Holland Rotarian takes AI expertise to global stage

Charles Elwood’s involvement with Rotary recently took him to an international stage he never expected.

He spoke to Rotary leaders from around the world about how he has used artificial intelligence as a tool for community service and social good.

“I think Rotarians saw the overlap between my work and Rotary’s mission,” Elwood says. “Using technology to help people reconnect with their communities fits directly with service above self.”

Elwood is president of the Lakeshore United Rotaract Club, which serves young professionals.

He has built a reputation as an AI expert focused on human-centered applications. 

His AI projects include helping individuals regain their voices, particularly those affected by illness or social barriers, by using technology in practical ways.

International Rotary leaders invited Elwood to share how AI can be used responsibly to expand Rotary’s impact, support storytelling, and help reintegrate people into civic life. His presentation focused less on technology itself and more on how tools can serve human needs.

“I believe AI is at its best when it’s used for human-centered transformation,” Elwood says. “Tools matter, but people matter more.”

AI improved his delivery

Elwood says the most intimidating part of speaking at the international assembly in Orlando in January was not the size of the audience, but the production itself. He struggled with where to look around the room. The cameras and strict movement rules made it difficult to focus during rehearsal.

“I had never used a teleprompter before,” he says. “During the dress rehearsal, I kept fumbling because I was trying to read the script and still connect with the audience.”

Rather than push through using an approach that wasn’t working, Elwood turned to the same tool he teaches others to use responsibly: artificial intelligence. He asked AI for guidance on how professional speakers handle teleprompters while remaining authentic.

He followed the advice to memorize a few key emotional points, slow his delivery, and focus on finishing each sentence before making eye contact with the audience. 

The strategy helped him move from a difficult rehearsal to a confident final presentation.

“When I stepped on stage, it worked,” he says. “I wasn’t thinking about the teleprompters anymore. I was focused on the message.”

While speaking to an audience of international Rotary leaders was outside his comfort zone, Elwood says the experience reinforced his belief in Rotary’s global network.

“Rotary creates space for people to bring their skills to the table,” he says. “When your passion aligns with service, those opportunities find you.”

Elwood’s work with Rotary initiatives ranges from collaborative projects to supporting youth leadership. 

“At its core, Rotary is about people helping people,” Elwood says. “Whether that’s across the street or across the world, the goal is the same.”

Photos courtesy of Charles Elwood/Rotary International