Round Table Switzerland

Starting in 1951, local Tables were established in western Switzerland by international godfathers from Round Table France and Round Table Belgium. The first Table, RT1 in Lausanne, was founded with the support of RT1 Brussels, RT2 Antwerp, RT1 Paris, and RT8 Liverpool, followed shortly by RT2 in Geneva, established by RT1 Lausanne and RT1 Paris. These early efforts brought the spirit and values of Round Table to Switzerland and laid the foundation for the movement in the country.

Soon after, the Round Table spirit spread to the German-speaking region, with the founding of RT3 in Zurich, the country’s largest city, and RT4 in Bern, the capital. Over the following years, the movement continued to grow, attracting motivated young men who shared a commitment to fellowship, service, and personal development.

Round Table Switzerland was officially founded in 1957, marking the formal establishment of a national organisation. As of today, Switzerland celebrates more than 70 years of tabling, reflecting a long tradition of local engagement, international collaboration, and the enduring values of the Round Table community.

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Die Vereinigung

Struktur

Regionen und lokale Tische

Gegenwärtig hat Round Table Schweiz rund 500 Mitglieder und 36 lokale Tische, die in 6 geografischen Regionen/Gebieten organisiert sind:

• • drei davon in der deutschsprachigen Ost- und Zentralschweiz,
  • zwei im französischsprachigen westlichen Teil und
  • one in the Italian-speaking Ticino

Switzerland’s linguistic diversity gives each Area its own unique expression of the Swiss Round Table spirit. From the French-speaking western cantons to the German-speaking central regions and the Italian-speaking south, each Area brings its own traditions, culture, and approach to tabling, creating a rich tapestry of experiences across the country. This diversity also presents a distinctive Swiss challenge: learning to understand one another’s language, customs, and ways of working while finding common ground and fostering collaboration. Navigating these differences not only strengthens the bonds between Areas but also enhances the skills, empathy, and adaptability of members. For more detailed information on the organisation, events, and the work of each Area, please visit the official website of Round Table Switzerland.

Tabelle Jahr

It has become customary for National Presidents to give their year a theme. This theme serves as a guiding vision for the year, shaping priorities, inspiring initiatives, and providing members with a clear focus for their activities and projects.

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National

Nationale Ereignisse

Each year, the Association selects a local table to organise one of the two fixed national meetings. This offers the club a unique opportunity to combine the event f.e. with a local event or anniversary, present their social engagement, showcase their table and city to members from across Switzerland and abroad, and strengthen their identity on both a national and international level. Hosting a national meeting allows the table to grow together, build teamwork, and create shared experiences that leave a lasting impact on both their members and the wider Association. These gatherings provide participants with the chance to come together, share experiences, and actively contribute to the future direction of the organisation. The two key events are the National Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the Half-Year Meeting (HYM), both of which play a vital role in fostering collaboration, strategic planning, and a sense of community among members.

Nationale Jahreshauptversammlungen

RT Switzerland’s AGM is traditionally held at the beginning of May and is often combined with the LC AGM and the C41 HYM. This gathering brings together members from all regions of Switzerland to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, discuss challenges, and plan for the year ahead. It is also the time when the new vice president is elected as part of the incoming board for the following year, ensuring that leadership is refreshed and aligned with the Association’s strategic objectives.

The AGM weekend is designed to balance formal governance with opportunities for fellowship. In addition to structured meetings and decision-making sessions, national and international participants enjoy hospitality, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities that foster stronger personal and professional connections. The event serves not only as a platform for decision-making but also as a celebration of the Association’s shared values and achievements. The newly formed national and international connections are highly important for exchanges between regions and with other associations around the world. For many Swiss tablers, the national AGM is the first opportunity to connect with members from across the globe.

Nationale HYMs

The RT Switzerland HYM is held in October and is usually scheduled alongside the LC HYM and the C41 AGM. While shorter in duration than the AGM, the HYM is equally important, providing a mid-year checkpoint to review progress on initiatives, address emerging challenges, and maintain momentum on strategic goals.

The HYM is designed to be both efficient and engaging, combining formal updates with interactive discussions, various interesting workshops, and opportunities for members to exchange ideas both formally during the meeting and informally during surrounding side events. It helps ensure that the organisation remains cohesive and forward-looking throughout the year. Like the AGM, the HYM also offers social elements that strengthen relationships among members, reinforcing the sense of community that underpins the Association’s success.

The HYM is traditionally organized by the Club 41 homebase club of the president of Club41 Switzerland.

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Nationale Dienstprojekte

Laufend

• • ENSA Mental Health First Responders Programm (RTCH)
  • Movember, zusammengeschlossen als nationaler Verband

Vergangenheit

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International

Round Table Switzerland actively contributes to the international Round Table community by hosting and participating in global events. These activities foster cross-border collaboration, strengthen networks, and bring new ideas and experiences back to the national level.

Erweiterung

RT Schweiz und seine Clubs haben den Geist des Runden Tisches in mehreren Ländern verbreitet, denn es gibt

• • 2025 – RT19 Kreuzlingen als internationale Patenschaft für RTDE184 Ansbach
  • 2024 – RT14 Chur as international Godparent of RTDE240 Dinkelsbühl
  • 2007 – Founding partner of RT1 Algier, Algeria together with RT France
  • 2002 – Founding partner of RT1 Istanbul, Turkey together with RT France
  • 2000 – Recharter partner of RT1 Kiew, Ukraine
  • 1993 – Founding partner of RT1 Kiew, Ukraine
  • 1990 – Founding Partner of RT1 Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein

Internationale Persönlichkeiten

Ausgetragene internationale Veranstaltungen

Die Schweizer sind begeisterte Gastgeber von internationalen Begegnungen. In der Vergangenheit hat sich dies in eher zwanglosen Veranstaltungen niedergeschlagen, wie zum Beispiel Interclub Viticole und Euroskimeetings. Dennoch haben sie viele regionale Jahreshauptversammlungen und andere internationale Geschäftstreffen ausgerichtet.

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Rondell

The rondel of RTCH is easy to guess – the national flag’s white cross on red background can be found in the center of the current national rondel. The update of the rondel’s design to conform to the new, international corporate rondel design was decided at the AGM 2023 in Geneva.

Das aktuelle Schweizer Rondell ist eine eingetragene Marke in der Schweiz, die von RTCH gehalten wird.

Fun fact: It’s a big plus.

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