Since I am in the process of starting a new, third Table in Singapore Round Table 3, I often get this question from people I meet. Whenever I meet (new) people, I’ll ask about them and then tell something about myself and my passions. One of these passions is Tabling. Recently I attended the Asia Pacific Meeting with men from 7 different Asian countries. We discussed what Tabling means to all those involved. This and a refreshed branding for Round Table International (RTI) led me to compile this write-up.
What is Round Table?
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 businessmen from the town could gather on a regular basis. In a speech in front of Rotarians he stated:
There are things we must do,
there are things we can do,
and there are things we should do.
He pointed out the problem of change within a group of men of all ages. Change can only be achieved by young people. He realised he could only create change through a new form of organisation, that would become Round Table.
He started a movement that still exists – it has been around for more than 90 years now. After their meetings they could exchange ideas, learn from each other’s experiences 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. Membership of Round Table is open to young men between the ages of 18 and 40 or 45, depending on your country of residence, and irrespective of religious beliefs or political opinions.
Adopt, Adapt & Improve
This motto is derived from a speech made to the British Industries Fair in 1927 by the then HRH Prince Edward, Prince of Wales:
“The young business and professional men of this country must get together round the table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the time, and wherever possible, improve them”.
Hence our motto: Adopt, Adapt Improve.
Why Round Table?
We, Tablers, believe in bringing change and excellence in ourselves and our community!
What is Round Table?
We call it Tabling. The tables are local clubs or societies which meet on a regular basis (at least monthly). We plan and organise meetings and events for ourselves and others, that focus on personal development, fun & fellowship and community service. Together we form all the Tablers from an international network of bright young men.
How does Round Table work?
Our motto is Adopt, Adapt, Improve. We bring together talented guys between 18 and 45 years of age, to challenge, inspire and learn from each other. We share ideas openly with trust, and empower each individual to make a positive impact at home, work and in his community.
What does Tabling mean to me?
One of the statements I often use is: ‘Tabling is a journey’. You meet new people from across the globe and experience new cultures first hand. Whenever I travel, whether it be for Round Table, business or on holiday, the bottom line is ‘One World One Table’. Personally, as a Tabler, I feel I’ll be able to ‘do more’. When meeting Tablers or other people for that matter, it is important to share ideas and experience new things. As a Tabler we are locally united but also part of a worldwide group of friends. We believe in bringing about change and excellence in our lives and the community.
The above is just a write up on how I, a proud Tabler, experience Round Table. Expressing Round Table and the gut feeling it gives you in words is difficult. It is better to experience Tabling first hand. I would be happy to give you the opportunity to experience Tabling first hand at one of our activities. You’re welcome to join an event, service project, international event or meeting, to see what it’s all about. Reach out to me and I’ll let you know what we’re up to at the moment!
Source: branding guidelines Round Table International
