Category Archives: Convention

News, highlights, interviews, and more from the Rotary International convention

Why attend a Rotary convention?

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The House of Friendship is a great place to connect with other Rotary members during a convention. It’s not too early to register for the 2018 Convention in Toronto, Canada.

By Maud Huey Kenyon, Rotary Club of Boulder Valley, Colorado, USA

As I contemplated the survey I received from Rotary for attendees of the 2017 Rotary Convention in Atlanta, I had a chance to reflect on the four conventions I have been to. I think the program put together for the Atlanta Convention was both forward thinking and full of fresh perspectives. Here are my reasons why you should consider attending a convention. Continue reading →

Attending the RI Convention (virtually)

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Rotary members watch the debut of Rotary’s VR film, “One Small Act” at the Atlanta Convention.

By Bill Pollard, Rotary Club of Churchland, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA, and past governor of District 7600

It would be wonderful if every Rotarian could experience at least one Rotary International Convention. It is a great venue to hear from our leaders, listen to keynote speakers, learn useful information at breakout sessions, and visit with Rotary Fellowships and Action Groups in the House of Friendship. Of course, the best part of attending a convention is the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with Rotarians from all over the world. Continue reading →

Special bell cast to ring in The Rotary Foundation’s next century

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The Rotary Foundation Centennial Bell. Photo by Danilo Di Nucci

By Francesco Bruno, Communications Specialist, RI Staff

While we still need to use our fantasy to search for that hidden gateway that can launch us into the future, finding one that takes you back in history is at our reach if you happen to be at the right place, at the right time. Upon entering the large wooden door of the Marinelli Foundry in the hilltop city of Agnone, Italy, it took only a few seconds to feel like I was stepping back in time. The  scene I witnessed was one my ancestors could have observed a thousand years ago. Continue reading →

Rotary’s biggest event of the year starts now

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By Rotary Staff

The 108th annual Rotary International Convention officially opens Sunday, 11 June, but Rotary members from across the globe have already begun pouring into Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to attend preconvention events, catch up with friends, and enjoy America’s Southern hospitality.

More than 40,000 members from 174 countries are expected to attend this year’s event, which runs 10-14 June. During those five days, attendees will hear from world-class speakers, watch Rotary’s new virtual reality film, and party like it’s 1917. Continue reading →

Join us in Atlanta in 2017

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Experience the hospitality of the American South during the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta 10-14 June. You’ll want to be part of the special birthday party we are planning to celebrate our Foundation’s 100 years of Doing Good in the World. Enhance your Rotary experience with an unparalleled lineup of speakers, entertainment, and events. And while you are there, discover Atlanta, a gracious, warm-hearted city whose rich history and modern, thriving metropolitan area offers something for everyone.
Register now.

Rotary members fight human trafficking

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By Megan Ferringer, Rotary staff

It is estimated that human trafficking generates $40 billion annually. That’s more than McDonald’s, Google’s, and Wal-mart’s profits combined.

Human trafficking, especially the commercial sexual exploitation of children, is a major problem. Continue reading →

Boa noite, São Paulo!

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Rotary members make connections in the House of Friendship.

Rotary members make connections in the House of Friendship.

By Ryan Hyland

With the 2015 Rotary convention in São Paulo coming to a close, we asked attendees in the House of Friendship what they enjoyed most.

Heather Dieckmann, Rotary Club of Bethel-St. Clair, Pennsylvania, USA:
The Major Donor dinner was really fun. Just the conversation at my table was amazing. I was privileged to sit next to Geetha Jayaram [recipient of the 2014-15 Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award]. She was so lovely. Getting to know her on a one-on-one level was the highlight of my trip. Continue reading →

Your backstage pass to the convention

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We’re taking you inside #ricon15 this year with a series of special one-on-one interviews. Here, Documentary Filmmaker and Founder of Principle Pictures Beth Murphy discusses her latest film, “What Tomorrow Brings,” with Stuart Cleland. See the whole series and other convention videos.

Rotary flame arrives in São Paulo

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On 27 March 2014, India, a country of more than one billion people, was declared polio-free. To mark this milestone, the Rotary Club of Madras, India, launched the Rotary flame, which has traveled through several continents on its way to the 2015 Rotary Convention in São Paulo. The video above documents its arrival in São Paulo.

Rio Branco School for the Deaf

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The video above aired during the convention Sunday, showing how São Paulo Rotary clubs are improving their communities. , founded in 1977 by Fundação de Rotarianos de São Paulo, offers a free education for deaf children from low-income households. The school is dedicated to develop and socialize deaf children into a predominantly hearing society with a carefully planned out curriculum.

Students learn through advanced educational and technical resources, including Libras – the Brazilian Language of Signs until the fifth grade of elementary school. After the sixth year, through the School Continuity Program, a partnership with the Colégio Rio Branco and associate school, deaf students are fully integrated into classes with hearing students.