Hello, I hope all is well! I have written up a little something to describe my experience at the convention:

 

Rotary is an organization built by ordinary people with an extraordinary vision for the world. Thanks to these people, Rotary has been able to accomplish incredible feats since its inception, from allowing Rotary clubs to support numerous humanitarian causes through global grants to becoming a leading force in the fight to eradicate Polio. Every year, Rotary International reaches more people and more changes lives. 

 

On a less visible scale, Rotary has touched the lives of each and every one of its members and anybody affected by its numerous endeavours. I proudly count myself among them. Nowhere has this been on display better than at the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. 

 

Each morning, a variety of speakers would take the stage and share their Rotary experiences. This was what I called my “morning emotional rollercoaster” as these inspirational speeches would have me on the edge of my seat, then angry at injustice, then touched nearly to the point of tears, then hopeful and awe struck by the tireless work of these individuals and Rotary as a whole. Try repeating that four or five times before noon!

 

It wasn’t just those chosen to speak that were inspirational. The moments that left the greatest impression on me were the conversations that I shared with my fellow Rotarians. Whether in breakout sessions, on public transportation, or lounging around the convention venue. The blue and white lanyard and badge was an invitation to make a connection. I truly believe that the greatest strength of the International Convention is its ability to bring such a large number of people together, facilitating an opportunity for them to come together and connect.

 

One such experience was especially touching for me. While waiting in line at the coffee machine one morning, I was engaged in conversation with Dave, a Rotarian from Minnesota. We were both first-time International Conventional attendees, and excitedly shared our respective stories of coming to know and love Rotary. Dave seemed surprised by my story, especially of my experience as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Turkey. He admitted to me that he had no idea there was a presence of Rotary in countries with a Muslim majority, saying, “There is a lot of polarization back home and Muslims have been given a bad reputation. I’m so glad that I’ve gotten the chance to hear about your exchange, which clearly left quite the impression on you. This is exactly the reason why I felt it necessary to come to the International Convention, to see the other side of Rotary for myself and with my own eyes.” 

 

Thank you for a great article Madeline. I will be considering this for the first District bulletin in July.