"Thou hast made me known to friends whom I know not, thou hast given me seats in homes not my own. Thou hast brought the distant near and hast made a brother of a stranger"
While talking about the internationality of this wonderful movement called Rotary I am reminded of these great words of Tagore. Every Rotary year, RI has to convene an annual meeting as per RI Constitution & Bylaws. This
Annual Meet termed, as RI Convention is a combination of work and fellowship at an international level. The convention is hosted by the Host Organizing Committee along with the RI Convention Promotion Committee.
The long journey started way back in 1910 in Chicago where the first RI Convention was held with only 60 delegates. RI Conventions have always been a great mission for Rotary trying to further world understanding and peace. A meeting place where Rotarians celebrate the internationality and fellowship of Rotary amidst the diversity of language, dress, colour, religion and culture.
Confirmation of the elections of the RIP and DGs of 530 districts are passed at the Convention. The RI General Secretary also places the Report of RI.
The convention program has certain standard components every year - plenary sessions, a workshop on TRF, Fellowship activities, exhibit areas for projects and merchandise, International Institute of Past RI Officers, Meeting of Youth Exchange Students, Rotaractors and RYLA delegates.
Rotary - the finest global icon of world understanding and peace where communities in one country care for a suffering community in another country; tears of compassion are shed - smiles are brought - love is shared - hearts are touched.
Another opportunity has come to celebrate the miracle of Rotary as you become a part of history attending the 100th RI convention in the great city of Birmingham UK.
The convention will be held addle National Exhibition Centre.
This year's speaker lineup includes Mia Farrow, Jane Goodall, Rotarian and Shelter Box founder Tom Henderson, and Deepa Willingham, founder of PACE (Promise of Assurance to Children Everywhere).
Retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu will speak at the pre-convention Rotary World Peace Symposium.
The 2009 Host Organization Committee has planned several fun-filled events to help you enjoy England and the fellowship of Rotarians including concerts and special performances Birmingham provides an ideal starting point for a variety of tours; HOC sponsored tours include a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 and excursions by Johnson's Quality Coach Travel.
Reminds me of the great words of Ralph Waldo Emerson who had said that,
"The glory of friendship if not the outstretched nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." | 
