Rotary Minute — Fourth Avenue of Service — Friendship Exchange

Howard Johnson

Howard Johnson gave Friday’s Rotary Minute, devoted to a brief on the Fourth Avenue of Service and specifically, International. Exchange programs. Hojo showed a slide that explained all of the activities under International Exchange. This includes Youth Exchange, Group Study Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Rotary Volunteers, Polio Plus, Matching Grants, 3-H Grants and Rotary Friendship Exchange

Howard focused on the Friendship Exchange, which is of two types: the visitor program, and the team program. This exchange gives Rotarians and their families the opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand, by participating in reciprocal visits with Rotarians from other countries and their families. The goal of the program is to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace through person-to-person contacts across national boundaries.

Howard got involved in the Team Program several years ago by hosting an Australian visitor. There was an exchange group from Central New South Wales. Later, Howard and Judy visited Australia and spent some time with those who’d visited the Johnsons. His basic message was: “Get involved in some sort of exchange. It really pays off. A typical visitor exchange lasts from three to seven days, while a Team exchange can range from one to four weeks.” You can learn more about Rotary Friendship Exchange by visiting the Rotary International website at www.rotary.org.