Round Table (club)

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Round Table International
Formation1927; 97 years ago (1927)
FounderLouis Marchesi
Founded atNorwich, Norfolk, England
HeadquartersLuxemburg
Membership
30,000
President
Marc Germeshausen (2023/24)
Websitewww.round-table.org

Round Table International is an international non-political and non-religious organisation[1] for young men founded in Norwich, England, in 1927 by Louis Marchesi. The members in the organisation are of community leaders, professionals and driven individuals. Initially, the organization was founded for young men in England. As of 2024, the organization has 30,000 active members from over 65 countries, who are known as Tablers.[2][3]

Round Table International is a part of the Round Table Family of clubs.

Description[edit]

The organization is governed by the board members elected at Annual general meeting. The board meets regularly to establish policies and make recommendations as to the overall direction of Round Table on a global basis.[4]

In order to obtain a membership at Round Table International, the age limit for males is between 18 - 40 (45 in specific associations). The members are provided with a selection of social and community service related opportunities. The motto of Round Table International is "Adopt, Adapt, Improve."[5]

They are supported in their service by CSR funds and other sponsorships.[5]

The name and the motto were taken from a speech given by Edward VIII, then Prince of Wales to the British Industries Fair in 1927:

The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the time and, wherever possible, improve them.[2]

History[edit]

The first Round Table was established in Norwich, England in 1927 by Louis Marchesi, a young member of the Norwich Rotary Club. Marchesi envisioned a gathering place for young businessmen where they could exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and contribute collectively to the civic life of Norwich. In a speech before Rotarians, Marchesi articulated the ethos of the Round Table, emphasizing the importance of action and the role of young people in effecting change. He proposed a forum where members could engage in meaningful dialogue and participate actively in their community.[5]

Within a year of its inception, the Norwich Round Table's membership grew to 85, sparking interest in establishing similar organizations elsewhere. Emphasizing its non-religious and non-political nature, Round Table quickly expanded, establishing a second chapter in Portsmouth. By the outbreak of World War II in 1939, there were 125 Tables and a membership of 4,600, demonstrating the organization's rapid growth and international appeal.[5]

The internationalization of Round Table became evident with the formation of the first overseas Table in Copenhagen in 1936. Despite wartime constraints, Round Table continued to expand, particularly in Denmark, while activity in the British Isles was limited.[5]

Post-war, Round Table experienced a resurgence, with new chapters chartered across the UK and beyond. By January 1947, discussions began among existing Round Table associations about closer cooperation and international fellowship. This culminated in establishing Round Table International (RTI) at the first general meeting held in Hastings in May 1948, alongside the RTBI National conference. By 1961, Round Table had a presence in over 30 countries.[2]

In a landmark decision at the 1961 RTI meeting in Salzburg, Round Table International became a part of the World Council of Service Clubs (WOCO), aligning all Round Table associations under WOCO's aims and objectives. However, in 1991, various Round Table associations opted to reform RTI as a standalone entity, leading to its restructuring and independence.

Since 1991, Round Table has expanded to over 70 countries, achieving significant milestones such as organizational and structural changes, a magazine's establishment, and an online shop's launch. Today, Round Table continues to thrive as a global organization that fosters fellowship, community service, and personal development among young men.

Logo[6][edit]

As Round Table International has nothing to do with the knights of the round table they do take out logo from the king Arthur's knights of the round table. In Winchester Great hall you can still find the original table hanging on the wall where the inspiration for the logo was from. The logo also called the Rondel has in the middle an earth globe and around it has the black and white stripes forming together a circle. With on top the King. National Rondels can be a bit difference because the middle part is mostly used to show something that is famous for the country so has the Original first Round Table Great Britain & Ireland a rose in the middle. And also the king can be different in some national associations rondels. Outside the rondel mostly the country colors are represented.

Organization and Structure [7][edit]

Family[edit]

Round Table is part of the Round Table Family of clubs. The Round Table Family consist of Round Table International, 41 International, Lady Circle International, Agora international and Tangent International. Together they have similar goals and objectives. They support each other and visit their AGM's regularly.

Round Table International[edit]

Round Table International is the combination of all National Round Table organizations and is now a registered NGO based in Luxembourg.

All associations make together the RTI Council who decide on everything. In august of 2023 we have 60 Associations representing at least 59 country's there are more because one association is Round Table International E-club and there are members from multiple country's that do not have their own association yet. The countries are grouped regionally in the following way:

  • AMI Region (Africa, Middle East, Indian Ocean): RT Arabian Gulf, RT Botswana, RT Eastern Africa, RT Madagascar, RT Malawi, RT Mauritius, RT Nigeria, RT Senegal, RT Seychelles, RT Southern Africa, RT Zambia, RT Zimbabwe
  • ASPA Region (Asia, South Pacific): RT Australia, RT Bangladesh, RT Hong Kong, RT India, RT Nepal, RT New Zealand, RT Philippines, RT Singapore, RT Sri Lanka
  • CEE Region (Central & Eastern Europe): RT Albania, RT Austria, RT Belgium, RT Czech Republic, RT Germany, RT Great Britain & Ireland, RT Hungary, RTI E-Club, RT Luxembourg, RT Moldova, RT Romania, RT The Netherlands
  • NEA Region (Northern Europe and Americas): RT Canada, RT Denmark, RT Estonia, RT Iceland, RT Latvia, RT Lithuania, RT Norway, RT Russia, RT Suomi Finland, RT Suriname, RT Sweden, RT Trinidad & Tobago, RT USA
  • SEM Region (Southern Europe and Mediterranean): RT Bulgaria, RT Cyprus, RT France, RT Gibraltar, RT Israel, RT Italy, RT Malta, RT Monaco, RT Morocco, RT Portugal, RT San Marino, RT Switzerland, RT Tunisia

Districts, Zones, Area's[edit]

Every big Associations have divided there Association in to District or zones or area's. en doing so divided there clubs in to these Districts, Zones or Area's. most of them have a representative for every District, Zone or Area and the meet with the national board on regular bases. This the way the keep the connections to the clubs and Associations and RTI as short as possible.

Local Clubs[edit]

Local Tables can be found all over the world the always belong to a national association and if they are the only club in their country their local bora also forms the national board. In principle, every club works around fellowship, and they adopt the motto adopt, adapt and improve as well as the aims and objects mostly translated on to their own language. Most meetings the aims and objects will be read out loud when everybody stands to hear them. Most clubs will also get involved in service. There are many famous service projects where you may encounter Round Table.

AGM[edit]

AGM is Held every year. The AGM organizing country can be bid on 2 years in advance for hosting the RTI WM AGM. During the World Meeting they start with a pre-tour and the main part are the nation nights and the different meetings. Most meetings held are the RTI Board meeting, Counselors meeting, the AGM meeting and the regional meetings. During the AGM voting will take place on alle kind of topics.

HYM[edit]

HYM meeting is also held every year. The HYM organizing country can be bid on 2 years in advance for hosting the RTI HYM. During the HYM meeting also a counselor's meeting is held and an HYM meeting is held. During the HYM voting will take place on alle kind of topics.

Socializing[edit]

The biggest part of RTI is Fellowship. There are different methods used to get in contact with different members. There are local meetings where other members form other local clubs can attend then there are District, zone or area meetings where clubs in the same area will meet. Every association has their own AGM and HYM meetings where also members from the same association will meet and vote on different subjects and also internationals members are welcomed. Then there are the RTI WM and RTI HYM where members can meet. Next to all of these meetings within round table there are also number meetings where members from the club with the same number will meet mostly Clubs with 100+ numbers will join number meetings under 100. These meetings have different names there are euro meeting, international numbers meeting, numbers meeting.

Community work and service projects[edit]

Round Table is internationally recognized for its commitment to social responsibility and community service initiatives. The organization brings together diverse individuals united in their mission to effect positive change worldwide through various noble endeavours. One of Round Table's flagship initiatives is the Global Service Projects Initiative, which harnesses the organization's global presence and network of professionals to address local community needs globally.

The initiative focuses on five key areas:

Purging Poverty: Round Table is dedicated to alleviating poverty through local action by Tablers. This involves a combination of long-term community projects and the creation of opportunities to meet basic human needs while fostering sustainable development.

Health: Round Table strives to ensure dignified access to affordable and high-quality healthcare for every individual, working towards improving healthcare systems and promoting health equity. Education: Round Table envisions a world where every child has access to a meaning ful education and the opportunity for a better future. Through various educational initiatives, the organization aims to empower individuals and communities through knowledge and skill development.

Conservation: Round Table is committed to preserving natural resources and historical landmarks for future generations. By taking proactive measures in local communities, the organization seeks to protect the environment and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability and accessibility for future enjoyment.

Tabler for Tabler: Within the Round Table community, support and assistance are readily available for members in need through the Tabler for Tabler program. This initiative embodies the organization's ethos of camaraderie and solidarity, providing a supportive network for members facing challenges.

Round Table's open and accessible global structure facilitates collaboration and support among members, reinforcing its commitment to serving both local communities and the broader global community. Through these initiatives, Round Table continues to make a meaningful impact, embodying the spirit of service and philanthropy.


References[edit]

  1. ^ "History". Round Table International. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "The history of Round Table". Round Table International. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  3. ^ Massey, Jacob (28 November 2017). "Norwich Round Table chairmen gather for 90th anniversary". Norwich Evening News. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  4. ^ Cornelissen, Graham; Kumarasinghe, Nadeen (19 September 2022). RTI Rule book and guidelines.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Welcome to Round Table International". Round Table International. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
  6. ^ Kin, Ben. "Therms of Use" (PDF). round-table.org. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  7. ^ Mulder, Tom. "RTI Rondol logo policy" (PDF). round-table.org. Retrieved 1 August 2023.

Further reading[edit]

  • Barty-King, Hugh (1977), Round Table: The Search for Fellowship, London: Heinemann
  • Creasey, John (1952), Round Table: The First Twenty-Five Years of the Round Table Movement, Norwich: Jarrold & Sons
  • Wilkinson, Alan (2005), Continued Friendship: Sixty Years of FortyOne - The Story of The Association of Ex-Tablers' Clubs
  • Nicos M. Zevlaris (2022), The History of Round Table 1927-2022

External links[edit]

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