Newer or older?

Do you remember the lapel pin you received on your shoulder when you joined Rotary?  I suppose its shape defines whether you are a newer or older member of our organisation. More recent pins are rectangular; earlier examples, including the one I received in 1997, are circular. Whatever the shape, the defining characteristic of this beautiful little badge of belonging must be the Rotary wheel, endlessly encircling all we are, yet pointing, on its outer rim, in so many different directions. Its 26 ridges seem to make so many suggestions as to what we could do, and where we might go to do it. 

Words or shapes?

Do you prefer words over shapes? I’ve always been captivated by the second word on my circular Rotary pin: “International.” Where could my Rotary membership take me, I wondered excitedly all those years ago. The spinning Rotary wheel did not disappoint. From my initial steps as a new Rotarian into the vast array of local Club meetings (some even sing the Grace!) to visiting Rotary Clubs on cruise ships (wishing my new best friends “Rotary and Peace the World Over” with a fluorescent exotic cocktail in hand), my journey has been remarkable. On holidays, I’ve learned how local Rotarians are enhancing tourism in Peru and France, established a partnership between my Club and one in Kenya to renovate a primary school, inoculated hundreds of children under 5 against polio in Old Delhi slums, attended several International Conventions, and endured the week-long Rotary International Assembly in San Diego to be trained as a District Governor. All these experiences have shown me the extensive reach and profound impact of this organization. I’ve quickly made many new friends. So, where next, I wonder, 20-something years down one of my Rotary roads?

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” – J. Lennon, Imagine

“Tu peux dire que je suis un rêveur, mais je ne suis pas le seul.”

“Dirás que soy un soñador, pero no soy el único.”

Read on to find the answer. A double flash of Rotary International brilliance last month turbocharged my spinning Rotary wheel …

Inter-Country Committees

Read on to discover the answer. A recent double dose of Rotary International brilliance supercharged my Rotary wheel…

Inter-Country Committees

An ICC stands for Inter-Country Committee. Endorsed enthusiastically by Rotary headquarters in the USA and Britain and Ireland, an increasing number of nations are forming Rotary partnerships with other countries. These collaborations primarily aim to foster peace, but also target eradicating diseases, empowering women and enhancing maternal health, promoting child education, stimulating local economies, providing clean water to millions, and preserving our planet. Essentially, they work country-to-country to advance the Rotary Foundation’s multiple Areas of Focus. The graphic below offers a deeper explanation:

I’ve joined two Inter-Country Committees so far, as I speak both French and Spanish reasonably well. We recently chartered, with the gracious presence of several District Governors and other prominent Senior Rotarians, all eager to see where this new Rotary wheel will lead. We plan to regularly meet to discuss our agreed activities and projects: How can French, Spanish, and UK Rotarians support Ukraine? What opportunities exist for Spanish Rotarians to appreciate and aid English wine-growers? How can UK Rotarians better understand the cultural significance of Spanish flamenco and zarzuelas in promoting mental well-being, perhaps preventing future conflicts?

There are various paths and numerous ways for any Rotarian, including you, to engage in inter-country Rotary activities. Does your Club have an exchange visit organized with a Club in France or Spain? Are you twinned with one? Is your Interact Club reducing French or Spanish teens’ suicide rates by connecting with Interactors abroad on Instagram? Are you jointly managing a Global Grant to make a difference in a third country? These are great ideas, and I’m sure you and they would agree.

Please reach out to your District Governor and me if you’re interested in pursuing some Rotary fun, fellowship, and meaningful projects with a French or Spanish Rotarian or Rotary Club. We are here to support and promote your plans and ideas, and to help make them a reality.

One of Europe’s most ancient poets, Aesop, who faced mental and physical challenges in the 7th century BC, summed it up best:

“Put your shoulder to the wheel.”

Someone once helped place your wheel on your shoulder. Isn’t it time to give it a spin and return the favor?

If only Aesop had known about Rotary International and our Inter-Country Committees.

PDG 1090 2017-18 David Pope