New friends, old friends

The Rotary magazine labelled the 1953 convention in Paris “an exciting adventure in friendship.” That description fits every convention before and since. At the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, June 21–25, jump wholeheartedly into your chance to renew old friendships and find “instant friends” among strangers, as one Rotaractor puts it. Those friendships are among the top reasons members give for why they go to the convention.

Consider a few reflections from over the years on convention friends:

“You don’t need an introduction to talk to anyone at the convention, so go ahead and make new friends.”

“A new best friend awaits your arrival, and I can promise it because it’s happened to me often over the years.”

“Where else but the Rotary convention could you make new friends from Brazil, Taiwan and Kenya?”

Who couldn’t use a friend these days when adults report fewer close friends and more loneliness? Rotary encourages members to support each other’s mental well-being, but even in 1914, a magazine article said that valued convention friends “smooth the rugged path of life.”

At the core, Rotary’s good works emanate from friendships, new or old. Founder Paul Harris was looking for true friends, not just acquaintances, when he started Rotary. Past President Frank Devlyn addressed the topic in a 2001 convention speech in San Antonio: “We make new friends because that is the basis for everything we do.” You’ll find those people at the convention in Canada. Years later, there will be a good chance you’re still connected.

Learn more and register at convention.rotary.org