The Rotary clubs’ Roundtable was held in Tammisaari on 28–29 August 2026. In Estonia, the Roundtable is already a tradition, and in Finland the event was organized for the first time. The event gathered district council members, committee chairs, assistant governors and club presidents – almost 40 Rotarians from Estonia and Finland. The aim was to review the goals and priorities of the new term and to discuss ideas and challenges.
In his opening speech, District Governor Heldur Allese addressed the generational theme: “When generations meet, the future is born.” Heldur emphasized the importance of advancing the Polio Plus work decisively and reminded that the work requires all of us. He reviewed the membership goals for the Rotary year 2026–2027: the district aims for 100 new members and 100 PHF.
Markus Merenmies from the Training Committee presented its priorities. It supports membership development by creating a sparring package for new members. It also supports clubs in increasing the impact of their activities by developing a foundation project sparring package and strengthening leadership training (pre-Pels, Pels, RLI and AG). A key task is to support good membership development by increasing members’ awareness of Rotary’s activities together with the communications team.
Perhaps the district’s most challenging goal is the expected membership development. DGN Tiit Rahkema delivered an encouraging speech that boosted confidence in the district’s development. Tiit noted that we also need new clubs and satellite clubs. What matters most is not the form, but
service, friendship, honesty and impact. Experienced clubs can help new clubs to emerge. No club needs to establish a new club alone, but
every club can contribute. Clubs are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Rotary Interact, Rotaract and satellite club models and aim to establish them. Through these, new generations can grow into Rotary activity. Rotary’s future may already be beside us – in a person we have not yet invited, listened to or trusted, Tiit concluded in his inspiring overview.
The second future-oriented theme discussed at the roundtable was artificial intelligence. The district is launching an AI training project covering both Estonia and Finland. The project is in the planning phase and is assessing AI training needs in both countries.
The shared feeling over the two days was fruitful cooperation between nations. The district’s composition – clubs from Estonia and Finland – is a richness. We can share knowledge and learn from one another. This gives the district a strong foundation for a successful future. Hopefully, a
similar season-opening meeting will be organized next year to clarify shared goals.
Jari-Pekka Turtiainen, Vihti RC Tarja Uitti, Finlandia Hall RC
Info Box
- Rotary International theme: Create Lasting Impact
- District goal: 100 new Rotarians and 100 PHF
- Together – more intergenerational cooperation
- Times change – Rotarians must find new relevance
