Africa, music, challenges and a paddle

Another wonderful day at the International Convention here in New Orleans.

Africa

Over 1,000 African delegates are attending the conference

President Ray has a real focus on African projects - here is a country with the lowest per capita rotarians and with the greatest of needs - Patrick Chisanga spoke personality about eh needs in Africa through the Reach Out To Africa (ROTA) programme who talked about Poverty, Ignorance and Disease and how Rotary can make a real difference.  

Music

Imagine twenty young people with a ukulele in hand, singing from the heart and playing 'Flight of the Bumblebee' - absolutely wonderful - a standing ovation.

An African choir can onto stage and sang so wonderfully it caused all to gasp in wonder - this was another highlight.

Irvin Mayfield septet played traditional jazz and made President Ray so proud - truly professional and a privilege to witness.

 Challenges

Workshops were attended by delegates and I was able to attend the Branding workshop - packed out and listening to one of Coca Cola's advisers and what we can do for Rotary.  He three words for Rotary were - leaders, service ad significance which he then turned into a statement of Rotary is "leaders involved in service of significance."  I then went and spent time on the Public Image stand meeting people from around the world telling them of our new role of Public Image Coordinators working alongside Foundation and Regional (Rotary) coordinators.

And a paddle...

After a quick journey back to the apartment we set off for the river.  We boarded the paddle boat (Creole Queen) on the Mississippi with David and Michele and had another great night.  Jazz, food, river breezes and great views.  A fitting way to end yet another day at International Convention.  This experience is absolutely worth every penny.