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Another message from our District Governor, Bob McLean: Welcome to 2021... and what year it has been (with less than two weeks in)! As we turned the clock and entered into the new year, we all hoped to move past the anguish of 2020; Covid, the economy, the elections... And look forward to new horizons, new opportunities, and a greater sense of unity in our communities, our nation, and around the world.
But as one Rotarian friend shared the other day, they were so hopeful about the prospects for a better year then witnessing the horrific events that took place in Washington D.C. last week, they were completely disheartened. These are truly challenging times with a nation sadly divided, out of balance, and clearly in need of healing.
The healing isn't complete because the calendar now says 2021. The more severe the imbalance, the longer the process takes. But in many respects, now is the time for Rotary to do what it does best; to encourage and strengthen the process of POSITIVE PEACE. Rotary has championed this role for over a century in our communities, in our businesses, and in our world. It is a role we can all support, advocate, and bring honor to by the things we think, say, and do.
In October, prior to the U.S. elections, a message was sent to you regarding how we communicate with each other; especially on virtual platforms. As we have witnessed, these platforms can be a powerful tool for good but equally powerful tool for division. The message of mutual respect bears repeating given that we are only starting the process of healing and have a long way to go. Here it is: Rotary is renowned as a volunteer organization, unique in its capacity to bring together business, professional, and community leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill/peace around the world.
Though we are inundated with political messaging these days, we are reminded that Rotary is deliberately NON-POLITICAL and non-religious; open to all who promote peace. With the 4 Way Test as our compass, Rotary has earned the trust and respect of organizations around the globe (including political and religious) by focusing on our mission; doing good in the world through service above self.
With upcoming elections in the U.S., there is an intensity as of late that reminds us that “politics happens”. In fact, Rotary and Politics became an unscheduled topic of discussion in a recent gathering of district governors from Zone 25b and 29 during a Zone Assembly on “Best Practices”. An impromptu meeting with a representative of RI was arranged to bring clarity to the matter during our assembly.
The general guideline from RI is fairly simple; Rotary is a service organization which wants to attract and keep members from all political (and religious) persuasions as well as to work with government agencies where needed to execute its humanitarian projects. Rotary must remain neutral on political issues while at the same time help its members to stay informed and educated on political issues so that they can make informed choices.
This is fairly straightforward when it comes to hosting speakers, publishing Rotary newsletters, posting to Rotary websites/Facebook/Twitter, etc. It is more complex in keeping separate one’s personal political views (important as they are) from our role as Rotarian leaders.
In our “Best Practices” discussion, all the DGs agreed that we have an essential right of expression AND we should exercise that right. In addition, we have a responsibility as leaders in Rotary to exercise that right in the appropriate platforms and context. As such, we are encouraged to consider how our comments, as leaders in the district, may impact members of Rotary.
The RI representative suggested that personal posts certainly need to be respected but encouraged refraining from mixing personal political posts on the same platform/account that you use to share posts regarding Rotary; in essence consider having more than one account so as not to mix the two.
Our first amendment right is a great gift and a great responsibility. Rotarians in District 5580 are looking to us to set the tone and example of how we communicate with each other and with the world; a tone that is DIRECT, HONEST, and RESPECTFUL. Like a three legged stool, it needs to be all three to stand up! Again, before you post, consider your role as a leader in Rotary and remember the 4 Way Test.
With great respect and genuine appreciation for all you do for Rotary.
Again, the general guidelines from RI are simple; keep messages regarding Rotary and personal political views separate. BOTH are important but Rotary must remain neutral on political issues. If one is inclined to advocate or share a political perspective, that right of expression is fully appreciated AND should be on a platform or account SEPARATE from where one shares comments about Rotary; especially comments we share as leaders in the district.
As expressed in October, the freedom of expression is a great gift and a great responsibility. Rotarians in District 5580 are looking to US to set the tone, a tone that is DIRECT, HONEST, and RESPECTFUL. Like a three legged stool, it needs to be all three to stand up! Again, before you post, consider your role as a leader in Rotary and remember the 4 Way Test.
Thank you for all you do for the benefit of Rotary and the process of PEACE.
Wishing you all a wonderful, peace filled, and prosperous 2021.
Yours in Rotary
Bob McLean |
