Dear fellow Rotarians,
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are all topics of discussions throughout our businesses and in our living rooms these days. The passing of the great Civil Rights leader this weekend, Congressman John Lewis, only seems to have hastened a sense of urgency in our ongoing conversation about true allyship and equity. I have long admired Congressman Lewis and had the opportunity to meet him as a youngster. It is a memory I cherish, and I believe his ideal of #goodtrouble is one by which many Rotarians can relate to in their dedication to service above self.
Recently, Rotary International held a convening about this topic. A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve and are inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities.
Rotary is creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. To help us achieve our goal, the RI Board of Directors passed a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement:
- As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates 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.
- Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders.
I encourage you all to take a moment to check out these materials, and please feel free to reach out to me with ways in which you think we can grow diversity, equity and inclusion at the club level. Beginning the dialogue is the first step!
Yours in service,
Stefanie
P.S. Please take look to the right! We have an awesome line up in the weeks ahead! Hope to see you there!
Stefanie Joy Muscat
President, Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club
