The 2013 RI Convention was held June 23-26 in Lisbon, Portugal.  Approximately, 24,000 Rotarians attended the convention which turned out to be the largest event the City of Lisbon has ever hosted.  
 
This was my first Rotary Convention and let me tell you, I was feeling the power and commitment of such a large group of Rotarians gathered for the purpose to try to do good things.  The spirit of the convention was felt immediately upon arriving at the Lisbon airport where English speaking Portuguese Rotary volunteers manned a welcome booth to greet International Rotarians and offer assistance.  The airport displayed large signs announcing the RI Convention.   Having attended a RI Convention makes me feel truly connected to Rotary and to our purpose as individual Rotarians. Every Rotarian who believes in what we do should attend at least one Rotary International Convention.
 
Visit the RI Web site for Convention details and all the activities. I do want to mention the Opening Session where Sakuji Tanaka, RI President was honored and then in his speech presented a plaque to a Rotary Club President of Villingen-Schwenningen of Germany. President Tanaka had a little problem pronouncing the city name and I was twitching in my seat to assist him, since Villingen-Schwenningen was not far from where I grew up and I could have helped. The German Club had reached out to a German Band to write and record a song to teach young people the importance of peace and how Rotary is working to achieve it.  I must admit I did get a little choked up.
 
The motto of the 2013 Rotary year was “ Peace through Service “. The Rotary Peace Song was played at every plenary session.   Now back in full swing I have the spirit to execute my RI Convention promotion activities.
 
I invite you to consider attending the 105th RI Convention, June 1-4 2014 in Sidney, Australia. If you register now online you will receive a special 2014 convention pin.
Please send me an e-mail if you have any questions.
 
Karl Clauss, Rotary District 5810
Convention Promotion Chair 2013-2014