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 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.[1][2]
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.[1] The motto of Round Table is: "Adopt. Adapt. Improve."[3]
The organisation was founded in Norwich, England, in 1927 by Erminio William Louis Marchesi (°19/01/1898 – 10/12/1968) after which it spread over the rest of the world forming a total of 99 national associations (some of which are no longer active).[4] Today, these national associations have over 30,000 active members. The members are known as Tablers. [3]
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 board meets regularly to establish policies and make recommendations as to the overall direction of the Round Table movement worldwide. [4]
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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
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. [5]
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. [5]
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 organisation that fosters fellowship, community service, and personal development among young men.[1]
Community service
One of Round Table's flagship initiatives is the Global Service Projects Initiative, which harnesses the organisation's global presence and network of professionals to address local community needs globally.
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 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: Round Table is committed to preserving natural resources and historical landmarks for future generations. By taking proactive 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, support and assistance is readily available for members in need through the Tabler for Tabler program. This initiative embodies the organisation'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.[6]
Logo
As Round Table International has nothing to do with the Knights of the Round Table they do take out logos from 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 black and white stripes forming together a circle. With on top the King. [7]
National Rondels can be a bit different 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 colours are represented.[8][7]
Organisation and structure
Round Table is a club tailored for young men aged between 18 and 40 (or 45 in some countries), welcoming individuals 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. Contrary to being solely a business-oriented club, Round Table primarily serves as a platform for networking, idea exchange, and fostering fellowship. The organisation actively seeks professionals from diverse backgrounds to enrich the Club's membership.[9]
The core activities of Round Table are centered around its 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.
Central to Round Table's mission is its members' personal development and camaraderie. This development occurs through engaging 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 camaraderie shared among these sister associations fosters collaboration and joint initiatives in community service and the 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.
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References
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "History". Round Table International. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
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