On Saturday, 11 April 2026, I attended the Rotary District Assembly for the first time.
As a new member, I did not know what to expect but felt welcomed from the moment I walked in.
As participants gathered and the first session began, I felt eager to learn and experience what was unfolding. It felt both welcoming and eye-opening. I appreciated the warm interactions with fellow Rotarians and the shared ideas. From this, I began to think about how much we can learn from each other and was reminded that as each of us brings something unique, it is simply the coming together that strengthens our impact.
Public Image and Public Speaking workshops were the two sessions I signed up for ahead of time.
I went into the Public Image Workshop thinking it would focus mainly on social media, and found it went above and beyond my expectations. It went deeper into how we communicate, how we show up, and the importance of willingness to be open, and how authenticity really matters.
In the Public Speaking workshop, I was not prepared to give a speech, but I was glad the opportunity arose where I learned to apply the same principles that were taught. The insights I gained are as valuable as they are unforgettable.
What really stayed with me is knowing your purpose and the general purpose before giving a speech, and the idea of allowing the sentence “You reap what you SOW” to lead you in giving a speech.
S - emphasized stage time, the importance of practice and experience, getting feedback, and looking inwardly of what can be done better
O - Out of your comfort zone - engaging the audience, learning new things, and balancing standing still and moving: Step outside your comfort zone
W - Widen your perspective. Finding different ways to talk to people. Widening your perspective opens you up to more things
I am grateful for not only what I learned but also what I felt. My first District Assembly provided much more than information. It provided a sense of belonging, and the meaningful work that was accomplished and continues within Rotary. I left feeling welcomed, encouraged and inspired.