As we welcome in the new year, lets evaluate our progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The way we design projects and include people of all backgrounds, reflecting the communities in which we live will speak louder than words and will be an attraction for more members. Having a diverse membership and an environment that appreciates and respects differences, helps Rotary Clubs be relevant in and connected to their communities. The more diverse Rotary becomes, the better positioned it will be to delivery on our vision and mission providing peace and progress both in our own communities and around the world.
It is important to differentiate the nuances between diversity and inclusion.
While clubs should work to actively expand and deepen diversity across its membership, the difference between diversity and inclusion is the action the club takes to make those diverse individuals feel welcome and valued with the members and the overall club. Where some clubs can say they are diverse because their membership profile numbers reflect diversity, they may not have changed any other part of their clubs’ activities or programs to ensure those individuals feel safe and valued. In your own Rotary club, we would challenge you to review the following:
Do you have:
- Balance of experience for less represented groups?
- Barriers to entry both structural and societal that might be at play?
- Blindspots and assumptions that might be working against a more inclusive environment?
It is important to remember that diversity is less about what makes people different; race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and so on—but it is more about understanding, accepting, and valuing those differences. Below we have included a tool for you to use to see what progress your club has made with respect to your DEI work.
