Very timely Blog after the last weekend
By Davide Gallasso, Rotary Membership Coordinator (Italy) and member of the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians
When passion meets purpose, incredible things happen. As a member of the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians—and founder of its Italian chapter— I’ve seen firsthand how Rotary Fellowships can transform the Rotary experience. They’re powerful tools for creating a sense of belonging beyond the club level. Fellowships offer a unique opportunity to connect across borders, serve, and grow together through a shared interest. For us, that passion is motorcycling. And every ride becomes an opportunity to put Rotary’s values into action.
The Road to Connection
Like all fellowships, ours brings people from around the world together through a shared passion for Rotary and the fellowship’s focus—motorcycling. The result is a sense of belonging that builds trust and deepens members’ relationships across clubs, districts, and countries. Our bonds transcend borders and cultures, making it easier to collaborate on service projects, even when we’re not riding.
The Italian chapter has grown from seven members in 2003 to over 200 active members. This has created incredible opportunities for connection, service, and action. Adding service to our rides gives them purpose and makes them more rewarding.
During a recent ride with this chapter, I reconnected with a friend who had joined our rides years ago as a non-Rotarian. He just became a Rotary member, bringing a distinguished background as captain of the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy’s iconic naval training ship. Our ride concluded with a visit to Dallara Automobili, another icon of Italian engineering excellence. We were honored to be welcomed by founder Giampaolo Dallara himself, who, at 89, still goes to the office every day, contributing to his company’s global success. Seeing our Rotary gear, he felt a sense of belonging and informed us that he is a Rotarian too. Moments like these reflect the spirit of Rotary: shared passion, meaningful service, and lasting bonds.
Turning Passion into Action
These connections naturally evolve into opportunities for meaningful service. In our fellowship, we believe every ride should have a purpose beyond the thrill of the open road. That’s why we incorporate service into our events. By wearing Rotary-branded gear during our rides, we increase the visibility of our organization and demonstrate our commitment to service.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our fellowship is witnessing how our passion for motorcycling inspires others to join Rotary. Some bikers join our rides and events simply for the love of motorcycling. But through these experiences, they see Rotary in action and often become interested in joining. This strengthens our fellowship and expands Rotary’s reach.
A Global Community
With over 25 chapters and more than 2,600 members worldwide, our fellowship is a vibrant global community of Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends united by a shared love for motorcycling and a commitment to service. From Slovenia to India, Australia to the United States, our members come together to ride, serve, and build lasting friendships.
As a Rotary membership coordinator, I see Rotary Fellowships as an essential way to deepen engagement, attract new members, and enhance Rotary’s image. They provide a platform to connect over shared interests, engage in meaningful service, and experience the true spirit of Rotary.
Join the Ride
I encourage you to explore the opportunities offered by Rotary Fellowships. Whether you’re interested in joining an existing fellowship or starting a new one, the possibilities are endless. By combining your interests with Rotary’s commitment to service, you can make a positive impact in your community and around the world.
Let’s ride with purpose and unleash the power of Rotary Fellowships.
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