A ROTARY PEACE INITIATIVE
At the RI Assembly held in Boca Raton, Florida, in May/June
1984, there were 25 incoming District Governors from RIBI. The
incoming RI President was Carlos Canseco from Mexico and he
called the RIBI incoming Governors and the incoming Argentinean
Governors to a special breakfast. Most of those who were
invited, attended.
The purpose of the gathering was to try to build better
relationships between the different nationalities and for Rotary
to lead the way to a more peaceful attitude. The seating was
arranged with RIBI and Argentineans mixed and the atmosphere was
very positive.
At the end Carlos asked the RIBI incoming DGs if they would
consider having an RI President's Representative from Argentina
at their District Conference. Some willingly agreed and this was
achieved. Others were less co-operative but the start was made.
He also invited any RIBI incoming DGs who spoke the relevant
language to agree to be a Representative in Argentina.
This demonstrates that Rotary has made positive moves towards
peace and reconciliation over a period of time.
John Hockin PP RIBI 20 July 2007
John is a member of the RI Membership Development & Retention
Committee, and past President of RIBI. Submitted 23 August 2007
by RGHF Senior Historian
Basil Lewis, UK
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