2020 Group 4 Fireside Meeting

Group 4 Leader 黒田 康之

Rotary Fellowship During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The meeting was held at a small restaurant with counter seating for seven, which we had to ourselves. At the start, we heard how members’ companies are handling year-end parties and other matters, finding creative solutions suited to each company’s situation. We believe that in the Rotary Club as well, putting our heads together and being creative will allow us to deepen fellowship even further. Participating members shared the following:

• Continue holding Fireside Meetings with limited numbers, as we did this time
• Create opportunities to meet in small groups with a variety of members while preventing infection
• Attend club meetings and find ways to deepen fellowship within the meetings
• Getting to know one another is essential for fellowship
• Drinking gatherings are not the only way to get to know each other, but they are the easiest way to build fellowship
• The younger generation tends not to see value in meeting in person
• Among people who share a hobby, they can sometimes share it and converse fully over the internet
• Golf is played outdoors, allowing appropriate distance while deepening fellowship

These were among the opinions raised. Due to the pandemic, the meeting was held with a small group, but because it was small, everyone could join in the conversation and get to know each other better, which we believe led to closer fellowship. We believe that by increasing opportunities to interact with a variety of members in small groups while taking thorough infection-prevention measures, we can deepen our fellowship.