Host families and volunteers shared their hopes for the coming year long-term program:
Exchange of cultural values and experiences.
Have a good experience for the student and our family while learning to speak Spanish more fluently and learn about another culture.
Re-energize the District interest for Rotary Youth Exchange.
General experiences of hosting a student in our home.
Excited to be involved with a new exchange student again.
Introducing my son to a new culture with the hope of sparking his interest in travel.
Have fun with the program.
Restarting the exchange program again in our club.
If you are interested in having your Rotary Club participate in 2023 reciprocal summer, 2023-24 long-term program, or are a Rotarian interested in volunteering at the District level now, or a student thinking about the exchange program, or a family willing to open your heart and home to a student, CONTACT US! RYE.chair@rotary6440.org
Women are active participants in Rotary, serving their communities in increasing numbers and serving in leadership positions in Rotary. The 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary.
“My fellow delegates, I would like to remind you that the world of 1989 is very different to the world of 1905. I sincerely believe that Rotary has to adapt itself to a changing world,” said Frank J. Devlyn, who would go on to become RI president in 2000-01.
The vote followed the decades-long efforts of men and women from all over the Rotary world to allow the admission of women into Rotary clubs, and several close votes at previous Council meetings.
The response to the decision was overwhelming: By June 1990, the number of female Rotarians had skyrocketed to over 20,000. The number of women members worldwide reached 195,000 in July 2010 (about 16% of Rotarians) and surpassed 277,000 in July 2020 (about 23% ).
A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve. We know that our capacity to increase our impact and expand our reach is larger when more people unite with us, which is why we value diversity, equity and inclusion. Rotary celebrates and welcomes 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.
Our timeline highlights historic milestones and senior leadership firsts that have helped build greater diversity in Rotary. These leaders and all our female members are making positive change in communities around the world.
Timeline of women in Rotary
1950
An enactment to delete the word “male” from the Standard Rotary Club Constitution is proposed by a Rotary club in India for the Council on Legislation meeting at the 1950 Rotary Convention.
1964
The Council on Legislation agenda contains an enactment proposed by a Rotary club in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to permit the admission of women into Rotary clubs. Delegates vote that it be withdrawn. Two other proposals to allow women to be eligible for honorary membership are also withdrawn.
1972
As more women begin reaching higher positions in their professions, more clubs begin lobbying for female members. A U.S. Rotary club proposes admitting women into Rotary at the 1972 Council on Legislation.
1977
Three separate proposals to admit women into membership are submitted to the Council on Legislation for consideration at the 1977 Rotary Convention. A Brazilian club makes a different proposal to admit women as honorary members.
The Rotary Club of Duarte, California, USA, admits women as members in violation of the RI Constitution and Standard Rotary Club Constitution. Because of this violation, the club’s membership in Rotary International is terminated in March 1978. (The club was reinstated in September 1986.)
1980
The RI Board of Directors and Rotary clubs in India, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States propose an enactment to remove from the RI and club constitutions and bylaws all references to members as “male persons.”
1983-86
In a lawsuit filed by the Duarte club, the California Superior Court in 1983 rules in favor of Rotary International, upholding gender-based qualification for membership in California Rotary clubs. In 1986, the California Court of Appeals reverses the lower court's decision, preventing the enforcement of the provision in California. The California Supreme Court refuses to hear the case, and it is appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
1987
On 4 May, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. Rotary issues a policy statement that any Rotary club in the United States can admit qualified women into membership.
The Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise, California (formerly Larkspur Landing), is chartered on 28 May. It becomes the first club after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to have women as charter members.
Sylvia Whitlock, of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, becomes the first female Rotary club president.
1988
In November, the RI Board of Directors issues a policy statement recognizing the right of Rotary clubs in Canada to admit female members based on a Canadian law similar to that upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
1989
At its first meeting after the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Council on Legislation votes to eliminate the requirement in the RI Constitution that membership in Rotary clubs be limited to men. Women are welcomed into Rotary clubs around the world.
1990
As of June, there are about 20,200 female Rotarians worldwide. The Rotarian runs a feature on women in Rotary.
1995
In July, eight women become district governors, the first elected to this role: Mimi Altman, Gilda Chirafisi, Janet W. Holland, Reba F. Lovrien, Virginia B. Nordby, Donna J. Rapp, Anne Robertson, and Olive P. Scott.
2005
Carolyn E. Jones begins her term as the first woman appointed as trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
2008
Catherine Noyer-Riveau begins her term as the first woman elected to the RI Board of Directors.
2012
Elizabeth S. Demaray begins her term as RI treasurer, the first woman to serve in this position.
2013
Anne L. Matthews begins her term as the first woman to serve as RI vice president.
2019
Brenda Marie Cressey begins her term as the first woman to serve as vice-chair of The Rotary Foundation. In April-June 2019 she serves as chair of the Foundation, the first woman appointed to this role.
2022
Jennifer Jones begins her term as the first female president of Rotary International.
JOIN US FOR A 60-MINUTE CONVERSATION ABOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN
On March 8, 2024, Rotary International is hosting a 60-minute panel discussion as a way to celebrate and recognize International Women’s Day, and we would love for you to join us!
The discussion will focus on the importance of not only including but being a champion of women in leadership — in the workplace and beyond. We will discuss the importance of identifying leaders early, establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs, supporting women in joining women-led professional organizations, and focusing on allyship. We’ll also announce and celebrate the recipient of the 2023-24 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award.
This event is open to Rotary members and members of the public of all genders. Feel free to share with your networks. Click Read More for registration information.
MARCH 8 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time REGISTER NOW Empowering and Elevating Women in the Workplace Click here to see the event details in your time zone.
Aja is a DEI practitioner committed to enhancing the employee experience and fostering a culture of belonging within her organization. As an advocate for psychological safety, Aja believes in creating an environment where every employee feels seen, valued, respected, and heard. Through hosting staff podcasts, facilitating DEI conversations, and leading impactful workshops, Aja guides individuals and teams to action in real-life scenarios, encouraging thoughtful and deliberate reflection and resolutions. As a certified mediator, Aja is well-versed in conflict resolution techniques and believes in the power of building healthy relationships through open and effective communication. Aja understands the significance of shared experiences, building community, and fostering connections that lead to a stronger, more inclusive workplace.
Angela Walker / United States
Angela, a member of the Rotary Club of North Chicago, is a two-term Past President. She currently serves as an Assistant Governor and district Membership Chair and collaborates as a Member at Large on the Midwest PETS Counsel. Angela's busy schedule is dominated by visiting clubs within the district and sharing Rotary’s Best Practices. Angela enjoys each club's uniqueness, diversity, and creativity. She combines those dynamics and uses them to strengthen, nurture, and inspire our clubs and their members which in turn promotes the growth of Rotary.
Anderson is an advocate for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equality and disability rights who has been a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion in South America. He is one of 6 Rotary members honored as People of Action: Champions of Inclusion. He led the formation and was the 1st president of CDEI Brasil (the DEI committee in Brazil), which has more than 60 Rotary and Rotaract members from across the country and supports and guides local districts. His work has encouraged 27 out of 31 governors to make DEI district chairs part of their leadership teams and ensure that DEI activities are part of the district’s focus. The committee has prepared educational materials, trained leaders, produced monthly webinars and social media content, and raised awareness about DEI events. It has also built partnerships with nongovernmental organizations and advised communities about DEI issues. He has worked closely with clubs, districts, and leaders in Brazil to ensure that Rotary offers a welcoming environment for people from diverse backgrounds. The committee regularly shares news about its activities with the DEI Task Force. Because of his initiatives, CDEI has served as a model for other Rotary clubs and districts and has been replicated in other countries.
Manjoo Phadke, District Governor / India
DG Manjoo has been a Rotarian since 2003. She is a successful entrepreneur, a corporate trainer, and an accomplished, dedicated, and involved Rotary leader who has had, and continues to make, a significant impact on women and girls in her region and in Rotary. Manjoo is an activist for DEI and gender equality and organizes and leads activities that benefit and empower women and girls. She has not only mentored women entrepreneurs, motivated girls through RYLA, and helped young women find jobs by organizing a job fair, but has also taught these groups important practical skills to become digitally, legally, and financially literate. In addition, Manjoo has helped women and girls get medical care they need by setting up medical checkup and mammography camps, and by leading vaccination and menstrual hygiene campaigns. Her efforts have benefitted over a hundred thousand women and girls in India. Manjoo’s professional and social accomplishments, positive attitude, and passion have contributed to her effectiveness and have set her apart as an influential leader and catalyst for change.
Climate Action Evanston (CAE) needs YOUR help as we embark on an ambitious list of local projects in 2024. Without help from the community, we won’t meet our city’s climate goals. Let us know here about your passions and interests so we can best fit them with our needs.
We’re also looking for an organized person to help run the highly successful Repair Café series. If interested, please contact our Beyond Waste program leader Dave Cook at dcookaia@gmail.com
There are still many in our community who remain hungry and have food insecurities. Let's do our part and bring food to our next meeting on March 5
The following items are still in need at the Northfield Food Pantry. Let's continue to be sure that no one in our community ever has to go hungry. Thanking you in advance
Baking supplies (cake/muffin/cookie mix) Canned fruit (no mixed fruit) in 100% juice Rice mixes Juice/juice boxes (100% juice preferred) Spices & seasonings
To all Northbrook Rotarians,
A question arose as to who we should turn in our filled-out ticket stubs and payments for our Raffle /bingo night. The answer is Debbie Madeley should receive these items, or in the alternative, you can give them to me, and I will deliver them to Debbie. Don't forget to add to the stubs your name as the ticket seller. If your name does not appear on the stubs, Debbie will have no way of knowing who to credit for the sales.
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