As first-time convention participants Russell and Astrida shared their experiences at the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore. Rotary conventions are hosted in a different country and continent each year.

 

Astrida introduced the presentation with a broad overview of the convention describing the main themes of the plenary sessions while Russell described the ‘colour and movement’ in the House of Friendship and topics in the multitude of breakout sessions. Astrida then wrapped up about what is happening next globally for Rotary International and both speakers highlighted things for our club to think about.

 

To refresh our memories there are about 1.4 million Rotary members in the world with over 44,000 clubs in 220 countries. The scale and size of this convention was memorable. Over 14,000 people from some 90 countries attended. It was big.

The true diversity of Rotary members can be seen at an international convention. Men and women, young and old from many different countries mingling together. It generated a great feeling of energy, crowded diversity and harmony.

As is the tradition with Rotary International conferences the opening ceremony began with a speech by the current international president, Dr Gordon McNally. This was followed by an international flag parade representing countries where Rotary clubs are found. Motivational speakers followed and covered themes such as:

 

The House of Friendship is a core feature of international Rotary conventions where many clubs, fellowships, Rotary action groups and the Rotary Foundation display and present their work in making the world a better place. It too reflected the diversity that is Rotary. Highlights included:

There were over 100 breakout sessions which offered more in depth coverage of issues of interest to Rotarians. Russell and Astrida attended several of these aiming to be in different sessions so they could get the broadest coverage of topics. Some of these included increasing membership, promoting Rotary, learning to tell engaging stories, WASH projects, endangered species activities, energising your club with young professionals etc.

 

The focus for the incoming Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, is peace. She and RI are hosting an international peace conference in Istanbul in February 2025 to raise awareness about peace what can be done by governments, civil society and the corporate sector to help in peace work. A new peace centre will be opened at Bahçeşehir University near Istanbul.

 

The next international convention will be held in Calgary, British Columbia, Canada in June 2025. After that hosting cities/countries include Taipei, Taiwan in 2026 and Honolulu, Hawaii, USA in June 2027.

 

Closer to home, Russell and Astrida shared some ideas about what our club may consider doing in the future. These included developing a strategic action plan (a priority for RI for the next three years) and increasing the numbers and diversity of club members from things learned at the convention.

 

Overall, attending an international convention in another country is a truly worthwhile and motivational experience – highly recommended!

 

It’s been a busy week at the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell.

 

On Thursday, 7 June, Bill took 50 Japanese language students from St. Edmunds College to see and ring the Bell.

 

On Friday 8th June, the sound of the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell was used as the sound of Canberra on 666 ABC Radio. Russell very kindly met an ABC reporter Friday morning to make a recording of the striking of the Bell. The recording was then played after the 2 pm news and there were many calls to the station identifying the Bell. At about 2:20 pm our member Michael Rabey was interviewed about the history of the Bell by the presenter, Adrienne Frances. The recording of that interview is now available on the Peace Bell web site, at https://www.canberrarotarypeacebell.org/michael-rabey-talks-with-abc-radio/.

 

Later that day, 103 Year 6 students from Majura Primary School were taken for a tour through Lennox Gardens to the Peace Bell with Russell, Warrick and Stephen acting as guides.

 

Our next Club meeting will be held on Zoom, on Thursday, 13 June 2024. We will hear from PDG Maurie Stack, Chair of the Rotary Foundation Australia and of the Election Review Committee of Rotary International. He’ll be speaking about the Rotary Foundation. The link for the meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815531116. George will kindly open the link at 12:15 pm to enable members to chat online and the formal meeting to start at 12:30.

 

There will be no in-person meeting this week.

 

To see the program of future meetings, visit: Rotary activities Spreadsheet.

 

If you are not able to perform your allocated duty, please arrange a replacement and advise President Warrick. Please advise Stephen of any planned absences to avoid being rostered on while away.

 

Our Club sponsors a “citizenship and values program” with Majura Primary School. Part of that includes sponsorship for book prizes for students who display the school values (collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, perseverance, and respect) during the school day. The school has provided this photo of books they have purchased with funds from our Club.

 

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