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Women and
Rotary
History |
In Mexico, Inner Wheel was founded in 1983, when
Pablo Campos Lynch, an outstanding member of the Rotary Club of Mexico City,
brought the idea to Mexico. | He was seconded by Ms. Vicky Gomez-Vega, a "Rotary Ann" of the same club, who held a meeting inviting many ladies from different clubs. At a breakfast of wives of Rotarians, I met Gloria Pavón and Marichu Albuerne from the Club of Puebla, who were also very enthusiastic about the idea of introducing the Inner Wheel in Mexico. Inner Wheel Club of Mexico City, was formed on 6 September 1983, signing its charter with over 40 ladies present. Simultaneously, the IW Club de Puebla was formed, then IW Tlalpan, Aeropuerto, Cuernavaca Oriente and Atizapán. Hardly anyone knows that there was a lady, a member of Tlalpan club who was responsible for advising on the beginnings of Inner Wheel in Mexico and was first to translate into Spanish, all the statutory documents. Her name was Georgina Fernandez whose name is important to the history but who, shortly after the formation of the club, died. Gloria Pavon and I made friends and together we spread information about Inner Wheel to the Committees of Ladies Wives of Rotarians. In 1985, several ladies of the clubs mentioned, attended the International Convention in Orlando and in 1988 Gloria Pavon and yours truly, attended the convention of Stavanger, Norway. In 1984 we received a visit from International President Ranhild Oegland, Norway; in 1987 from Alison Dawson of New Zealand. Mrs. Lillian Pettigrew of Canada, Mrs. Metje Hanekamp Van De Kamp, who were members of the International Board and Mrs Mette Stotvig of Norway and other personalities. With Mrs. Alison Dowson we toured Mexico City, Puebla, Morelos andTaxco, promoting the formation of Inner Wheel Clubs. I remember we were in two cars, one driven by my husband and one for me, took my young children and the excitement was such that they left their clothes everywhere. In 1990, with much effort and work, we organized at the Hotel Nikko Mexico, a breakfast to meet the members of Inner Wheel that came with their husbands or family members to the Rotary International Convention, held in Mexico City. In 1994 a group of Mexican members attended Sacramento, Calif., the National Assembly of clubs in the U.S. and learned a lot. In 1989 the First District of Inner Wheel in Mexico was formed - District 418, and our first District Governor was Gloria Pavon. In 1990, District 417 was formed, its first District Governor being an employee. Since then, there has been an increase in membership and while the growth in number of clubs has not been as fast as we would have liked, we have instead kept pace with a membership of high quality. I intend to gather more information from the clubs, their dates of their chairs and work training for the record of our history. The two districts 417 and 418 are constantly in touch and warmth and hope that this will not only continue, but increase for greater expansion. We must also give a well-deserved credit and recognition to our husbands as Rotarians have helped and supported us in our work as members of Inner Wheel. Adolfo, my husband has always been convinced of the importance which belongs to the wives of Rotary Inner Wheel, he says the day you allow "Male Inner Wheel" He will be the first to join. In 2003 along with Past Governor Yves Caligaris, we attended the Convention of Florence in Italy and great was my frustration when we were not allowed to carry the flag of Mexico, despite having made previous paperwork for it, not having a National Representative. Now we are taking a big step in that direction and towards the international, establishing the positions of Representative and National Executive, which is to and necessary for our journey to Inner Wheel and have a say in future issues International directive. I greatly appreciate the trust you have placed in me to be your National Representative, I will put this much effort and enthusiasm as corresponding to your expectations. I have already been in touch with our next International President, Ms. Kamala Ramakrishnan, to help coordinate the next visit to Mexico in April 2008. Indeed, it is strictly vegetarian and warned me not even making chicken broth, so you have to be prepared with lots of vegetables. A report by Mercedes Garcia Velten. Districts |
|  District
417 comprises 5 clubs;District 418 comprises 12 clubs as at 2010. Clubs | The Inner Wheel Club of Mexico City was the first club in Mexico, was chartered on 6 September 1983 and is now in District 417. The second club to be chartered was the IW Club Puebla which is now in District 418.
acknowledgements to the webmaster and
committees of Inner Wheel Mexico. |
researched and posted by RGHF Webmaster Greg Barlow, Malaysia. July 2011.
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