Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Monday morning, your Executive Committee had a fruitful zoom-type conference with Alicia Ruiz- Orbin and Jim Palmquist who are our representatives to the District for Rotary's work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Collectively, we reminded ourselves that even though Rotary was founded by a group of white, male, American entrepreneurs, our mission of "Service above Self" has created unbounded growth. Rotary is no longer a "club" it is a "cause". That cause is defined by our areas of focus: promoting peace; fighting disease (End Polio Forever); providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; saving mothers and children (who face malnutrition and poor health care); supporting education; growing local economies; and protecting our environment. As a global organization, Rotary values the diversity of its membership and the variety of gifts and skills its members offer.
Here’s RI’s 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’s definitions:
Diversity: Rotary welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and identities.
Equity: Rotary strives for the fair treatment, opportunity, and advancement of all Rotary participants.
Inclusion: Rotary is working to create experiences where all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
“A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve. We’re creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.”
With a heart for Rotary, everyone on the conference call felt the challenge to ensure that Emmaus Rotary continues to represent the best of Rotary. We wanted to look at how we attract, welcome, and mentor new members. We wondered if there might be tweaks in our routines that might move us forward. For example, recognizing both the diversity of belief among our members and the growing number of Americans who claim no formal religious affiliation, we asked is it time to move to an understanding that the invocations offered at our regular meetings might be best understood as prayers and/or inspirational words.
Time flew. We decided to explore further. Mike Waddell, President-elect, and Sal Verrastro, second Vice-president, will be forming a small
group, staffed by Ruiz-Orbin and Palmquist, to look at our own diversity, equity, and inclusion. We look forward to a report of their findings and suggestions.
Meanwhile, a special shout out to all our members who have served in the Armed Forces to protect our freedom and liberty.
Happy Veteran' s Day.
My friends, the virulent Covid19 virus is on the prowl! Wear your masks, keep your distances, use your hand sanitizers!! Stay well.
Yours in Rotary,
Lexa Shallcross
President Emmaus Rotary 2020-2021
Xal