Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and Scouting (1908) have always had a very close, working relationship. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character building, Service to country, to others, and self; Teaching of leadership skills; and Becoming aware of the world around us - these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization. From a historical standpoint, Rotary was instrumental in the organizing of many local council and regional Scouting groups.

During the early days of Rotary, interest in the community gave direct leadership and emphasis to Scouting which formed the basis of many projects first incorporated into Rotary history, especially at the local club level. Rotarians saw the need for Scouting in the lives of their communities for the benefit of youth. Resources of the club and personal involvement of Rotary club members were available and helped fill many of the leadership positions. It was only natural that Scouting would become a prime area for involvement and development. The newest Scouts were sons, nephews, or grandsons of the Rotarians who were members within the local clubs. Boy Scouting initially may have been the impetus, but it was soon apparent that the girls needed the same type of support and involvement and a relationship was forthcoming for work with the girls as well. When projects for camp development, financial support, merit badge/ proficiency badge counselors, trainers of first aid and other skills, community service programs and other needs were recognized the local Rotarians were available and became involved. Thus these two worldwide groups formed a natural bond that over the years has continued to grow and prosper.

In the United States, Rotary sponsors nearly 1400 Scouting units (Troops, Packs, Posts, Venture Crews) having a total of over 54,000 youth members assisted by some 20,000 adults. It is not known how many Rotary clubs around the world are involved with Scouting (Boy and Girl), as each Association operates in a different format and the "sponsorship" element may or may not be as clear as it is for the Boy Scouts of America. At the Rotary International Convention held in Mexico City in 1991, several Rotarians who were, also, Scouters met and discussed how to provide an outlet for both interests through a fellowship group within Rotary International. It was felt that because of these dual interests and involvement, there should be many opportunities for past and present Scouters to further the Scouting/Rotary ideals and relationships at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Thus was born the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians . Numbering over 1,000 members worldwide at the present time, this group is aiding the on-going spirit of Service Above Self. After approval was received from Rotary International, IFSR joined the over 80 different Vocational and Recreational Fellowships sanctioned by Rotary International in which active Rotarians may share their interests and hobbies. Like original Scouting, the first such group was located in the British Isles (RIBI) and is now spreading throughout the Rotary and Scouting worlds. Canada, Eastern Russia (RI District 5010), the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean were formed into the Inter-American Region.

At a recent world meeting, the IFSR agreed to structure itself along the lines of the World Organization of Scout Movements, which has six distinct regions or areas for administrative purposes - European, Eurasian, African, Australian, Interamerican, and Asian. The AIM of the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians is: To develop a particular association Internationally between Rotarians who are or who have been active members of any Scout Movement – Boy or Girl.

The OBJECTIVES of the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians are :

(1) To encourage and foster the ideal of service by Rotarians between Rotary International and the World Scout Movement.

(2) To provide opportunities for social interaction between members.

(3) To give active encouragement to the Scout Movement at local, national and international levels. MEMBERSHIP is open to any Rotarian, in any country, that was formerly or is presently a member of any (girl or boy) Scout Association.

Family members and other interested persons may become Associate members. The members receive a newsletter and are kept appraised of happenings in other countries, long with a chance to exchange ideas within the "Fellowship". (There are minimal fees and the membership year follows the Rotary Calendar of July 1 to June 30) PDG, Dr. Harold Friend of Boca Raton, FL is presently the World Chairman of IFSR. His staff consists of: PDG, David Judge, Vice Chairman from England along with PADG, N.L. (Bud) Allison of Houston, Texas serving as International Secretary. Mr. Brian Thiessen of Alamo, CA as Chairman of the Inter-American Region, Chad Greer of Houston is the Treasurer for the Inter-American Region. Active sections are located in the British Isles (RIBI), Australia, Philippines, Australia, Belgium/Luxembourg. There are members in, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Croatia, Germany, central Europe, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Coordinators and other volunteers are being recruited to help spread the influence of the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians. The Secretary General of the World Bureau, Dr. Jacques Moreillon, is encouraging the 160 different Scouting Associations to become actively involved with the over 540 Rotary Districts. Projects such as camp support, training, leadership, merit badge consultants, sponsorship, fund raising, youth exchanges, conservation, and many other beneficial programs are underway with Rotary leadership and support. Those interested in additional information about IFSR, may contact Brian Thiessen, Chairman of Interamerican Region, 100 Los Balcones, Alamo, CA 94507, Email: bdtalamo@pacbell.net or N.L. (Bud) Allison, 6042 Warm Springs, Houston, TX 77035, Email: IFSRNA@prodigy.net or Dr. Harold Friend, International Chairman, 1500 NW 10 th Ave # 105, Boca Raton, FL 33486 Email: mailto:hfriend@pol.net.