Rotary Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
Dear current or incoming club president,
In June, the RI Board of Directors strengthened its commitment<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99rHx0u1dzUxupalzX2IAOsj3S> to making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a part of all aspects of Rotary’s culture. That commitment includes ensuring that we are creating supportive environments that foster open communication and shared learning, where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves and where we all have the same access to opportunities to succeed and grow.
As a club president, you will be central to this exciting effort. You have the opportunity to help our members develop the skills they need to embrace all facets of diversity. You can ensure that everyone is included in our efforts to take action to create change. And you can promote equity so that every person who engages with us has access to the resources, opportunities, networks, and support they need to thrive.
Making Rotary more diverse, equitable, and inclusive is what our members want us to do. In fact, last year, more than 31,000 members around the world responded to our first diversity, equity, and inclusion survey. They told us that DEI is important to them and that they want every member in every country to make DEI a priority. The Board, guided by Rotary’s DEI Task Force, made a plan to act on these survey findings and ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in everything we do. You can view the survey results along with highlights from the plan at rotary.org/dei<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99rWJ5DH54kxikOddrRWX4f8If>.
Our DEI Code of Conduct
What we say and how we behave matter. Although free expression is important, we must take responsibility for how our words and actions may affect others. This is why the Board approved a new DEI Code of Conduct<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99sbVaNmWyKx6gs4QWHbjk1YmC> (insert DEI Code of Conduct link) that reflects our core values. It provides a supportive framework for how Rotary members can create and maintain an environment that is collaborative, positive, and healthy for everyone.
Simply put, the DEI Code of Conduct asks Rotary members to:
* Use respectful language
* Be supportive
* Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
* Celebrate diversity
It’s important that you, as a Rotary leader, model the behavior outlined in the DEI Code of Conduct in person, virtually, and on social media. I also ask that you apply the DEI Code of Conduct by helping members recognize the impact that their words and actions can have on others.
* If a member or participant tells you about a recent experience related to DEI, please take these conversations seriously. Do not minimize or excuse what happened. Listen, and then:
* If the situation can be resolved through discussion, encourage the member or participant to talk to the person directly. Very often, a person who said something or acted in a way that made others feel excluded, marginalized, or targeted did not do so intentionally. Although there might be mistakes, missteps, and uncomfortable conversations along the way, the end is a better, stronger Rotary.
* If a discussion is not possible or the situation involves someone in a leadership role or another club, contact Club and District Support staff<mailto:cds@rotary.org>, who will review the information and follow up appropriately.
* If anyone is in danger or their safety is in doubt, contact local law enforcement and notify Rotary’s Club and District Support staff<mailto:cds@rotary.org>.
As an organization, we are stronger when we embrace the diversity found in our clubs and communities. We are more effective when we offer a valuable, inclusive experience that provides equitable opportunities for people to serve, to lead, and to participate with us. To grow Rotary and become a more dynamic organization, we must take DEI seriously. And with your support, we are doing that.
Sincerely,
Shekhar Mehta
RI President, 2021-22
You can support DEI in Rotary by:
* Downloading Rotary’s DEI commitment statement<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99sr7fX2O3awUc5WurwpFzOO0Z>
* Completing the DEI courses<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99sGjl6IFxAwI7JO7WlE1PBDFm> available in the Learning Center
* Visiting rotary.org/dei<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99taHvq4owqwjZ1xoW06KlbiY6> for more information
* Contacting your Club and District Support representative<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99tpTAzKg0Qw7UFp2qPl6AY8Ct> if you need assistance
ONE ROTARY CENTER <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99tF5FJq7vgvVQjgFVEzsQKYgQ>
1560 SHERMAN AVENUE <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99tUhKT5YZGvJLX8jqtNP6xNVd>
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60201-3698 USA <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99u9tQ2LQu6vxHAZWVj2bmkDzA>
ROTARY.ORG <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99uoFVcrHYwvlDeRAq8gxC7tdX>
In June, the RI Board of Directors strengthened its commitment<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99rHx0u1dzUxupalzX2IAOsj3S> to making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a part of all aspects of Rotary’s culture. That commitment includes ensuring that we are creating supportive environments that foster open communication and shared learning, where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves and where we all have the same access to opportunities to succeed and grow.
As a club president, you will be central to this exciting effort. You have the opportunity to help our members develop the skills they need to embrace all facets of diversity. You can ensure that everyone is included in our efforts to take action to create change. And you can promote equity so that every person who engages with us has access to the resources, opportunities, networks, and support they need to thrive.
Making Rotary more diverse, equitable, and inclusive is what our members want us to do. In fact, last year, more than 31,000 members around the world responded to our first diversity, equity, and inclusion survey. They told us that DEI is important to them and that they want every member in every country to make DEI a priority. The Board, guided by Rotary’s DEI Task Force, made a plan to act on these survey findings and ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in everything we do. You can view the survey results along with highlights from the plan at rotary.org/dei<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99rWJ5DH54kxikOddrRWX4f8If>.
Our DEI Code of Conduct
What we say and how we behave matter. Although free expression is important, we must take responsibility for how our words and actions may affect others. This is why the Board approved a new DEI Code of Conduct<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99sbVaNmWyKx6gs4QWHbjk1YmC> (insert DEI Code of Conduct link) that reflects our core values. It provides a supportive framework for how Rotary members can create and maintain an environment that is collaborative, positive, and healthy for everyone.
Simply put, the DEI Code of Conduct asks Rotary members to:
* Use respectful language
* Be supportive
* Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
* Celebrate diversity
It’s important that you, as a Rotary leader, model the behavior outlined in the DEI Code of Conduct in person, virtually, and on social media. I also ask that you apply the DEI Code of Conduct by helping members recognize the impact that their words and actions can have on others.
* If a member or participant tells you about a recent experience related to DEI, please take these conversations seriously. Do not minimize or excuse what happened. Listen, and then:
* If the situation can be resolved through discussion, encourage the member or participant to talk to the person directly. Very often, a person who said something or acted in a way that made others feel excluded, marginalized, or targeted did not do so intentionally. Although there might be mistakes, missteps, and uncomfortable conversations along the way, the end is a better, stronger Rotary.
* If a discussion is not possible or the situation involves someone in a leadership role or another club, contact Club and District Support staff<mailto:cds@rotary.org>, who will review the information and follow up appropriately.
* If anyone is in danger or their safety is in doubt, contact local law enforcement and notify Rotary’s Club and District Support staff<mailto:cds@rotary.org>.
As an organization, we are stronger when we embrace the diversity found in our clubs and communities. We are more effective when we offer a valuable, inclusive experience that provides equitable opportunities for people to serve, to lead, and to participate with us. To grow Rotary and become a more dynamic organization, we must take DEI seriously. And with your support, we are doing that.
Sincerely,
Shekhar Mehta
RI President, 2021-22
You can support DEI in Rotary by:
* Downloading Rotary’s DEI commitment statement<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99sr7fX2O3awUc5WurwpFzOO0Z>
* Completing the DEI courses<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99sGjl6IFxAwI7JO7WlE1PBDFm> available in the Learning Center
* Visiting rotary.org/dei<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99taHvq4owqwjZ1xoW06KlbiY6> for more information
* Contacting your Club and District Support representative<https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99tpTAzKg0Qw7UFp2qPl6AY8Ct> if you need assistance
ONE ROTARY CENTER <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99tF5FJq7vgvVQjgFVEzsQKYgQ>
1560 SHERMAN AVENUE <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99tUhKT5YZGvJLX8jqtNP6xNVd>
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60201-3698 USA <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99u9tQ2LQu6vxHAZWVj2bmkDzA>
ROTARY.ORG <https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/1H99uoFVcrHYwvlDeRAq8gxC7tdX>