INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & HOSTING FELLOWSHIP (ITHF)

By John Steven – President ITHF

Some Rotarians and their partners enjoy playing golf, others enjoy yachting, stamp collecting or cycling. Some like to pilot private planes or talk to people in far away places via short wave radio.

If there is one thing Rotarians universally enjoy, it is the rich fellowship with other Rotarians. The Recreational and Vocational Fellowships of Rotary International are associations of Rotarians and spouses who share common interests in worthwhile recreational or vocational activities for the purpose of furthering acquaintance and fellowship.

The International Travel and Hosting Fellowship (ITHF) is one such fellowship and is a network of Rotarians throughout the world agreeing to host and share their lives with each other. ITHF provides members with an annual directory listing details of all members to facilitate "connections". Details include home and e-mail addresses, interests and languages spoken, and in most cases a photo of the member.

Prospective hosts are contacted preferably 30 days prior to the desired visit. They consent to a "connection" with the visiting party subject to their own convenience. Connections take many forms. Some will simply involve an evening at a restaurant, some will provide local information, some admission to "the club", some will include everything - accommodation, food, sightseeing, entertainment, etc. Such is strictly the host's choice but without any obligation. Details are decided by the members.

The ITHF is not a bed and breakfast, or home hotel organisation, and there is no obligation on members to house visitors in their home. The "connection" will be richer for it, but some do not have space for visitors, and some might find the time inconvenient.

The ITHF "connection," therefore, is for the purpose of having a cultural experience. Those simply wanting a bed, a meal to eat, or who are more interested in their own itinerary than that offered by hosts will soon discover they are in the wrong fellowship

Common courtesy requires that ITHF members make their inquiries well in advance of the planned arrival, respond promptly to all inquiries received, and take maximum care to avoid any unwelcome surprises to the hosts.

ITHF organizes tours to and sometimes from the RI World Convention each year, on which members and spouses can enjoy touring in the company of like minded Rotarians, In 2007 there is a tour commencing in Scottsdale, Arizona, and arriving in Salt Lake City in time for the World Convention. Tours at other times of the year are sometimes arranged.

Members are encouraged to "get together" with other members in their area for a B-B-Q, picnic or other informal gathering for Rotary fellowship.

ITHF has a booth at the World Convention each year, and this is a convenient meeting place for our members. The AGM is held during a breakfast meeting during the World Convention, and this is a fun meeting at which members recount some of their experiences.

Currently the membership fee is $US50 for one year or $US75 for 3 years. Obviously the 3-year term is financially attractive.

General information and details of membership can be found on the ITHF website at www.ithf.org