Agora Club International
About Agora Club International
Agora Club International (ACI) is a global organization for women, primarily those aged 42 and older, including Past Circlers from Ladies' Circle. Membership eligibility can vary based on national rules; for instance, if the age limit for women in a Ladies’ Circle country is 40, Past Circlers from that country can join an Agora Club from that age. ACI fosters connections among Past Circlers and their friends from diverse backgrounds across 24 countries, collaborating with organizations like Ladies' Circle and Round Table. The primary language for meetings and correspondence is English[1].
Aims and Objectives
ACI's goals include linking national associations, promoting friendship under the motto "Donner et Tolérer" (Service and Tolerance), and maintaining non-political and non-sectarian values[1].
History
Founded in 1987 in Lille, France, the first Agora Club emerged from former Ladies’ Circle members. Subsequent clubs were established in the Netherlands and Belgium, with the first International Council occurring in 1996. As of now, ACI comprises clubs in numerous countries, including Austria, Cyprus, and the USA, with plans for new clubs in India and growing interest from countries like Namibia and Spain[1].
Service Philosophy
Each Agora Club determines its own service involvement, focusing on aiding women and children in need. Since 2015, ACI has initiated its own International Service Project named "Eyes For The World."[1]
Membership
Members are women engaged in cultural, social, and international activities who share common values. Membership requires an invitation, and individuals can apply for membership if there is no local club in their country. Clubs meet monthly, engaging in various activities that promote learning and socialization[1].
Organization Structure
Governance is structured at local, national, and international levels with elected boards comprising a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past-President. Local clubs organize meetings and activities, while national boards facilitate communication and charter new clubs. ACI’s international board focuses on promoting the organization globally[1].
Communication and Costs
Regular electronic newsletters help maintain connections and share achievements among members. Local clubs set their own fees, contributing minimally to national and international administration. Overall, Agora Club International emphasizes friendship, service, and the empowerment of women through connection and shared experiences[1].
Side by Side - The Round Table Family
In 2006, Round Table International and Ladies’ Circle International established the Side by Side Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration between their organizations. This agreement was recognized at the 2010 International Annual General Meeting, which also included Tangent Club International, Agora Club International and Club 41 International[2].
- Club 41 International was created in 1975 for former Round Table members, known as "Ex-Tablers." It promotes camaraderie and manages seven international youth exchange programs annually, including the Young Ambassadors' Program, to encourage youth involvement in local clubs.
- Ladies’ Circle International is a global network for women aged 18 to 45, founded in the 1930s. Its motto, “Friendship and Service,” highlights its commitment to fostering international understanding and supporting various service projects, promoting friendship, new experiences, and sisterhood.
- Round Table International connects young men aged 18 to 40 (or 45) for personal development, community service, and fellowship through regular meetings and events.
- Tangent Club International serves as an extension of Ladies’ Circle, allowing members to maintain friendships and connections beyond the age limit, preserving the spirit of unity and friendship they valued.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "AGORA CLUB INTERNATIONAL". AGORA CLUB INTERNATIONAL. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
- ↑ "Round Table Family". AGORA CLUB INTERNATIONAL. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
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