We just heard news from Heather Drakes, Chair of the Diversity, Equity &Inclusion Committee that they are planning on a survey that will be coming our very soon. We appreciate your help with this important tool to assist the Committee with their plans. Thank You. Read more for more DEI News ......

A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve and are inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities.

Rotary is creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities.

To help achieve our goal, the Rotary International Board of Directors passed a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement:

As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders.

Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility — from Rotary members to staff at the Secretariat.

 

What your club can do:

  • Talk about diversity with your club members and create a member diversity and inclusion action plan using the Diversifying Your Club assessment.

  • Invite local diversity, equity, and inclusion experts to speak at your club’s next gathering.

  • Connect with local organizations that are supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and work with them on projects or events.

  • Encourage and support people from underrepresented groups to take on leadership positions in your club and district.

  • Encourage club members to take the Building a Diverse Club course in the Learning Center to learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Create a community advisory board and invite diverse members from the community and from your club to take part. You'll learn what's important to the community and discover ways to work together to take action.

What the Rotary International Secretariat is doing:

  • The Board set a goal to increase the number of women who are Rotary members and who serve in Rotary leadership positions to 30 percent by June 2023. More women are being appointed to serve as International Assembly training leaders, regional leaders, and Rotary International committee members.

  • We continue to support Rotary Fellowships that bring together members from around the world who share a common passion.

  • We're creating a strategic plan that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

Design an Inclusive Plan for Your Organization

Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, and we’re committed to reflecting the communities we serve by being inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities. Throughout 2020-21, Rotary will host a webinar series to help members understand and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. But where do you start? To effect real change, we need to create a plan that welcomes all people, extends to all activities, and has measurable results. By designing an inclusive plan for your organization, you can ensure that current policies, programs or structures provide equal access and opportunity to those who may be unintentionally excluded or marginalized.

Watch the recording of Design an Inclusive Plan for Your Organization and share with club leaders to jump start a conversation on how you can create an inclusion framework in your district and clubs!