The 411 from the District 6440 Governor Line (Monday - August 29, 2022 & Monday - Sept. 5, 2022)
Distribution: All Active & Honorary Members, Council of Governors, District Admin
Hello Rotarians!
One of the goals I share with this year’s President Jennifer Jones is to establish a presence around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As Mary, Thor, Kevin, and I consider how and where to begin the process toward that presence, we struggle with the diverse starting point from which many of our clubs are beginning. With that in mind, I wanted to make some suggestions as to where your club could start if you have not started yet.
1. Conversation – consider having a club meeting, assembly or gathering to allow members, guests, and invitees to ask questions about what diversity, equity and inclusion could mean to and for your club. Conversation has the power to break down bias and allow us to connect with people.
2. Be An Ally - Show all the people in your community that your club supports them.
3. Create a Sense of Belonging – Welcome new people in your community with a card, gift, etc. Engage with your neighbors, coworkers and peers and stay connected. Be kind and understanding. Remember what it means to be a Rotarian.
4. Reconsider your stereotypes – Don’t assume older adults are bad at technology and younger adults are good at technology. Don’t make racial, gender specific, or ethnic jokes. We need to work to ensure that everyone is valued equally.
5. Consider your actions – Sometimes we feel uncomfortable sitting next to and talking to certain types of people. For example, people with disabilities often find people staring at them or looking away from them. People from racial or religious groups often find people avoiding them. If it’s appropriate, engage people in your conversation and encourage others to engage others in an open, inclusive manner. Talk enthusiastically about Rotary. Maybe others will become interested and join Rotary.
6. Who Is Missing - Consider who is missing in your clubs. Are all social, economic, ethic, and racial groups with a presence in your community represented in your club? If not, why not? The answer may not be to just ask them to join. The answer may be making them feel welcome first. Be inclusive!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can and will have a positive impact on our membership. Let’s be leaders in this area!
Have a great week!
DG Bill August 29th
Rotary is helping improve literacy worldwide through the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group. Learn more by clicking here.
- Provide books to children at local food pantries.
- Sponsor a Summer Reading Competition at your local library or school.
- Read to elementary students https://www.readacrossamerica.org/.
- Start planning to recognize an outstanding teacher or teachers on October 5, World Teacher’s Day and invite school administrators. https://observances.global/world-teachers-day/
- Sponsor a Story Walk
- Find an international partner and support their proposed project.
