Rotary International Convention, Calgary, Canada

Attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada, was an experience I can not compare to anything else. The convention attendees numbered around 15,000, with 140 nations participating. During the parade of flags from these countries at the “Opening Session,” the global reach of Rotary felt expansive. All the participants were there to “Unite for Good,” as stated in the theme for the convention and the coming year. Indeed, roaming the numerous booths at the convention center, which exhibited projects launched by Rotarians, was overwhelming in its reach and commitment. The availability of language interpretive programs on the Rotary phone app was immensely helpful as the global group gathered to support one another.

The current Rotary International President, Stephanie Urichick, of Pennsylvania, USA, introduced the newly elected President Francesco Arezzo of Italy and the President Nominee from South Korea, who gave very heart-warming speeches.

There was an array of well-known public figures, including Geena Davis, an Academy Award winner, who spoke about being “Killed by Politeness,” and an international journalist, Scott Simon from National Public Radio, who talked about reporting the aftermath of war. Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President and Director of Curriculum and Content for Sesame Street programming, was a keynote speaker. She has written books on “Playful Learning,” and her presentation was on how children learn from mistakes. Tawakkot Karman, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Human Rights Activist, was interviewed in the closing general session by Scott Siman on the importance of a free press

Attendees from the Livonia AM Rotary group was Tammy Bonifield, Dave Stechholz, and Nancy Darga. To maximize the learning experience, each member attended different sessions and shared the information they gathered from the speakers. A special event was planned for the Rotarians from District 6400 at the Calgary Zoo. Despite the weather, the gardens and animals at the zoo were fascinating. We also attended a western show referred to as “The Stampede,” where we watched members of the “Blackfeet Tribes” compete in a horse relay race. We laugh at one segment where a group of children is let into the center corral, and they try to jump on little ponies bareback. They ended up very muddy but not hurt.

 Nancy Darga