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| The Preservation Hall Jazz Band entertained! |
It had to come.
Every Convention has a wow moment.
Today we had an inspirational address from the current chair of Rotary Foundation Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar who spoke of the changes required by Rotary International to keep pace with the changes in society.
Although he qualified his statements by reminding us of the need to have the Council of Legislation, he suggested the need to to pass legislation such as:
- the possibility of no more annual theme
Wonderful New Orleans architecture - having a paid 'RI President' for a period greater than one year
- having a Trustee Chairman for a period of four years instead of an annual appointment
- of having a younger consistent head of Rotary International to provide consistency and to be more marketable and attractive for younger members and fr corporate sponsors
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| Jenny and DGE Norma reunite - Norma and Gary hosted us in Rochester |
Following his address - which was greeted by a standing ovation - we had the privilege to listen to Bill Gates who spoke of the confidence he held in completing to job of ridding the world of the scourge of polio.
I don't have the time to write his address up in full (and will do on another posting), but needless to say it was motivational and encouraged all 1.2 million Rotarians to keep up the effort. We have raised $173 Million of the $200 Million challenge which was due to be raised by June 2012.
We will not surrender - we will achieve our goal.
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| Howard and Jenny with a bunch of Aussies!! |
In Bill Gates words "I say to Rotarians of the world who live a life of service above self, I am 100% convinced that this fight is winnable"
Meanwhile today was a day of workshops and plenary sessions - Jenny went sightseeing.
Tonight we joined those who we were hosted by at Rochester prior to the 2010 International Assembly in Rochester, Up-State New York. Another great night.
