Round Table (club)

Round Table International is an international non-political and non-religious organisation 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 organisation was founded for young men in England. As of 2024, the organisation has 30,000 active members from over 65 countries, who are known as Tablers.

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

Description
Round Table is an event-driven international organisation for young men that values friendship, personal growth and development, networking, and community service. The organisation is open to young men irrespective of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or political conviction. The motto of Round Table is: "Adopt. Adapt. Improve."

The organisation was founded in Norwich, England, in 1927 by Erminio William Louis Marchesi (°19/01/1898 – 10/12/1968) after which it spread forming a total of 99 national associations (some of which are no longer active).

The national associations are in turn members of Round Table International. Round Table International is governed by the Round Table International board, which is elected annually from its members’ members, i.e. Tablers of the national associations. The Round Table International board establish policies and make recommendations as to the overall direction of the Round Table movement.

History
}} 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 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, emphasising 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.

Within a year of its inception, the Norwich Round Table's membership grew to 85, sparking interest in establishing similar organisations 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 organisation's rapid growth and international appeal.

The internationalisation 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.

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.

In a 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. In 1991, various Round Table associations opted to reform RTI as a standalone entity, leading to its restructuring and independence.

Since 1991, Round Table established as a global organisation in over 70 countries, that fosters fellowship, community service, and personal development among young men.

Community service
One of Round Table's initiatives are Community Service Projects, which are running in all associations. These projects will be realized in each club and different clubs have different service projects. Some associations can have so called national service projects, which can be supported by their clubs). Round Table International focuses on five key areas:

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

Health: Ensure dignified access to affordable and high-quality healthcare for every individual, working towards improving healthcare systems and promoting health equity.

Education: Access to a meaningful education and the opportunity for a better future. Through various educational initiatives, the organisation aims to empower individuals and communities through knowledge and skill development.

Conservation: Preserving natural resources and historical landmarks for future generations. By taking measures in local communities, the organisation seeks to protect the environment and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability and accessibility for future enjoyment.

Tabler for Tabler: Within the Round Table community, the members support and assist members in need, who are facing challenges.

Round Table International runs dedicated global projects initiatives, which can be taken up by their clubs like MOvember or Blood Donation, to address these 5 key areas and to embody the spirit of service and philanthropy. Additionally, some dedicated projects will be done together in the whole Round Table Family and will be shared from all Round Table Families.

Logo
The Great Hall in the Winchester Castle in Hampshire, England, houses arguably one of the greatest symbols of medieval mythology & inspiration to the organisation's emblem, King Arthur’s Round Table. Although Round Table International has no direct affiliation with the Knights of the Round Table, its logos are inspired by the Arthurian legend. With no head at the table, the iconic top personifies chivalry, service, equality and shared importance. The table in The Great Hall is not from the time of King Arthur but rather built six centuries later by Edward I, according to radiocarbon dating & carpentry studies. It was likely used as the centrepiece at a tournament in 1290 to celebrate the engagement of one of Edward's daughters. It was later restored & painted by Henry VIII, & features 24 Arthurian knights' names around the perimeter. Constructed of English oak, this magnificent centre piece measures 5.5 meters in diameter, weighs 1.32 tons, & once had 12 outer legs & a central support.

Inspired by the above, the Round Table International logo, also referred to as a "Rondel", features a globe in the centre and around it, black and white stripes which form a circle. And on top, the King. The current logo and other national logos were modernized in 2022. The image or icon depicted in the centre of most National Rondels differentiates as it represents a national symbol, for example, a national animal or flora. The First Round Table, Great Britain & Ireland, features the Tudor Rose. In some instances of national representation, the king's appearance is different or replaced by a national relevant substitute. Often, on the outside of the rondel, the country's colours are prominent.

Organisation and structure
Round Table is a club for young men aged between 18 and 40 (or 45 in some countries) regardless of their religious beliefs or political affiliations. Membership is by invitation and extended by current members who subsequently act as sponsors for new members. Round Table sees himself not solely as a business-oriented club, more as a platform for networking, idea exchange, and fostering fellowship. The organisation actively seeks professionals from diverse backgrounds to enrich the Club's membership.

The core activities of Round Table are centered around the local clubs, commonly referred to as "Tables." Within these Tables, members prioritise building friendships and supporting local charities and causes. Fundraising efforts are executed by organising events or contributing time and effort to community service projects.

Round Table supports members' personal development and camaraderie. This development occurs through discussions and shared experiences during club meetings and other gatherings. Most Tables convene for two monthly statutory meetings, totalling approximately 20 meetings annually.

Many larger Round Table associations are subdivided into districts or areas, serving as intermediary levels between local and national structures. Districts or areas typically convene for meetings and social events once a year to facilitate coordination and collaboration among local clubs.

Local clubs or individual members form national associations, each of which is a Round Table International constituent member. National associations convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for their members; in most countries, a Half Year Meeting (HYM) may also be organised. These national bodies play a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing local club activities by sharing best practices and coordinating charitable endeavours.

Round Table International (RTI) is the umbrella organisation encompassing all National Round Table associations and operates as a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) headquartered in Luxembourg. Member associations wield decision-making authority within the RTI Council, while the board oversees the organisation's day-to-day operations and strategic development.

RTI is geographically divided into five regions: •	AMI: Africa, Middle East, Indian Ocean •	ASPA: Asia Pacific Region •	CEE: Central and Eastern Europe •	NEA: Northern Europe and Americas •	SEM: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean

Round Table International is part of the Round Table Family, which includes 41 International, Ladies Circle International, Agora International, and Tangent International. The collaboration among these sister associations shall exchange of best practices at local, national, and international levels. Regular events bring together members of these organisations, strengthening bonds and furthering their shared mission of service and fellowship.