Environment Fellowship of Rotarians

A message from Rtn. Warren Hill, first President of the EFR

Our fellowship began in March 1989 when I noticed in Rotary literature a call for new fellowships to be formed. I used contacts gained through my profession, National Parks, and trough Rotarians I had met world-wide when serving as District Governor in 1986-87. The initial requirements were for five Rotarians in three countries. The first six "charter" Rotarians to join included Aidan Maloney of Canada, Glen Alexander, Dale Engquist, Warren Hill, and Charles Odegaard of the United States, and Maarten Mantje of the Netherlands. Within the first year we were joined by members from Bangladesh and more from the United States. From this beginning the fellowship now includes more than 120 Rotarians in 30 countries.

I first thought that the Fellowship should be entitled National Parks following my own profession. I soon found that there was a general enthusiasm for an environmental fellowship. Early on, I had thought that we should follow the Rotary guideline that members should have the "environment" as a profession. But again I was swayed by the applicants who cam from diverse professions but who shared a passion for protection of the environment, some came to us because they served their club, district or Rotary International in this work. So I thought it best to be inclusive, not exclusive and not apply any pre-tests to qualification. What you will find among the members are Rotarians who do make a difference for the environment through their profession, through Rotary projects, through other volunteer work, or through teaching others in this vital field.

I am happy to see the Rotary Vocational Fellowship Environment continue under the energetic leadership of Marco Kappenberger. He has language skills that I do not. He also has unbounded enthusiasm for doing work in this are and he is committed to carry on. He also has been a member since 1995 and a frequent correspondent during all of these years.

Good wishes to you Marco as you move forward with the Fellowship Environment!

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