District 1420 made a strong return to the World Village Festival in May, for the first time since the preCOVID years. Over two days, around 23,000 visitors in Helsinki had the chance to learn about Rotary, youth exchange and the people behind the organisation.
The Rotary tent stood in a prime location right at the main entrance of Kamppi – and it was noticed. Energetic exchange students engaged passersby, tossed a globeshaped beach ball, and soon even the sun broke through the clouds.
“Our stand was stylishly executed and received a lot of praise. The stars of the show were our exchange students in their colourful jackets. Rotarians were easy to spot by their caps and badges,” says project lead Jari Karpakka from Verkkorotary.
18 Rotarians, 15 exchange students, one beach ball
During the two days, 18 Rotarians from nine clubs, three Rotaractors and a total of 18 current or former exchange students worked at the tent. Every hour, an “Ask me” session was held, where visitors could ask an exchange student about their home country or experiences. These moments brought life to the tent and sparked curiosity among passersby.
A world map on the back wall invited visitors to mark their exchange destination with a sticker. On the side walls, MeriEspoo’s decadesold club banners from nearly every corner of the world were displayed.
New faces for Rotary – especially for Rotaract
Several visitors showed interest in Rotary membership, and many meaningful conversations took place. Those curious about hosting an exchange student received information and were encouraged to leave their contact details.
“For Rotary, it is important to be visible and open to conversation. This festival attracted many internationally minded people who had never heard of us or knew they could become host families. I believe we succeeded in reaching new audiences,” Karpakka says.
For Rotaract, the event was especially successful: over 50 potential new members and ten new Instagram followers during the weekend. Many Rotarians also stopped by – even the incoming District Governor Heldur Allese. ShelterBox had its own tent nearby.
Success through collaboration
The tent, programme, materials, decorations and social media campaigns were created by a broad team from several clubs: Verkkorotary (lead club), Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Kluuvi, Maneesi, Meri-Espoo and EkenäsTammisaari. The District Council supported the project, and the district’s youth exchange, communications and membership committees were involved throughout.
The World Village Festival showed that Rotary has something to say – and that people are listening. See you next year?
