Dear Rotarians,

A few weeks ago, I discussed how Rotary Action Groups connect the world of Rotarians. As a refresher, RAGs are global groups of Rotarians and others who are experts in many fields and can offer help and resources for a specific project at the Club or District Level.

The other way to connect the world is through a Rotary Fellowship. From RI’s website, “Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.” They differ from Rotary Action Groups is that they are more hobby focused where a Rotarian can find other members from around the world who share a similar passion or hobby.

While there are a few Rotary Fellowships that are focused on a profession, the majority are hobby based. Imagine if you are an avid skier. There is a Rotary Fellowship for you. How cool would it be to connect to skiers all over the world and join some members for a ski holiday in the Swiss Alps. PP Dave T, there is a Water Polo Fellowship. Captain Kirk, there is an Internet Fellowship. Rose F, there is an Italian Culture Fellowship. Judith P there is a Music Fellowship. Tina B there is a Photography Fellowship. Ted M, Steve L, Greg M, there is a Military Veterans Fellowship. Attorneys, there is one for you, Lawyers. Canoeing, Yoga, Wine, Beer, Doll lovers, Doctors, Recreational Vehicles, Railroads, Chess and the list goes on and on. Want to make Rotarian friends around the world and share your passion? Rotary Fellowships are the way to go. Make lasting friendships outside your club, district and country.

Rotary Fellowships serve to advance Rotary’s public image and identity and can serve as an incentive for joining and maintaining active membership.

As an organization, just as Rotary Action Groups, Rotary Fellowships function separately from RI by establishing their own structure, dues requirements and rules. While Rotary Action Groups are open to a wide group of professional people who may be outside of Rotary, Rotary Fellowships are open to Rotarians, their family members, and alumni of Rotary and all Foundation programs.

Go to RI’s website for more information and find a very, very long list of established Fellowships and a way to contact them for more information. Each Fellowship has a hot link to their landing page with a description of who, what, where, how and why!

If you can’t find a Fellowship in the immense long list of Fellowships, you can start your own. There is a brochure available for download on RI’s website that details the steps.

I have a goal of one club member joining a Rotary Action Group and one club member joining Rotary Fellowship. Let our club know how much you are enjoying your Group or Fellowship and help our club be a part of President Maloney’s mission of “Rotary Connects the World!”

Jackie Thornhill
President
Las Vegas Rotary Club

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting:  September 12, 2019

• President Jackie Thornhill called the meeting to order.

• P.P. Jim Kohl gave the invocation;

• P.P. Steve Linder led the club in singing “America the Beautiful”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance;

• The Sergeant at Arms was Carey Grohs;

• There was (1) International Rotarian, (0) visiting Rotarians and (8) Guests of Rotarians introduced;

• President Jackie gave a reminder about the Together We Read Pilot Program.  All Rotarians were encouraged to reach out to Toni Kern and Kathy Mahon  to get involved.  She also reminded the club of the International Convention in Hawaii. President Jackie announced the intention to donate to the Robbins Fund in the green book.  $500 has been budgeted from the Foundation in addition to member donations to District 6990 for disaster relief;

• President Jackie then led the club in a moment of silence in remembrance of those we lost of September 11, 2001.

• Principal Shannon Brown gave an update from Beckley and the results of Breakfast with Books.  There were 309 parents and students in attendance;

• Rose Falocco donated four tickets to a Golden Knight’s game to the club to auction off toward the disaster relief efforts.  President Jackie auctioned off the tickets to Robert Brinton for a grand total of $800;

• Jimmelle Siarot gave a recap of the Rockin’ Bettie fundraiser.  $250 was raised at the event toward the canned food drive.   

• P.P. David Thorson reminded everyone of the upcoming Wetzel Awards on September 26th at 2:30.  Rene Gamero announced the 25 Club social on September 24th which is a tour of the Make a Wish wishing place.

• Jamie Goldsmith reminded everyone of SOAR ceremony at Las Vegas City Hall on September 16th and said the largest need is attendance;

• Kathy Mahon reminded everyone of the high tea on September 15th at La Postté benefiting the canned food drive;
• President Jackie reminded the club of the 30th annual Peace Conference at Treasure Island on November 16th.  P.P. Russ Swain announced the UNLV tailgate on October 5th at 5:30 in the Scarlett parking lot.  P.P. Jim Tucker announced all of the space in the Wheel has been filled, but there are still ads available in the roster.

• Jerry Engle told the club about his recent trip to Africa and his rotary experiences while he was there and President Jackie  presented Eric Astramecki with his long lost sport coat.

• The weekly drawing began at $1,170 plus this week’s donations.  The Ticket Winner who drew an ace and received $50 was Steve Kwon;  the Lawry’s Bucks went to a guest;

• Dr. Andy Kuniyuki introduced Dr. Spencer Stewart, Chancellor of WGU, an online, nonprofit, competency-based university who discussed the concepts behind WGU’s structure and success of the university since inception.

• President Jackie presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit the local USO and then adjourned the meeting.