The 2021 Virtual Convention will be better than ever, opening more innovative opportunities to learn and to engage with the family of Rotary, near and far. You’ll be able to network in virtual lounges, meet new partners in service, and join fun activities with Rotary members from around the world. This event is open to all Rotary members and participants from 12-16 June 2021.
Registration fees are as follows:
Promotional rate: US $49* through 11:59:59 (Chicago time - CDT) 7 May
US$65 - 8 May through 16 June
*Registration must be paid in full between 16 April and 7 May to receive the US$49 rate.
Registration is also now open for the Rotaract, Youth Exchange Officer and Inter-Country Committee preconventions, which will be held 10-11 June 2021. The cost of each preconvention event is US$20. Both the convention and preconvention events include access to the virtual House of Friendship.
Please note: Cancellations and refunds for registrations or associated events will be accepted through 11:59:59 (Chicago time – CDT) 31 May 2021. The cancellation fee is 20% of the registrant’s total fees paid. No refunds will be given after 31 May.
Friendship Trees: Paul Harris’ Lasting Symbol of Goodwill
As Rotary’s president emeritus, Paul Harristraveled extensively during the 1920s and 1930s, often accompanied by his wife, Jean. During these trips, the nature-loving Harris planted trees to symbolize goodwill and friendship.
Paul Harris and members of the Rotary Club of Tallinn, Estonia, at a tree planting in 1932.
In the fall of 1932, Harris embarked on a five-week tour of European Rotary clubs and planted trees along the way.
“Wednesday forenoon I planted my first tree of friendship in European soil. It seemed to me especially appropriate that it took place in Germany — in its metropolis — Berlin. The planting occurred in a sports platz formerly devoted to war purposes, and a large number including Rotarians, city officials, and others were in attendance.”
Ever since, Rotarians have planted trees in the name of fellowship, friendship, and community service. These trees, which can be found worldwide, have grown into enduring monuments of Rotary’s ideals.
Later in his tour of Europe, Harris also planted trees in Estonia, Norway, and Sweden.
Planting trees became a hallmark of his travels, including in Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand. In “My Road to Rotary,” Harris recalled, “With the cooperation of Rotarians and local governments, I have planted friendship trees in the parks and playgrounds on five continents of the world and even on some of the major islands of the seas. Our trees stood as symbols of international understanding and good-will.”
Other Rotary presidents also observed the tradition. In 1931-32, then-RI president Sydney W. Pascall planted trees at the sites of Rotary clubs he visited, reportedly at Paul Harris’ suggestion.
Not all of the trees were planted outside the United States. The Harrises often entertained visiting Rotarians and dignitaries in their Chicago home and planted trees with their guests to mark the occasion. They called the garden their Friendship Garden.
Rotarians continue to plant trees to symbolize enduring friendships and fellowship, to beautify parks and communities, and to contribute to a greener world.
NOTE: Today Rotary has a new initiative Protecting the Environment.
Our hole will feature our Rotary branded tent, a table with a few “branded” Rotarian volunteers to help answer questions. But we need your help! We are going to raffle off a 1-year Rotary membership. Since most golfers do NOT carry business cards at this event we will be prepared to sign them up for the raffle.
Volunteers are needed for coordination of day-of, on-site delivery, set-up, and manning the tent, tear down. We also need pre-event assistance to work on give-a-ways; signage; media outreach, etc. This opportunity will allow us to promote membership and corporate membership in Rotary, along with creating awareness of all our initiatives, and share our mission!
Since it is not a budgeted item – we are asking our club members to make a special contribution to help us cover the sponsorship and associated fees. Simply log on to this link and use the “other” and add the word golf https://form.jotform.com/201886330634960 to donate any amount. The Annual Chamber Golf Outing is on Friday, June 11th at the Glenview Park Golf Club.
