BRO-Meeting

Bodensee Relationship Officers

The BRO Meeting (Bodensee Relationship Officers) is a cross-border initiative within Round Table that connects the International Relations Officers of clubs located in the Lake Constance region. Centered around Lake Constance, the network brings together Round Table clubs from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria in a spirit of friendship, coordination, and practical cooperation.

Origin and Rationale

The idea for the BRO Association emerged from the unique geographic and cultural situation of the tri-border region surrounding Lake Constance. Unlike many other areas, national borders here do not reflect everyday reality. Cities and communities are closely interconnected across Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Distances between clubs in different countries are often shorter than those between clubs within the same national association, area, or district.

In practical terms, this means that a Round Table in a neighboring country may be geographically closer and more accessible than the next table within one’s own national structure. At the same time, the shared German language across the DACH region provides a natural foundation for communication and exchange. These circumstances created an opportunity to strengthen cooperation beyond formal national boundaries while remaining fully embedded within the broader framework of Round Table International.

The BRO Meeting was therefore founded as an informal yet structured platform for alignment and collaboration among the International Relations Officers of the region.

Member Tables

Participation in the BRO network is open to all Round Table clubs located directly at or near Lake Constance. Over time, a core group of tables from the three bordering countries has become actively involved.

  • From Switzerland, the participating tables include
    • Round Table 19 Kreuzlingen
    • Round Table 9 Schaffhausen
    • Round Table 24 Arbon
    • Round Table 23 Weinfelden
  • On the German side, the network includes
    • Round Table 19 Konstanz
    • Round Table 139 Stockach/Überlingen
    • Round Table 119 Singen
    • Round Table 76 Friedrichshafen
    • Round Table 116 Lindau-Lindenberg
  • Austria is represented by
    • Round Table 27 Feldkirch
    • Round Table 16 Bregenz

Together, these tables form a closely connected regional network that reflects the shared identity of the Lake Constance area while maintaining their respective national affiliations.

Structure and Activities

At the heart of the BRO Association are the clubs IROs. These officers are responsible within their individual tables for maintaining and fostering international contacts. Within the BRO framework, they meet at least once per year in person to coordinate activities, align annual calendars, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

These meetings serve multiple purposes. First, they help avoid scheduling conflicts between major events in the region. Given the close proximity of the clubs, overlapping dates can significantly affect participation. Through early communication and mutual planning, the tables can ensure that members are able to attend and support events across borders.

Second, the meetings provide a forum for exchanging ideas and best practices. Successful fundraising concepts, event formats, and community engagement strategies are shared openly. This practical exchange strengthens each individual table and contributes to higher quality events throughout the region.

Beyond the formal annual meeting, communication within the BRO network is frequent and informal. Table members regularly visit one another’s meetings and social events. This ongoing interaction reinforces personal friendships and embodies the international spirit that Round Table seeks to promote.

Shared Events and Traditions

Over the years, several events have become recurring highlights within the BRO community and are widely attended by members from all three countries.

One of the most prominent examples is the annual sailing meeting jointly organized by Round Table 19 Kreuzlingen and Round Table 19 Konstanz. Held each June in the “Trichter” area of Konstanz, this event combines sport, fellowship, and cross-border cooperation in a setting that symbolically represents the shared waters of Lake Constance.

Another well-established tradition is the “Gassenfreitag” organized by Round Table 19 Konstanz. Taking place on the first Friday of each summer month, it attracts participants from across the region and serves as a regular meeting point during the warmer season.

In winter, Round Table 19 Kreuzlingen hosts its traditional wild boar dinner, commonly known as the “Wildsauenessen”. This event combines culinary tradition with fellowship and draws guests from neighboring tables.

In late summer, Round Table Feldkirch organizes its wine festival, another cross-border highlight that reflects regional culture and hospitality.

These events are not only social gatherings but also expressions of a shared regional identity. They demonstrate how Round Table values such as friendship, service, and international understanding can be lived actively at a local and regional level.

Significance within Round Table

The BRO Association represents a practical model of international cooperation within Round Table. Without altering formal national structures, it creates a flexible framework for cross-border coordination in a geographically unique area.

By focusing on proximity, shared language, and mutual support, the network strengthens both individual tables and the broader spirit of Round Table in the Lake Constance region. It illustrates how internationalism within the organization is not limited to distant exchanges but can thrive especially where borders are part of everyday life.

Through sustained communication, annual coordination, and a tradition of mutual visits, the BRO Association continues to foster friendship and collaboration across Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, serving as a living example of regional international fellowship within Round Table.