RTI merges with WOCO (1961–1991)
In 1945, WOCO (World Council of Service Clubs) was established. RTI joined WOCO following a decision at the 1961 RTI meeting in Salzburg. Thus aligning these Round Table associations under WOCO’s aims and objectives. This remained the case for thirty years. During this time, there were Round Table clubs and associations that were not members of WOCO.
Between 1961 and 1965, RTI members continued to meet at international gatherings known as RTI Rallyes, held in Copenhagen, Dijon, Gothenburg, Enschede, and Liège. However, as the founding members reached the critical age limit, RTI gradually faded.
RTI as a Standalone Entity (1991 onwards)
Main Article: Rebirth of Round Table International
In 1991, various Round Table Associations opted to reform RTI as a standalone entity, leading to its restructuring and independence for the first time since 1961. Having its own structures, rules and board, RTI kept on collabroating with WOCO for the next few years. This included organising combined World Meetings, as well as a “Round Table Members Representative” on the WOCO Foundation Board till at least 2010 (to be verified). Similar representatives were nominated by Active 20–30 and Ladies Circle.
Legal Entity in Luxembourg (2019)
On 23rd January 2019, the RTI Board 2018–2019 accouned the formalization of the legal structure of Round Table International. From that day, RTI became an NGO status under Luxembourg law, in the guise of Round Table International, asbl (association sans but luctratif).
History of Tablers
Beyond the formal structures, the full history of Round Table is made up of all individual experiences of all the members that consider themselves to be Tablers; the organisations they formed, the adventures they had, and the communities they impacted.
These stories are still being writted on a daily basis today, with more to come tomorrow.
Collated by Christopher Mintoff RT Malta
Sources:
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- Waldo Thöle written notes (Rebirth of Round Table International)
- Marlen Schubert & Harald Eggert: 60 Jahre RTBI — 50 Jahre Round Table auf dem Kontinent (Book)
- The First Twenty-Five Years of the Round Table Movement
- Round Table International’s Facebook Page