NEA REGION

ON I REG NEA

ASSOCIATIONS rt Canada rtdenmark rtestonia rticeland rtlatvia rtlithuania rtnorway rtrussia rtsuomi finland rtsuriname rtsweden rttrinidad & tobago rtUsa northern eUrope & ameriCas region

ICELAND AND AMERICAS ARE 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 break with campaigns to recruit new members.

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 food hampers to families in need of help. As part of their flagship Lenten charity effort, 40 days/40 items, they challenged the public to take one food item out of 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 event to maintain their brotherly bonds every quarter through fun, fellowship, and networking. It's lovely to see that spirits are high on the Caribbean dual-island.

ICELAND AND AMERICAS ARE PART OF THE NEA REGION

Round Table Suriname has lately been highly active. They hosted a grand social event to have fun and build their fellowship. Local Tablers finally managed to organize their famous Bubu festival on May 21st with international DJs and live entertainment. Approximately 2,000 people are expected to attend. All proceeds will be used for their social community fund. For the 47th time in April, they held a traditional event called KIKEWECO (a children's orphanage event from a particular city in Suriname). It was a beautiful event where kids of 3 different orphanages were fully spoiled. A total of 150 children attended the event. In addition to food and sweets, Round Table Suriname provided a fun-filled day of entertainment. They concluded the day by handing over several packages and presents to meet their primary needs. This year, they said goodbye to three long-time Tablers who have joined the 40+ club. At the same time, they introduced two prospects to the brotherhood of Round Table. The AGM of Round Table Suriname will now take place in June 2022.

And lastly, we cannot discuss the Americas region without discussing the United States of America. They just finished their business meeting where they elected a new chairman, Bob Ter Hunne. Additionally, Round Table USA welcomed a new member Terry De Charmoy Lablache into the local Table. Terry has initially been a member of RT Seychelles. Along with their most recent active member, they have two new prospects interested in tabling. Martin Bradford, a former Chairman from New York city has moved to Miami and wants to start a club there.

Furthermore, when it comes to expansion in the US, we are proud that we are currently forming a club in San Francisco. As such, the future is bright in the land of the free. Of course, their next project is the AGM of Round Table United States of America, which will take place from the 2nd to the 5th of June. I will also be attending myself and hope to meet you all there.

In conclusion, the work for the American continent to become its own region continues. All the associations mentioned in my report have significant potential. The International Board is pushing hard to make that a reality. Brother, if you are reading this and you think you can refer a potential prospect to any of the countries mentioned, do not hesitate to let us know. We are #StrongerTogether and can build this great organization one member at a time.

Yours in table

Aleksander Ottokar

neachairman@round-table.org