Lexington Rotarians Attend Rotary International Conference in Taipei, Taiwan

REFLECTIONS FROM THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN TAPEI 

Bret and Carrie Anderson recently had the opportunity to attend the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan, along with fellow Rotary Club of Lexington members Chris and Kim Campbell. 

 I’ll admit, before attending an international convention, it’s difficult to appreciate the scale of Rotary around the world. More than 37,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors, and guests attended this year’s convention—possibly the largest Rotary International Convention ever and certainly one of the best attended in recent history. For a few days, Taipei became the center of the Rotary universe. 

 From the moment we arrived, Rotary volunteers were everywhere. Airport transfers, directions, registration, and logistics were remarkably smooth considering people were arriving from more than 100 countries. It was an impressive reminder of what Rotary does best: bring people together and make them feel welcome. 

 One of the highlights was the House of Friendship. It seemed to go on forever. Rotary’s Areas of Focus were represented alongside service organizations, project partners, Rotary Action Groups, and Fellowships. I learned there’s apparently a Rotary Fellowship for just about every hobby imaginable. Whether you enjoy golf, photography, sailing, motorcycles, wine, or dozens of other interests, chances are there’s a group of Rotarians somewhere in the world doing it together. 

 The opening ceremony was unforgettable. Traditional Taiwanese performers welcomed attendees with a spectacular cultural presentation that immediately reminded us we were a long way from Lexington, Kentucky. Then came the parade of flags representing Rotary countries around the world. It took quite a while—but when you’re represented in more than 100 countries, that’s a good problem to have. 

 Throughout the week, the best part wasn’t necessarily the speakers or the sessions. It was the people. 

 We met Rotarians from Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, and across the United States. Different languages. Different cultures. Different backgrounds. Yet within minutes of meeting someone, the conversations felt familiar. We talked about membership, service projects, fundraising, leadership, and the challenges facing clubs today. Apparently, those conversations sound remarkably similar whether you’re in Kentucky, Kenya, Korea, or Colombia. 

 Rotary leadership reinforced several themes throughout the convention: growing membership, creating the conditions for peace, and finally ending polio. There was also a strong focus on ensuring clubs remain relevant, adaptable, and impactful in their communities. Those discussions felt just as applicable to the Rotary Club of Lexington as they did to clubs halfway around the world. 

 Another encouraging theme was the future of Rotary. Rotaract leaders shared inspiring stories of service and leadership, reminding everyone that the next generation is already making a difference. Their energy and passion left me optimistic about where Rotary is headed. 

 Of course, conventions are also about friendships. Carrie and I enjoyed spending time with Chris and Kim, sharing experiences, comparing notes, and representing our club together. It was a wonderful reminder that while Rotary is a global organization, it is the relationships we build along the way that make it special. 

 As the convention came to a close, attention turned to next year’s gathering in Barcelona, Spain. But the biggest takeaway for me wasn’t where Rotary is going next. It was a renewed appreciation for what Rotary already is. 

 Every week, we gather in Lexington to improve our community through service, leadership, and fellowship. In Taipei, we were reminded that thousands of clubs around the world are doing exactly the same thing. 

 Different languages. Different cultures. Different continents. 

 Yet somehow, we all speak Rotary. 

 –Bret Anderson