Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs. Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong. We have more work to do to create a more just, open, and welcoming community for all people as well as create a genuine sense of belonging for all of our members and guests. In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey, and to continuing to learn and do better.
The Rotary Club of Evanston pledges to advance these goals in the following ways:
- Promote a club membership and board of directors that reflect a diversity of races and cultures, genders and sexual orientations, identities, affiliations, socioeconomic background, and worldviews.
- Commit to a welcoming club atmosphere that fosters a sense of true belonging, engaging all guests, speakers, and members in a spirit of community and service reflective of Rotary’s mission.
- Ask club members to seek an understanding of the true history of racism and the impact of racism on ourselves and our community.
- Encourage club members to stand up against racism through public proclamations, community engagement, club participation, educational programming, and related programs.
- Consider an organization’s commitment to anti-racism and Rotary’s goals of diversity, inclusion, and equity when supporting non-profit organizations.
- Take into account how we support people of color and other underrepresented groups when issuing grants, scholarships, and similar programs.
- Assess the club’s efforts to support this pledge annually and, as needed, take action to reaffirm our club’s commitment to it.
As in all the things we think, say or do, we will apply Rotary’s Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?