Principles

Round Table is a non-political, non-denominational association of young men between the ages of 18 and 40, embracing representatives of nearly every profession and occupation, whose objects encompass the encouragement of high ethical standards, the promotion of social intercourse and fellowship among young professional men, the quickening of individual interest in everything affecting the public welfare, and the promotion of understanding amongst peoples of different cultural, language and political backgrounds.

Round Table History

Round Table started in England in 1927 when the Prince of Wales said at a speech "The young business and professional men of this country must get together around 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”.

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:

- There are things we must do,
- there are things we can do,
- and there are things we should do.

And 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 now flourishes in the majority of European countries, throughout Africa, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand and America. In fact Round Table is represented in every continent of the World.

Today Round Table covers 44.000 members in over 70 countries in the world.

What does Round Table do?

Improve Friendship and Networking.
Every Round Table holds one or two business meetings and usually one 'social' meeting per month. These meetings are the forums at which various welfare projects and fund-raisers are discussed, often with input from outside speakers. Fellowship is always of a high quality, especially after closure of each meeting. Social meetings may be used to integrate families and improve the social network to other tablers and friendship on a national and international basis.

In particular, Round Table offers an excellent opportunity for meeting new friends from your own community, area, country and the world. It also offers an excellent vehicle for self-improvement in areas such as public speaking, leadership, project management, and meeting procedure.

Travel forms an important part of Tabling and is integral to the smooth operation of Round Table internationally. Typically, a visiting Tabler to another Association is often looked after by Tablers in that Association to make it easier for Tablers to travel internationally.

In Round Table you can expect friendships that last a lifetime and are cemented through the fun and banter that accompanies the toil. Friendships that come from mixing with fellow members from all walks of life, and from being part of a youthful and spirited group.

Round Tablers worldwide are instant friends

Community work

The “heart” of all welfare-service of Round Table focus on the “Community Service” at the local level of each table. Community service splits into 2 main activities, the a) fund-raising and b) the social project itself.

While Round Table is not an organisation, where you donor your own money out of your pocket, a good part of activities is dedicated to organise events for money raising. This could be sport, culture or simply fun-events, where the profit will be collected and donated to defined social projects.

Social projects are dependant of the definition by each table, in general terms the typical focus of service projects meets the 3 main categories, defined internationally and is dedicated to investment projects in the field of a) education (for example the “freedom through education” project Netherlands and India, b) primary health and c) children disabilities and abuse. Social projects can be done on tables level, but also conducted on national or even international level.

The additional goal in community service is again to strengthen the friendship of tablers. This reflects in our motto

Service through fellowship

Personal development

Besides the pride and satisfaction of helping others, you will experience other personal benefits. You may become a better leader, or more of a team player. You'll find yourself becoming more relaxed in dealing with groups, your presentation skills will improve and you'll become a better public speaker. You'll also get the chance to network with people from a wide variety of businesses and backgrounds.

Family

The integration of family is a basic part of Tablers life. Social events with our partners and children are frequent (typically once a month or more) and typically take the form of 'theme' parties and dinners, barbecues, brunches and weekends away. Also the international events like AGM’s (annual general meetings) of an other association, Mass Tours (vacation events, organised by national associations to show tablers their country from a very local perspective), Number-Meetings (each table with a specific number of an association – note every local table has a number in his association – meet with others of all countries once a year) or Sport-Meetings (like Eurosail, Euroski, etc.) are good events to integrate your family.