Dear Fellow Rotarians,

 The purpose of this short note is to let you know that significant organizational changes have recently been implemented in Rotary Fellowships, which will be important for us as we prepare our application for recognition as the Peace Rotarians Action Group this fall.  

To offer a brief overview, at its June meeting, the RI Board agreed that due to the differences between the activities of service-oriented fellowships and recreational and vocational fellowships, these groups should be placed in two separate categories with distinct policies. Henceforth, fellowships with a recreational or vocational focus remain under the current title of "Rotary Fellowships," while those with a service focus will now be referred to as "Rotarian Action Groups." Both Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups exist under an entity called "Global Networking Groups." These organizational changes have taken effect as of 1 July 2005.
 

RI is currently in the process of developing a new application form to reflect the distinction between Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups.    

I realize that many of you have been involved in peace building activities through Rotary service for many years.  I feel that the new changes in policy at Rotary International will give us an outstanding opportunity to support existing Fourth Object activities – to promote understanding, goodwill and peace through Rotary service. 

 Meanwhile, please consider taking the following actions:

1. Review and provide feedback to me on the mission statement and action plan for our Action Group  on the website at www.rotarypeacebuilding.homestead.com .  

2. Sign the Guest Book on the website to join as a charter member of the action group if you have not done so to date.

3. Submit a short notice about the pending Peace Rotarians Action Group for your Club Bulletins.

4. Let me know that you would be interested in joining our Action Group Leadership Team to help with the application process, membership development and bulletin publication.

Thank you,

 Yours in Rotary,