projects or opportunities to experience the local culture. Consider attending one of these project fairs to build a foundation for an international service partnership. Read more about project fairs and how they can enhance your Rotary experience. To register for a fair, contact an event organizer directly.
- 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 to promote peace, friendship, and strengthen relations. You might work with an ICC on international service projects, inspire the creation of a new Rotary or Rotaract club, develop a sister or twin club relationship, and even undertake a Rotary Friendship Exchange or global grant between the two countries.
Throughout August, we encourage you to engage with Rotary to enhance your membership experience. Follow this blog and look out for more posts on activities and programs available to the Rotary family.
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Related:
Service in Action 
Remember Rotarian Action Groups as place to connect with Rotarians and non-Rotarians (prospects) with shared interests to make a difference in saving and changing lives.