Is your Rotary Club committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

Article by PDG Adrian Roach, Regional Rotary Coordinator

Rotary's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion will be central to our success in the 21st century. By increasing our efforts to put this concept at the core of the Rotary experience, we create an environment that makes everyone feel welcome, included, and valued, and one that represents Rotary at its very best.

When Chicago attorney Paul Harris founded Rotary, he invited his colleagues and friends to create a club where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. Over time, that expanded to giving back to their communities.

Since its first club meeting more than 100 years ago, Rotary has grown into an international organisation with clubs in nearly every country in the world. Our membership comprises people with countless individual identities who share a singular passion for making the world a better place for everyone.

In recognition of Rotary's history as a diverse organization, and in our careful planning for our future, Rotary has reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
“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.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, colour, 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.
In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organisation, and to continuing to learn and do better.”

This statement is an exciting step forward in Rotary's commitment to creating a positive environment for current and future members, as well as the communities they serve.

Rotary's Action Plan

Rotary's strategic plan, known as the Action Plan, is rooted in our values and builds on the remarkable capabilities and spirit of Rotarians. It's our way of ensuring a stronger and more effective future for Rotary. The four priorities of the Action Plan are:

1. Increase our impact. Find new ways to use our expertise to make a difference in our communities and around the globe.
2. Expand our reach. Build connections and opportunities that allow people who share our drive to make change.
3. Enhance participant engagement. Recommit to putting the needs, expectations, and growth of our participants at the centre of all that we do.
4. Increase our ability to adapt. Find new opportunities, create more paths to leadership, open our conversations to more diverse voices, and simplify how we operate.

The priorities of the Action Plan — especially increasing our adaptability — align with our position on diversity, equity, and inclusion. When we embrace this concept, we advance our organization and create positive experiences for everyone who engages with Rotary.

Engaging people from all cultures, experiences, and identities, and making them feel welcome and a part of the Rotary experience, will allow us to increase our membership, which is vital to the health and longevity of the organization. Inviting diverse perspectives will offer us new and bold ideas to keep Rotary relevant for the next century.

Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility — from club members to Rotary staff members.

Rotary welcomes people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The DEI code of conduct asks Rotary members to:
Use respectful language
Be supportive
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
Celebrate diversity

Read more here https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/about-rotary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Complete this course in the Rotary Learning Centre.