Rotary International Convention
Posted by Douglas W. Vincent
Well, the 97th RI Convention kicked off as characters in historical costumes, dancers and the Crown Prince of Denmark welcomed Rotarians to the opening session. The stage came alive as a performer sang tunes from the musical film of 'Hans Christian Andersen'. Dancing around were people dressed as sailors, flower vendors, fishmongers, and street entertainers, all costumes that represent Denmark's past. The performance was projected on to eight screens that formed an octagon above the rotating circular stage, located in the center of the conference hall and surrounded on all sides by the audience. Then, a display of the country's break dancers and models took to the stage and performed to hip dance music.
Next, RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar addressed the audience, describing the recent progress made to expand Rotary into other countries. Two clubs were chartered in China, and he announced the RI Board of Directors has officially agreed to expand Rotary into Cuba, Kosovo, Laos, and Vietnam. That will bring Rotary up to 171 countries.
Turning to membership, he wants women to become a higher percent of Rotary's membership, considering the gender ratio is 52% in the worldwide population. Furthermore, he said that Rotary must increase the number of its younger members. "If we don't, in 30 years there will be no Rotary," he said. There is a feeling that often, we let Rotaractors slip through the cracks and we must work harder to build relationships with them so they feel welcome to join out clubs after their Rotaractor term.
In talking about Rotary's role in the world, he said that it should be the same as what former United Nations Secretary-General Daj Hammarsk believed the UN's role should be: not to bring humanity to heaven, but to save it from hell. And this is what we should be striving for in our programs and actions.
Approximately 15,000 Rotarians were then off to visit the many project displays and vendor booths, as well as attend a variety of break out and discussion sessions. New this year are many interactive discussion opportunities, available in smaller groups so Rotarians and Club Leaders can learn and exchange experience and ideas with each other. Today I helped with one, discussing how Rotary can "Bridge the World." In the House of Friendship, refreshments, soft couches to rest on and variety of entertainment could be enjoyed.
Of course one of the great enjoyments for me is the opportunity to meet and visit with several friends from around the world. Some are here from Arizona who help us with the shoe box gift project and they are excited to continue next January. In some cases special nationality breakfasts are coordinated to ensure the fellowship is alive. For example, the Canadians held a wonderful brunch on Sunday morning, featuring the Canadian Ambassador to Denmark as the special guest and speaker. It inspiring to hear her tone of appreciation and how Rotary shaped her career as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar years ago.
Afterward, while sitting in the hotel lobby I met a special agent from US Homeland Security, who had been posted to the US Embassy here in Denmark for the last four years. She is retiring and returning home to Hawaii. When she saw all of the Rotary activity she questioned me on what Rotary was. Yes, you guessed it . . before we parted, she had the whole story and was committed to becoming a Rotarian. The DG in Hawaii is a good friend of mine, so I've already communicated the details for her to follow-up next week.
In the evening, there was a big celebration at Travoli which is an adult amusement park with many rides, exciting activities and several restaurants. It is claimed that this is where Walt Disney first got the inspiration for his Disneyland idea. At the end of the evening there were gigantic fireworks, including a big Rotary wheel that lit up in fireworks. Imagine an evening outdoor party with great food, many activities and entertainment amongst 5,000 global friends!
So that's an update from wonderful Copenhagen.
Time for bed!
DG Doug V.
Turning to membership, he wants women to become a higher percent of Rotary's membership, considering the gender ratio is 52% in the worldwide population. Furthermore, he said that Rotary must increase the number of its younger members. "If we don't, in 30 years there will be no Rotary," he said. There is a feeling that often, we let Rotaractors slip through the cracks and we must work harder to build relationships with them so they feel welcome to join out clubs after their Rotaractor term.
In talking about Rotary's role in the world, he said that it should be the same as what former United Nations Secretary-General Daj Hammarsk believed the UN's role should be: not to bring humanity to heaven, but to save it from hell. And this is what we should be striving for in our programs and actions.
Approximately 15,000 Rotarians were then off to visit the many project displays and vendor booths, as well as attend a variety of break out and discussion sessions. New this year are many interactive discussion opportunities, available in smaller groups so Rotarians and Club Leaders can learn and exchange experience and ideas with each other. Today I helped with one, discussing how Rotary can "Bridge the World." In the House of Friendship, refreshments, soft couches to rest on and variety of entertainment could be enjoyed.
Of course one of the great enjoyments for me is the opportunity to meet and visit with several friends from around the world. Some are here from Arizona who help us with the shoe box gift project and they are excited to continue next January. In some cases special nationality breakfasts are coordinated to ensure the fellowship is alive. For example, the Canadians held a wonderful brunch on Sunday morning, featuring the Canadian Ambassador to Denmark as the special guest and speaker. It inspiring to hear her tone of appreciation and how Rotary shaped her career as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar years ago.
Afterward, while sitting in the hotel lobby I met a special agent from US Homeland Security, who had been posted to the US Embassy here in Denmark for the last four years. She is retiring and returning home to Hawaii. When she saw all of the Rotary activity she questioned me on what Rotary was. Yes, you guessed it . . before we parted, she had the whole story and was committed to becoming a Rotarian. The DG in Hawaii is a good friend of mine, so I've already communicated the details for her to follow-up next week.
In the evening, there was a big celebration at Travoli which is an adult amusement park with many rides, exciting activities and several restaurants. It is claimed that this is where Walt Disney first got the inspiration for his Disneyland idea. At the end of the evening there were gigantic fireworks, including a big Rotary wheel that lit up in fireworks. Imagine an evening outdoor party with great food, many activities and entertainment amongst 5,000 global friends!
So that's an update from wonderful Copenhagen.
Time for bed!
DG Doug V.