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I was warned by those who had gone before me. I was warned that this would be one of the best Rotary experiences of your life. That the event might change me! And they were all right! In early January, the world of Rotary came to Orlando, Florida for the Rotary International Assembly. This event is essentially a training conference for all the incoming District Governors from all the Rotary Districts from around the world. All 530 of them. And yes, it is filled with the usual break out sessions, training in us in all things Rotary. Hoping that we will be able to effectively lead our own District. And there were plenty of noteworthy and memorable speakers, inspiring us and providing us with motivation and ideas to bring home with us. There were big dinners and an International Cultural Night, and there was even a Scottish “Ceilidh”, featuring Scottish food, Scotch, music and dancing. And of course, there was the unveiling of the theme for our upcoming year, by the RIPE Gordon McInally, from Scotland.
All these things were enough to make for a completely memorable, once in a lifetime, Rotary experience. But that is not what I will take from away from my attendance. The thing that I will always remember is the Fellowship with your “new” Rotary friends from all over the world.
You would meet someone on day one, and at once, you now had a new friend in Rotary, who was happy to share their experiences in Rotary. I made new friends from Japan, Brazil, Uganda, France, Taiw
an, Hong Kong, South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, India, England, and Canada and the US. And there were reunions with friends I had just made in the Toronto Learn to Lead Conference in September. Being in Rotary, is like knowing someone your whole life.
an, Hong Kong, South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, India, England, and Canada and the US. And there were reunions with friends I had just made in the Toronto Learn to Lead Conference in September. Being in Rotary, is like knowing someone your whole life. Conversations are quick and friendly, and language differences do not seem to be a big hurdle. You learn that the issues that you fret over, are the same problems your peers in other districts are facing, no matter what continent they hail from. You learn that you are part of an incredible organization of people who are really trying to make our world a better place. That Rotarians all over are doing great things in their communities in so many different ways, touching and improving the lives of so many people.
RIPE Gord McInally began the conference with an emotional presentation, before unveiling the new Rotary Theme for 2023-24: “Rotary Creates Hope in The World”. After meeting so many wonderful Rotarians, and learning about all the many things being done on behalf of those less fortunate, I could not help but think how appropriate the theme resonated. Together, Rotarians as people of action, truly do Create Hope in The World!I have often remarked that I, like so many other Rotarians, am blessed in life, and blessed with the opportunity to make a difference in our communities. To that I add, that representing our district at the International Assembly was also a great blessing, one to which I am truly humbled and honored.