For two years in a row, the annual Rotary International Convention was held online. The Rotarians’ will and desire to come together was so strong, no pandemic could have stopped it. It’s no surprise then that when the world started opening up, the usual international convention, a face-to face event was once again in the works. It was soon announced that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be held at Houston, Texas with the theme, “Discover New Horizons.”
The RI Convention is where Rotarians from all around the world convene in one place to meet one another and discuss ways on how Rotary can further increase its impact and broaden its reach. You will be introduced to other Rotarians and hear stories about their clubs and projects back home. It’s a one of a kind experience that is truly life-changing.
Of course, our Philippine Rotaractors didn’t want to miss this milestone event so they flew to the other side of the world last June 4 to June 8 and joined in the fun. It’s also a testament to the growing connection being built between the Rotaractors and Rotarians.
In this article, we caught up with four Rotaractors about their RI experience and US trip this year.
Louie De Real
How’s your experience and what have you learned from this convention?
Meeting again Rotaractors and Rotarians after two years into pandemic lockdowns rekindled that feeling that we are part of one whole international Rotary family and that nothing can really beat the experience of face-to-face interaction. It has also been sentimental meeting Rotaractors and Rotarians who have helped me virtually these past two years as Pilipinas Rotaract and Asia Pacific Rotaract MDIO Chair.
If there are learnings, how would you apply this to your respective clubs?
The RI Convention learning that struck me the most is that of membership retention and engagement. I was able to attend that breakout session that revealed key learnings from the 2022 Rotary All Member Survey. As an Assistant Rotary Coordinator of RI Zone 10A and Adviser of Pilipinas Rotaract and Asia Pacific Rotaract MDIOs, I will do my best to cascade the highlights from that member survey through Rotaractor and Rotarian training opportunities.
This convention is a rare opportunity to meet and share best practices among international leaders, what’s the highlight of the event and how would you describe it?
I had the honor to be one of RI Convention breakout session speakers and talked about Elevate Rotaract as well as Rotaract-Rotary partnership best practices. During my session and in many RI Convention sessions I have participated in, I realized that Rotarians and Rotaractors indeed would want to collaborate with each other. They are just finding opportunities and best practices on how. This is where I want to contribute after the convention.
Joseph Matawaran
How’s your experience and what have you learned from this convention?
This was a new experience for me. I have attended other conventions in the past however the RI convention is one that everyone should try. It was attended by Rotarians and Rotaractors with fresh new ideas that could help the community or other clubs to adapt e.g. carbon footprint application that aims to reduce carbon emissions that will definitely support the environment.
If there are learnings, how would you apply this to your respective clubs?
Each club’s best practices all over the world were shared during the convention, one of these is by relying more upon data before conducting a project.
This convention is a rare opportunity to meet and share best practices among international leaders.
What’s the highlight of the event and how would you describe it?
The highlights of the event for me were the RI experience and friendships that I built among outstanding Rotaractors and Rotarians because it is something that no one can take away from you.
Eunice Jewl
How’s your experience and what have you learned from this convention?
First time to attend the Rotaract International Convention and will definitely join again! It was a liberating experience to be able to meet new Rotaractors all over the globe who have the same passion, motivation & goals. I attended several breakout sessions and one of which was about Leadership Development Program for Club Leaders — helping young professionals like us create unique strategic planning for the improvement of the respective clubs. And as the President-elect of the
Club of Uptown Iligan, it will really help me level up the leadership skills and improve more the quality & standards our club upholds.
If there are learnings, how would you apply this to your respective clubs?
Having all the learnings & insights I gained in the Convention, I will definitely put it into good use in order to upskill our club, particularly in transitioning our club members to high standards young leaders ready to conquer globally.
This convention is a rare opportunity to meet and share best practices among international leaders, what’s the highlight of the event and how would you describe it?
Definitely one for the books! It was an overwhelming yet fun experience I had.
Highlight: Gaining new friends & network. Allowing myself to go beyond borders and open myself more in a different point of view what Rotaract really is about.
Diane Casio
How’s your experience and what have you learned from this convention?
It was an incredible experience since I met different people from all parts of the world! I also had the chance to see the many humanitarian projects initiated by Rotary and Rotaract clubs. I learned that there are innovative and sustainable ways to conduct projects. I also learned that there are numerous non-profit organizations that are already working with Rotary clubs to help communities worldwide.
If there are learnings, how would you apply this to your respective clubs?
Partnerships with non-profit organizations outside of Rotary can better improve project implementation and overall impact.
This convention is a rare opportunity to meet and share best practices among international leaders, what’s the highlight of the event and how would you describe it?
The highlight for me is the House of Friendship. Everyone was so friendly and it felt like I was just talking to my long-time mentors. I feel the passion that they have for their projects and that set the tone for the entire convention hall. I felt amazed and inspired. I also enjoyed visiting the booths since each one is unique and features different things. Some were interactive with virtual reality goggles while some proudly present their accomplishments and journey in helping others through visual aids and presentations. Some booths even have mini-games and prizes! Overall, it was my favorite part of the entire convention since it gave me the chance to interact with like-minded individuals, all working towards making a difference.
