
I serve as our District’s DEI Chair. This role means I am your resource for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Let me align the words and concepts with The 4-Way Test, Rotary’s vision, and our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (quoted).
I serve as our District’s DEI Chair. This role means I am your resource for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Let me align the words and concepts with The 4-Way Test, Rotary’s vision, and our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (quoted).
Public Anti-DEI rhetoric and now governmental policies have prevailed mostly due to a lack of awareness and understanding of exactly what DEI is and what the intention of DEI initiatives and focus is. I want to clear it up as it relates to Rotary (and beyond).
“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.”
Diversity, both visible (such as race, age, etc.) and invisible (education, religion, etc.) exists within everyone of us and all around us. It is fact, it is truth.
As humans we are a collection of various identities, this is what makes us unique. No single identity is a monolith. For example, I am not the same as every white woman, or every 60-year-old, or every straight person, or every left-handed person, or every extrovert, or even every Steelers fan (yes, that is an important identity to me!).
We are ALL part of the diversity of our clubs, organizations, and communities. DEI is designed to acknowledge, respect, appreciate, and embrace ALL of that diversity. This is what gives us the best opportunity to truly create lasting positive change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
“We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, 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.”
Equity is fairness and it is a choice. We choose fairness/equity in membership, leadership opportunities, and service. DEI is designed to ensure this fairness by paying attention to it. The other piece of this is representation. Do our clubs represent the diversity of our communities?
It is a false mischaracterization that in order to have representation we have to lower standards. Do you truly believe that a person of color, a woman, someone with a visible disability, etc., could not be supremely qualified for a particular role? That doesn’t make sense.
As Rotarians, our standards are very high. We seek members who work hard to live the motto Service Above Self, operate by high ethical standards, practice The 4-Way Test, and comply with our Code of Conduct. All identities have people who achieve these standards our job is to give fair access to all of these potential members.
“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.”
Inclusion takes action. We don’t just have people join our clubs and call it good (that has never worked). We need to actively engage each member and seek to fulfill their membership needs and wants. Those needs and wants will vary from member to member. We need to understand, be able to embrace, and capitalize on each member’s talents and experiences. Our challenge is to not assume we know someone’s needs, wants, experiences, or talents, or to believe theirs is the same as yours. Again, we are all a unique combination of all kinds of identities.
This is how we build Goodwill and Better Friendships!
“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.”
Belonging is the result, the outcome, of our DEI efforts for ALL members. And it is Beneficial to ALL Concerned. Belonging is the greatest of human needs. Rotary is uniquely able to create belonging through fellowship and service. THIS IS WHO WE ARE!
“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 organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.”
I am here to serve you as clubs, as Rotarians. I am happy to continue our conversation in any format that you would like. I will gladly travel to your club, board meeting, etc., or jump on a Zoom or phone call.
Let me first provide some resources:
Carol Horner, Council Bluffs (Noon) Rotary Club
Rotary District 5650 Governor 2021-22
Rotary District 5650 DEI Chair
DGCarol5650@gmail.com
1-402-871-8414
1-402-871-8414
In response to reading Carol's article, Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick writes:
"I LOVE THIS! Thank you, Carol, for thoughtfully explaining DEIB."