RTI LEGAC Y | regional reports
NEA REGION
NORTHERN E U ROPE & AMERI C AS REGION
ICELAND AND AMERICAS PART OF THE NEA REGION By ALEKSANDER OTTOKAR, NEA Chairman 2021-2022
SINCE 2016 NEA REGION has been not only the area of Scandinavia and the Baltics but also the Americas. Round Table NEA Region's west wing consists of the United States of America, Canada, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Before going into the America's side of the region, there is a volcanic island between the Americas and Europe. Yes, I am talking about Iceland, a small but unforgettable nation with a spirit that carries with their Icelandic brothers anywhere they go. Round Table Iceland started its season off great. From a wellattended and fun summer camping event to a golf tournament, which will also take place this summer. Visiting Iceland is very much recommended. They also held a large council meeting before the winter lockdown. The Tablers made the meetings fun and innovative, conducted in person or online. In Mottumars ("Moustache Marches"), they collected over 12,000 Euros for cancer support. Our tables collected several thousand euros to support members fighting cancer directly or indirectly. Not too long ago, I enjoyed experiencing the fellowship and fun Icelanders bring by attending the 2022 AGM in Vestmannaeyjar. Indeed, the pandemic has not been kind to the association, as activity and membership declined while quarantined. Yet, it is great to see that the pandemic has passed today, and the association can move forward once again. As far as expansions go, we can talk about Round Table Mexico. The project might be the longest (or at least it feels that way) in the region's history, but we are now getting back up and running. Since the pandemic has put things on hold, we are in the process of meeting with the future prospects and hosting an online meet and greet with the RTI Board and Round Table Suomi Finland. Recently, Canada, also known as the Great White North, has struggled to attract new members. Although they put in a great deal of effort, it has not worked out. The e-club project has not had the awaited effect as Canadians need a more personal approach. Since some of their members have moved away from the country, they are now taking a small summer break. In the context of Round Table Canada already being a small organization, this is troubling. Their current President is optimistic, and Round Table International will assist them when they return from
ASSOCIATIONS RT Canada RT Denmark
Round Table Trinidad and Tobago have been steering on a steady course despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic. In February, they donated over 100
RT Estonia
food hampers to families in need of help. As part of their flagship Lenten charity
RT Iceland
effort, 40 days/40 items, they challenged the public to take one food item out of
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their pantry each day during Lent and donate them all to Round Table. In April, local Tablers collected and donated over 1500 items to a homeless shelter, orphanage, church outreach program, and single mothers' organization. They hold a social
RT Suomi Finland
event to maintain their brotherly bonds every quarter through fun, fellowship, and
RT Suriname
networking. It's lovely to see that spirits are high on the Caribbean dual-island.
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break with campaigns to recruit new members.
