What Is This Summit About?

The Public Image & Rotaract Summit is a regional working space where Rotary leaders, young Rotarians and Rotaractors come together to explore how public trust, belonging, communication and cooperation can strengthen Rotary’s impact.

Through dialogue, practical sessions and shared work, participants will develop ideas, partnerships and actions that can continue beyond the Summit.

Public Trust

Building credibility through authentic communication, visible impact and responsible public image.

Belonging

Creating Rotary experiences where people feel welcomed, valued and connected.

Rotary–Rotaract Cooperation

Bringing generations together as partners and co-creators.

Lasting Impact

Turning ideas and conversations into partnerships, commitments and action. What Is This Summit About?

Programme Highlights

Public Image as Public Trust

How Rotary builds credibility through authentic communication, visible impact and responsible public image.

Belonging Across Generations

How different generations can work, lead and stay connected in Rotary.

Ethical Storytelling & Rotary Voice

How to tell stronger stories, speak clearly and present Rotary in a human and credible way.

Rotary–Rotaract Co-Creation

How young Rotarians and Rotaractors can shape projects, communication and future Rotary together.

Projects, Partnerships & End Polio

How ideas move towards sustainable projects, stronger partnerships and visible impact.

Peace, Forgiveness & Shared Understanding

Introducing the Peace and Forgiveness Essay Challenge and Reading List, and inviting clubs and districts to continue the work after Samsun.

The conversation will continue after Samsun through the Roots & Wings Webinar Programme, including Rotary Foundation pathways and responsible AI in communication. Explore the Programme

Why Attend?

Learn

Practical approaches to public image, belonging, storytelling, communication and project development.

Connect

Meet Rotary and Rotaract leaders, practitioners and peers from across the region.

Create

Develop stories, project ideas, campaigns and partnerships during working sessions.

Act

Leave with clear commitments and practical next steps. Who Should Attend?

World Polio Day – 24 October

On 24 October, Roots & Wings will mark World Polio Day by connecting Rotary’s historic commitment to polio eradication with a new generation of Rotary and Rotaract voices.

Remember the Promise

Why Rotary’s commitment to ending polio still matters.

Engage a New Generation

Young Rotarians and Rotaractors as visible End Polio advocates.

Take Action

A public activation designed to turn awareness into participation. Discover the World Polio Day Programme

Programme at a Glance

Thursday, 22 October

Arrival, registration and informal welcome.

Friday, 23 October

Opening, Public Image, belonging, Rotary–Rotaract cooperation, storytelling and public speaking.

Saturday, 24 October

World Polio Day, intergenerational dialogue, practical action labs, project stories, peace initiatives and commitments.

Sunday, 25 October

Departures and informal follow-up. View Full Programme

What Will Participants Take Home?

Ideas

Practical concepts that can be adapted in clubs and districts.

Connections

New relationships across Rotary, Rotaract and the wider region.

Tools

Practical approaches for storytelling, public speaking, public trust, belonging and turning local challenges into transferable ideas.

Commitments

Clear next steps and follow-up actions after the Summit.

Be Part of the Summit

Join Rotary leaders, young Rotarians and Rotaractors from across the region for two days of shared work, practical learning and new connections. Register Now

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Public Image & Rotaract Summit?

The Public Image & Rotaract Summit is a regional working Summit bringing together Rotarians across generations and Rotaractors to explore public trust, belonging, leadership, communication and lasting impact. The programme combines meaningful dialogue, practical learning and concrete follow-up.

When and where will the Summit take place?

The Summit will take place in Samsun, Türkiye, from 22 to 25 October 2026. Thursday, 22 October is the arrival day, Friday and Saturday are the main working days, and Sunday, 25 October is the departure day.

Who should attend?

The Summit is designed for Rotarians and Rotaractors who want to contribute to Rotary’s future and strengthen the way Rotary is experienced, understood and trusted. It is particularly relevant for Public Image, membership and project leaders, club and district leaders, young Rotarians, emerging leaders, and people interested in stronger club experience and meaningful impact.

What will we work on during the Summit?

The programme focuses on Public Image as Public Trust, One Rotary – Many Generations, Create Lasting Impact as Behaviour, Rotary Voice and Public Speaking, Inclusive Club Experience, and Project Storytelling and People of Action. Participants will move from dialogue and practical learning towards concrete action.

Will this be mainly a conference with speakers?

No. The Summit is designed as a working event. Alongside plenary dialogue and an external inspirational perspective, participants will take part in practical workshops, cross-generational conversations, an Action Lab, Zone 21B Success Stories and follow-up initiatives designed to continue after Samsun.

How will World Polio Day be part of the Summit?

Saturday, 24 October is World Polio Day. The programme includes a dedicated World Polio Day moment and a shared activation in Samsun, connecting the Summit with Rotary’s continuing commitment to polio eradication.

Is the programme final?

The current programme is indicative. The main programme structure and themes are already defined, while some timings, contributors and organisational details may still be adjusted as preparations are finalised.

Still have questions? Explore the Programme and Practical Information sections or continue to Registration.