I love the way that Rotary connects people - people I would likely never meet without this amazing organisation.

Article by RI Director Jessie Harman

One of the things I love most about Rotary is its internationality. I enjoy hearing the different languages, listening to diverse perspectives, learning more about different countries and cultures. I love the way that Rotary connects people - people I would likely never meet without this amazing organisation.

The internationality of Rotary was very much on display at Rotary’s Council on Legislation held this week in Chicago and online. Council on Legislation is Rotary’s triennial parliament which debates and makes decisions about matters which will change Rotary’s constitutional documents - its constitution and bylaws. The event brought together delegates from every one of Rotary’s 524 districts from around the world.

Listening to the discussion and debate during the four days of Council, I am reminded of the value of Rotary’s internationality. The different cultural perspectives, insights and local knowledge elevated the quality of discussion and decision making in the chamber and generated fun, creative and innovative solutions around the meal tables.

I would love to see clubs doing more to leverage the value of Rotary’s internationality. Some clubs have developed sister-club relationships with Rotary clubs elsewhere in the world, individual members join Rotary’s international fellowships and action groups and, as we emerge from this pandemic, districts will start to organise Rotary Friendship Exchanges once again. These are all tremendous opportunities to connect with the internationality of Rotary. They remind us that, despite our regional differences, we are part of Rotary International and part of a connected world.

I encourage every club to do more to engage with the internationality of Rotary - to experience the benefits that come from sharing diverse perspectives and the wellbeing that comes from making friends and acquaintances from all around our world.