Origins
The first Round Table was formed in Norwich, England in 1927. The founder, Louis Marchesi, was a young member of Norwich Rotary Club who felt a need existed for a club where the young business men of the town could gather on a regular basis. In a speech in front of Rotarian he stated:
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There are things we must do,
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there are things we can do
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and there are things we should do.
And he pointed out the problem of change, which can only be achieved with young people. He realised, that this kind of change needs a new form of organisation – “Round Table”.
At their meetings they could exchange ideas, learn from the experiences of their colleagues and play a collective part in the civic life of Norwich. From a very early stage it was agreed that Round Table would be a non-religious, non-political club and this has continued to this day.
Round Table has used the motto of Adopt, Adapt and Improve to make it an organisation which is still relevant in the 21st century. The motto as well as the name Round Table was adopted from a speech by the Prince of Wales who said during a meeting of Round Table "The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved to be so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the time and, whenever possible, improve them”.
Development
Shortly after the foundation of Round Table in Norwich a second Round Table was established in Portsmouth in the south of England and subsequent growth was rapid, there being 125 Tables with a membership of 4,600 at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Round Table also proved itself to be a universal ideal, the first Table formed outside of the United Kingdom was in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1936. During the war years Round Table in Denmark continued to expand although in the British Isles activity was restricted and was in the nature of a holding operation. After 1945 the pattern of growth was rapidly re-established. Round Table now flourishes in the majority of European countries, throughout Africa and in the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, and New Zealand and the Americas.
Round Table Achievements
Round Table in each country has its only identity and purpose, however, in many it is known for it's efforts to assist in its own community and to help its less fortunate members; for its concern for the quality of life and for the help it gives to various charitable causes; for its purchase of life-saving equipment; helping terminally ill children; support for disasters such as famine and the effects of tragedies such as the aftermath of the Tsunami. The way each Round Table assists varies but they all share the similar objectives to not to have a sense of purpose, but to also gain satisfaction from the organisation and to enable the members to develop other skills which may not be used in normal day to day work.
Another facet of Round Table, rarely acknowledged even by its members but of great importance to the individual, is the opportunity it provides for members to broaden their experience, to express themselves with clarity, to learn the art of leadership and to enhance their role as responsible citizens and to form lasting friendships
Round Table Worldwide
Round Table exists in more than 65 countries and has as one of its aims "to further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships". As a result many Round Tables have links or are "twinned" with Tables in other countries with which exchange visits are arranged on a regular basis.
In addition Round Table International supports a number of Service Projects, particularly those in Africa and Asia. Round Table has been instrumental in establishing clinics in Africa, refugee villages in Hong Kong and in the re-building of schools in India and Sri Lanka following the Tsunami. The power of Round Table comes from the ability to direct relief effort and funds direct to the point of requirement without the overhead of traditional agencies. Often the relief is given to local Round Tables in the affected areas to distribute locally.