Roots & Wings: Where Conversations Become Connections
Different countries. Different generations. Different experiences. One Rotary family.
Sometimes, the most meaningful moments begin with a simple conversation.
A new perspective. An unexpected friendship. A story that stays with us. An idea that suddenly seems possible because we have met someone who shares our passion.
This is what Roots & Wings is all about.
On 23–24 October 2026, the Rotary family from across Zone 21B will come together in Samsun, Türkiye, for the Public Image & Rotaract Summit – Roots & Wings.
Not simply to attend another event, but to listen, share, discover and connect.
Find Your Voice. Discover New Perspectives.
Imagine a Friday morning filled with conversations, creativity and practical discoveries.
Three parallel workshops will invite us to explore how we communicate with confidence, how we create clubs where people genuinely belong, and how we tell stories that make others care about the difference Rotary makes.
Then, the conversation grows.
With Hakan Åžahin, we will look beyond Rotary to explore trust, reputation and social impact.
In Public Image as Public Trust, we will challenge ourselves to think differently about what makes people believe in Rotary.
Because our public image is not simply what we say about ourselves. It is what people experience when they meet us, work with us and become part of our clubs.
One Rotary. Many Generations. Countless Possibilities.
Saturday brings together different generations, perspectives and experiences.
What can we learn from one another? How do we turn our values into everyday behaviour? What makes leadership meaningful? And how can we create an impact that lasts?
We will celebrate World Polio Day, discover the creativity of the ROFIFE Rotary Short Film Festival, and hear stories of peace, service and leadership.
We will meet people whose Rotary journeys have taken unexpected turns.
We will ask questions, exchange experiences and discover success stories from across Zone 21B.
Not polished theories. Real experiences. Real people. Real possibilities.
The Magic Happens Between the Sessions
Perhaps the most valuable part of Roots & Wings cannot be written into any programme.
It may happen when a young Rotarian finds a mentor.
When two club members from different countries discover a shared idea.
When an experienced leader hears a fresh perspective.
Or when a conversation over coffee becomes the beginning of a friendship that crosses borders.
These moments cannot be scheduled. But we can create the space for them to happen.
And that is exactly what we hope to do in Samsun.
Our roots give us strength. Our wings give us the courage to explore what comes next.
We bring different stories, different experiences and different dreams. We do not have to think alike to move forward together.
We only need the willingness to listen, the openness to connect and the courage to imagine new possibilities.
What begins as a conversation in Samsun may become a meaningful initiative tomorrow.
So come with your experience. Bring your curiosity. Share your ideas.
And leave room for something unexpected.
Roots & Wings is shaped by people. Created together.
And it will not be quite the same without you.
Public Image & Rotaract Summit – Roots & Wings
Samsun, Türkiye | 22–25 October 2026
Arrivals: 22 October | Summit programme: 23–24 October | Departures: 25 October
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Roots & Wings for?
Roots & Wings is a Public Image & Rotaract Summit for the whole Rotary family. It brings together Rotarians, Rotaractors, experienced leaders and emerging leaders from across Zone 21B to exchange experiences, build relationships and explore new possibilities for cooperation.
What makes the Roots & Wings programme different?
The programme combines practical workshops, inspiring conversations, leadership experiences and real success stories from across Zone 21B. It focuses on public trust, belonging, cooperation between generations and lasting impact, with opportunities to connect beyond the formal sessions.
When and where will Roots & Wings take place?
The summit takes place in Samsun, Türkiye, from 22 to 25 October 2026. Arrivals are planned for 22 October, the summit programme runs on 23–24 October, and departures are scheduled for 25 October.