What gives an organisation strong roots? And what gives it the wings to move forward?
For Rotary, the roots are clear: enduring values, experience built across generations, trusted relationships and a long history of service that changes lives. The wings are equally important: new voices, fresh ideas, courage to evolve and the energy of people ready to shape what comes next.
From 22 to 25 October 2026, these two forces will meet in Samsun, Türkiye, at Roots & Wings — the Public Image & Rotaract Summit of Rotary Zone 21B.
This will not be simply another event where participants sit, listen and return home with a collection of notes. Roots & Wings is being created as a shared working space for Rotarians and Rotaractors who believe that Rotary’s future depends on how well we connect experience with new perspectives — and ideas with action.
One Rotary, many generations
Every generation brings something essential to Rotary.
Long-standing members carry institutional knowledge, professional experience and a deep understanding of Rotary’s values. Younger Rotarians and Rotaractors bring different expectations, new forms of communication, emerging skills and the confidence to question familiar approaches.
Neither can build the future alone.
In Samsun, people from different generations and backgrounds will meet not as separate groups, but as partners. Through dialogue, workshops and practical sessions, participants will explore how Rotary can create stronger experiences of belonging, communicate with greater authenticity and turn cooperation into lasting impact.
The aim is not to decide which generation is right. It is to discover what becomes possible when we listen to one another and create together.
Public image begins with experience
People do not build trust in Rotary only because they see our logo or read our publications. They build trust through what they experience: the way we welcome people, the stories we choose to tell, the promises we keep and the difference our projects make.
That is why public image cannot be separated from membership, leadership, club culture or service.
Roots & Wings will examine public image as public trust. Participants will work on ethical storytelling, Rotary voice and public speaking, belonging across generations, inclusive club experiences, project communication and stronger Rotary–Rotaract cooperation.
The Summit will also create space for project stories, peace initiatives and partnerships that can continue beyond Samsun.
From discussion to commitment
The strongest event is not measured only by what happens in the room. It is measured by what begins there.
Roots & Wings is designed to help participants leave with more than inspiration. They should return to their clubs and districts with practical ideas, useful tools, new connections and clear commitments.
On 24 October, the Summit will also mark World Polio Day, linking Rotary’s historic promise to end polio with the voices and energy of a new generation of advocates.
This moment will remind us that lasting change is built when conviction is passed from one generation to the next — and when shared purpose becomes visible action.
Bring your roots. Discover your wings.
Roots & Wings is for Rotarians and Rotaractors who want to strengthen Rotary’s credibility, deepen belonging and help shape its future.
Come with your experience. Come with your questions. Come with an idea that needs partners, a story that deserves to be told or a willingness to contribute.
The main Summit programme will take place on 23–24 October 2026.
Arrivals: 22 October | Departures: 25 October
Location: Samsun, Türkiye
The future of Rotary will not be created by one person, one role or one generation. It will be created together.
Learn more and register:
www.rotaryzone21summit.org