From behind the door of a hotel training room come, by turns, the quiet hum of discussion, cheerful snippets of conversation and bursts of laughter. What could possibly be going on in there? It is the Rotary Leadership Institute, or RLI, known in Finnish as Syventävä rotarivalmennus and in Estonian as Rotary arenguseminar. The name may be different, but the goal remains the same.
RLI usually consists of three training days – on Saturdays in Finland and on Fridays in Estonia – held at a few week intervals. The groups are small, with up to 20 participants, and the inclusive, participant-centred approach gives everyone an opportunity to actively participate. The training topics cover different areas of Rotary activities from the perspectives of the individual Rotarian, the club and the wider organisation.
The first RLI training was held on the Finnish side of the District in 2019 and in Estonia in 2023. Since then, the training has been organised almost every year. To date, 116 Rotarians in Finland and 100 in Estonia have participated in the training. Most of them have successfully completed the programme and received a certificate. Those who have completed the training account for almost 10 per cent of all Rotarians in our District.
The training days have always been inspiring and rewarding, offering many new ideas and valuable experiences to both participants and trainers. Particularly valuable have been the shared discussions and the new friendships formed with members of other Rotary clubs. Sharing ideas and experiences provides plenty of inspiration for developing activities in one’s own club.
What do the participants say?
“Before the training, my experience of Rotary was quite limited, but now I understand Rotary much better, both for myself and when explaining it to others. At the same time, even if you have been in Rotary for 15–20 years, you are sure to find something new for yourself in the training.” Vaike Soosaar, President 2025–26, Põlva Rotary Club
“The training gave me a comprehensive overview of Rotary’s activities and strengthened my understanding of how we can make a positive impact in our communities. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to connect and network with members of other Rotary clubs. This not only broadened my perspective on Rotary’s wider impact, but also inspired me to bring new ideas into my own club’s activities.” Juha Artukka, Treasurer, Finlandia Hall Rotary Club
“The training has given me a lot of positive energy. The experience I gained helps me move forward with the thoughts and ideas I already had, giving me confirmation and greater confidence. I am also encouraged by having met people who share similar values and a similar view of the world. That is something I want to take with me from this experience.” Margus Annuk, President 2025–26, Tartu Rotary Club
Training in autumn 2026
Estonia
Responding to the needs of Estonian Rotarians who are unable to attend training sessions on Fridays, the autumn 2026 RLI 7training will be held in Pärnu on Saturday and Sunday, 14–15 November, as a two-day programme covering the material of all three training days. Participants are expected to attend both days.
Finland
The Finnish RLI training will take place at Skyline Airport Hotel in Vantaa on three Saturdays: 10 October, 24 October and 14 November.
