Diversity Equity Inclusion
With five weeks left in this Rotary year, I am beginning to reflect on where we have been, what we have done and where we go from here. I came into this term with high hopes to make a difference; to advance the ball and change that which could be changed and accept that which could not yet be changed.
There has been some innovative things that have happened in our District and with our clubs. We have a standing Anti-Human Trafficking Committee that is fully engaged on many levels to help survivors recover and find employment; with the help of a global grant school teachers are being trained to identify signs of a student who is being trafficked; we are collaborating with other non-profits to ease survivors back into society.
We have an Environmental Sustainability Committee that is focused on repairing our planet. Twenty-five committee members from across the District are working on project to clean up our beaches and bays; cleaning up our parks and schools; doing our recycling part to save our planet. Many clubs have established their own Environmental Sustainability committees.
We have entered into a partnership with Rotarians from District 4100 (Baja California, Baja Sur, Sonora and Sinaloa). This alliance with our Governor line and 4100's Governor line plus the Governor lines of District 5320 (Orange County) 5330 (Riverside County) and 5495 (Greater Arizona) will allow us to do international projects in Mexico; attend District Conference in Mexico and have Rotarians from Mexico attend our District conferences. The future is very bright for all of with this new beginning.
There is a proverb that holds: “you are not required to finish the work, yet neither are you permitted to desist from it.” As Governor, my term is one year. Same as the term for our club presidents. We all wanted to accomplish so much for the greater good. Alas, I know that I will not reach that point of supreme satisfaction.
There was one more thing on my to do list that I wanted to pursue: to begin the process of bringing about greater diversity, equity and inclusion for our clubs.
I believe it is so important that our clubs reflect the diversity of our communities.
As Rotarians shouldn’t we have something to say about where we are in our society and community?
“Rotary holds that the interests of society demand that there be a place where people of diverse races, faith and political parties can meet in happy fellowship and the Rotary provide that place.” This quote is from an essay written in 1935 by Rotary founder Paul Harris.
And, Rotary International expresses its policy for diversity, equity and inclusion as follows: “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 is creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.
Through Rotary, you'll find unique opportunities to get involved. Everyone is welcome in Rotary.”
We are moving in the right direction to increase diversity and inclusion for our clubs. Yet, there is more that can be done. For instance, the La Jolla Golden Triangle club (“The most dynamic Rotary club in the world”) now has about 40% women in the club. There are members who hail from India, Iran, Afghanistan among other countries and cultures. There are young people in the club bringing an intergenerational feel to the club. This club is just one example of where we want to be as clubs in our District.
Other Noteworthy News
This past Wednesday evening, the After 5 Rotary Club achieved the status of a Paul Harris Fellow club as eight new Paul Harris were awarded. And, each other member stepped up to add another sapphire to their pin.
After 5 is one of the very few Paul Harris Club’s in our District. Congratulations to President Sue Barajas and the After 5 club members for this tremendous accomplishment.
