16,000 Rotary members from over 140 countries renewed connections, and inspired a sense of purpose for helping to create a healthier and more peaceful world as we learned from each other - and a range of experts- how to take action to address issues in our communities. Members from SGB and around District 7010 were well represented at the RI Convention in Calgary.
A chilly start to the week lifted and many of the events - including a mini-Stampede evening and Pancake for Polio lunch that were both held outdoors. Speakers included Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Tawakkol Karman who called on global citizens and leaders to rethink their understanding of peace, urging them to place justice, accountability, and human dignity at its core; Actress Gina Davis, who runs a foundation to analyze and change the dynamic of women and girls represented in TV and Movies shared how important it is to reach equality on the small and big screen "If she can see it, she can be it"; and incoming DG Ramesh Ferris speaking about his own life with Polio and how the fight is "this close". The Convention concluded with our incoming RI President Francesco Arrezo who encouraged us with - “Let us create one great shared dream that unites us, that excites us, that changes the world and changes our lives, too.” Musical acts and evening concerts as well as a District Social kept evenings very busy.
If you have never attended and RI Convention, please speak with someone who has attended; you will find yourself inspired to check it out!