JWD Platform Officially Launched
New initiative to connect Clubs founded by JWD
James Wheeler Davidson was an internationally very well-acquainted Rotarian. Born American, he explored the North Pole, lived many years in Shanghai and Formosa (today Taiwan), migrated to Canada and was instrumental in Rotary’s global spreading during the early days. James Wheeler Davidson was dubbed by Rotary Founder Paul Harris as the “Marco Polo of Rotary”.
In 1914, he founded the Rotary Club of Calgary, in 1921 four Clubs in Australia and New Zealand, in 1924 four more Clubs in Canada and, during an epic journey between 1928 and 1931, a total of 23 Clubs between Prague and Taipei. Bombay is among those JWD-founded Clubs during the same journey. RCB’s charter dates back to March 19th, 1929 (after Jerusalem and ahead of Delhi).
Today, almost a century later, many of these Rotary Clubs continue to exist and flourish. Some have seized to exist for different reasons, ranging from political suppression in dictatorship systems to dwindling of membership. The Rotarian landscape that we see in large parts of Asia today has been shaped by JWD. All Clubs founded by this Rotarian Marco Polo have founded additional Clubs in their area and these, in turn again, other Clubs. The initial seed sowing clearly goes back to this man.
On World Peace Day, September 21st, RC Bombay together with RC Madras launched the JWD-platform. Sixteen other JWD-founded Clubs were present. President Fali Mehta gave the welcome speech and Rtn. Peter Born the closing remarks. In a lively programme, RC Madras showcased their video on JWD and gave more specifics on JWD while all the 16 other participating Clubs introduced themselves. Rtn. Robert Lampard, RC Red Deer (Canada), a keen Rotary historian and author of two books on JWD was chief guest. Leslie Abramson, grand-daughter of James Wheeler, was guest of honour.
This platform is meant to connect the remaining approx. 24 Clubs. Such an association goes beyond a one-on-one sister Club agreement. In fact, it covers 14 out of all 24 time-zones. There is a lot that we can learn from each other, especially with respect to charity in various avenues. Education and water harvesting are only two examples where these Clubs can exchange best practices and learn from each other to improve the lives of those in need. The motto chosen by the platform is a less travelled one by Rotary: international peace and understanding (which is why we have chosen World Peace Day as the date).
While September 21st was the official launch, it will be during the next weeks that the Clubs have to get to know each other better, find a common structure and fill the platform with life. It was a fascinating journey by JWD back than, it promises to be a fascinating journey now. Different countries and cultures and yet all standing by the same idea is what makes Rotary truly “international”.
Robert Lampard will address our Club on November 24th and provide intriguing insights into JWD’s life and thoughts. Please mark the day in your calendar. You will also meet many of the other JWD-founded Club members.
