24th September 2005

VIRTUAL REALITY FOR ROTARY - FIRST ROTARY ECLUB IN BRITAIN

As Rotary International celebrates its 100th anniversary, Rotary in London is showing that it is very much part of the 21st cyber society with the launch of the first ever on-line eRotary Club in Britain. The Rotary eClub of London Centenary is one of 27 such clubs in the world where busy cyber Rotarians can link up online to help others and share the international friendships generated by being a member of a Rotary Club.

The idea is that it will be an on-line eRotary Club for men and women who have internet access and who share Rotary values and ideals. The eclub is aimed at commuters from across the South East who work in London in places such as Canary Wharf, the City or elsewhere or housebound people in London who cannot get to regular Rotary meetings. Interaction will be on line and members will have full access to all Rotary facilities.

The members of the Rotary eClub will be encouraged to meet up from time to time at Rotary in London headquarters in Central London. The eClub received its Charter on Saturday, 24th September, 2005 during a Charter Night Party at Rotary in London headquarters by Regents Park. Eclub President Stella Russell said: "This is a new style of Club – a Cyber Club - because Rotary International realised the need to adapt and move forward in this technological age. We have a good team in the eClub and hope to increase membership. Our first project is in association with an American club helping evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. We are now a real Rotary Club - with Rotary values - and proud to be part of Rotary in London and Rotary International."

Presenting the Charter to the eClub, Rotary in London District Governor for 2004/5, Colin Bryant said: "This is a fantastic evening, as far as I am concerned, because the idea of the eClub happened in my head about two and a half years ago. When I spoke about the idea of a Rotary eClub as I went around Clubs, I was asked by some Rotarians where would it meet and how often would members eat together - and I said we'll have bites!!

The founder of Rotary International Paul Harris was a pioneer and this eClub is a pioneering club - one of 27 worldwide. When the need is there, Rotary is able to respond. This club is breaking new ground ...the eClub has started well. People have had courtships and marriage through the internet and made contact through "Friends Reunited" and this will show whether or not Rotary friendships can be developed through the eClub movement."

The 27 worldwide Rotary eClubs are taking part in a pilot programme and will be chartered Rotary clubs with full financial and participation obligations.

More details can be found on Rotary in London website:
www.rotaryinlondon.org or http://erotarylondon.org