Quote of the Month: No strangers at a convention

Rotary International News -- 21 April 2011

Arthur H. Sapp, 1927-28 RI president Rotary Images

E ach month, we highlight a piece of Rotary history and share an inspirational quote from past Rotary leaders. April’s quote:

"I commend to you the opportunity for a rare fellowship with men and women from many lands. There are no strangers in a Rotary Convention. Introductions are unnecessary. To participate in friendship, show yourself friendly. Your personal enthusiasm imparted to others will make of this the greatest convention for you that Rotary has ever held."

— Arthur H. Sapp, 1927-28 RI president, address to the 1928 convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Use the comments section below to tell us how attending a convention strengthens your Rotary spirit.

Visit the Gallery of Past Presidents
See Rotary History and Archives
Learn about the 2011 RI Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, or take a look back at past conventions

6 Comments:

At 4:33PM on 5 May 2011, Frank Devlyn wrote: A Rotary International Convention gives one the Big Picture of Rotary. You learn about the Why, Where, When and How Rotary has been at work helping promote Peace via Freindship and Service Projects. Frank Devlyn Past President of R.I.

At 9:26AM on 25 April 2011, RON SEETO Newmarket D.9920 wrote: Part of a strong Kiwi New Zealand contingent Sharon and I attended Bill Boyd's convention in Salt Lake City and personally experienced the quote...a striking observation was how the non Rotarian partners are very much part of the Rotary Family.....Also reinforces the moves for bigger, bolder, better Multi-District Institutes Assemblies, Conferences and Training Seminars in our part of the world

At 9:14AM on 25 April 2011, Mike Bergantino wrote: At the Chicago Convention I had an enjoyable experience. I am an Italian pure blood and standing in line at one point I was talking to a person about our heritage. The person behind me tapped me on the shoulder and extended her hand to me with a beautiful velvet bag that contained an Italian club badge. She indicated that she was from Italy and wanted me to have her badge. I will always remember that, Mike

At 2:32PM on 22 April 2011, Sue Beety wrote: My husband had been a Rotarian for years and I had no interest in Rotary. I attended a RI convention in San Antonio, met instant friends, saw all the wonderful things that Rotary accomplishes and told my husband I had to be part of this fantastic service club. Become a member of Rotary and you can go anywhere in the world and not be a stranger!

At 11:58AM on 21 April 2011, Weldon Neal wrote: You have a great website and I am really enjoying it. Just like all the clubs you appear to do a great job helping those in need. i am sorry i missed my meeting but this makeup is very likable.

At 11:56AM on 21 April 2011, tina okhumhale RC Asokoro wrote: It made me realise there are many people from around the world that are also committed to providing service to their community as I am. The friendships I have made has been fantastic,now i have friends in San diego,london,kaduna,lagos,Harare,Nairobi,Accra etc.. Thanks to Rotary and the intl convention!

Add a comment

Your name * Your email * (non-public) Your comment * * indicates a required field

Every Rotarian, Every Year
Make your annual gift today

End Polio Now
Help Rotary meet the challenge

2013 RI Convention
Register early and save