By Jerry Oliver
 
Our Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is focused on four presidential initiatives that reimagine Rotary now and well into the future. Chief among those is advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
 
Chief among those is advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as led by the Rotary DEI task force charged with shaping a comprehensive action plan with achievable, measurable, and meaningful outcomes for Rotary. 
 
So why is DEI so important now and receiving such a high level of attention both from enlightened professional and civic organizations like ours around the world? According to the Pew Research Center, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more important than ever for organizations as they move to ensure members of all backgrounds feel valued for who they are and what they bring to the organization.
 
In addition, per the U.S. Census Bureau, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and other racial minorities will make up a majority of the U.S. population by the year 2050.
 
Recognizing this, I believe Rotary’s timely and forward-looking initiative is about creating a membership that reflects the world we will live in if we are to remain relevant and effective. In my view, it’s not a nicety but a necessity. 
 
Our international website states with regard to DEI, “Rotary can make a measurable difference (only) while introducing Rotary to new audiences and potential partners and influencers. We recognize that being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization will enhance the experience that members have in Rotary, allow us to carry out more meaningful and effective service efforts, and create open, welcoming environments that appeal to people who want to connect with us.”
 
Note: Jerry Oliver is past president of Phoenix 100. His column appeared recently the Phoenix 100 Rotarizonian.
By John Ore, Rotary Club of Tempe South
 
The issue of diversity is certainly front and center nowadays.  For years, America has promoted, and in some cases, demanded diversity.  Federal programs like Affirmative Action, and Federal court orders have often resulted in more animosity than equality.  Not long ago, diversity simply meant racial diversity.  Next came gender diversity.  Now it even includes gender identity and sexual preference. 
 
Rotary has been a world leader in diversity since its founding.  A look at the progress made by Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign, and a myriad of Rotary Foundation service projects around the world demonstrates diversity beyond what any government mandate would require.
 
Paul Harris was a pioneer in many ways.  In fact, Rotary was actually founded on the idea of diversity; vocational diversity.  Paul Harris called the first Rotary meeting because as a lawyer, he realized that he didn’t know many people other than other lawyers and some judges.  For over a century, with a very few exceptions, no two members of any Rotary Club did exactly the same thing for a living.  As Rotary became an international, this vocational diversity spread to every corner of the world.  And that international growth brought ethnic and racial diversity.
 
As Rotary grew in size and in its ethnic and racial diversity, it did so without women.  Interestingly enough however, in the late 1980s, it was Rotary’s culture of diversity that led to that monumental change in the organization.  Women were suing Kiwanis and the Jaycees, demanding admittance.  And they won!  But because Rotary was considered a “private” organization, it was not included in the finding of the court(s).  Rotary had to change from within, and so it did, when the Rotary Club of Duarte, California fought to admit women as members, and won.  In its finding for the Duarte Rotary Club, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that admitting women would present Rotary with a broadened opportunity for service.  But in the decades since that decision, women have presented Rotary with much more than just that.  Women have brought all their skills and leadership ability to the organization, to the point that the current International President is a woman.
 
President Jennifer is seeking to have Rotary made up of 30% women.  At first glance, that seems a bit odd.  Does this mean that once clubs reach a level of 30% women members that they should not recruit any more?  Or does it mean that Rotary should reduce its standards so as to recruit more women?  Perhaps it means that if a district has more than 30% women, like our District 5495, it should develop a plan to cut back to 30% as President Jennifer wants?     The simple answer is “NO” to all of these! 
 
President Jennifer is simply encouraging all Rotarians to exactly what Paul Harris did.  Like most of us, Paul Harris only knew people in his circle of friends and associates.  He had to broaden his own horizon; go outside his established circle of friends and acquaintances to find others who would qualify to be great Rotarians.
 
Imagine DEI: Expanding Our Reach with all the possibilities of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion.  Contact PDG Barb Feder at barbfeder@gmail.com to book a presentation at your club!
 
 
By Jerry Oliver
 
Our Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is focused on four presidential initiatives that reimagine Rotary now and well into the future. Chief among those is advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
 
Chief among those is advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as led by the Rotary DEI task force charged with shaping a comprehensive action plan with achievable, measurable, and meaningful outcomes for Rotary. 
 
So why is DEI so important now and receiving such a high level of attention both from enlightened professional and civic organizations like ours around the world? According to the Pew Research Center, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more important than ever for organizations as they move to ensure members of all backgrounds feel valued for who they are and what they bring to the organization.
 
In addition, per the U.S. Census Bureau, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and other racial minorities will make up a majority of the U.S. population by the year 2050.
 
Recognizing this, I believe Rotary’s timely and forward-looking initiative is about creating a membership that reflects the world we will live in if we are to remain relevant and effective. In my view, it’s not a nicety but a necessity. 
 
Our international website states with regard to DEI, “Rotary can make a measurable difference (only) while introducing Rotary to new audiences and potential partners and influencers. We recognize that being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization will enhance the experience that members have in Rotary, allow us to carry out more meaningful and effective service efforts, and create open, welcoming environments that appeal to people who want to connect with us.”
 
Note: Jerry Oliver is past president of Phoenix 100. His column appeared recently the Phoenix 100 Rotarizonian.
By John Ore, Rotary Club of Tempe South
 
The issue of diversity is certainly front and center nowadays.  For years, America has promoted, and in some cases, demanded diversity.  Federal programs like Affirmative Action, and Federal court orders have often resulted in more animosity than equality.  Not long ago, diversity simply meant racial diversity.  Next came gender diversity.  Now it even includes gender identity and sexual preference. 
 
Rotary has been a world leader in diversity since its founding.  A look at the progress made by Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign, and a myriad of Rotary Foundation service projects around the world demonstrates diversity beyond what any government mandate would require.
 
Paul Harris was a pioneer in many ways.  In fact, Rotary was actually founded on the idea of diversity; vocational diversity.  Paul Harris called the first Rotary meeting because as a lawyer, he realized that he didn’t know many people other than other lawyers and some judges.  For over a century, with a very few exceptions, no two members of any Rotary Club did exactly the same thing for a living.  As Rotary became an international, this vocational diversity spread to every corner of the world.  And that international growth brought ethnic and racial diversity.
 
As Rotary grew in size and in its ethnic and racial diversity, it did so without women.  Interestingly enough however, in the late 1980s, it was Rotary’s culture of diversity that led to that monumental change in the organization.  Women were suing Kiwanis and the Jaycees, demanding admittance.  And they won!  But because Rotary was considered a “private” organization, it was not included in the finding of the court(s).  Rotary had to change from within, and so it did, when the Rotary Club of Duarte, California fought to admit women as members, and won.  In its finding for the Duarte Rotary Club, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that admitting women would present Rotary with a broadened opportunity for service.  But in the decades since that decision, women have presented Rotary with much more than just that.  Women have brought all their skills and leadership ability to the organization, to the point that the current International President is a woman.
 
President Jennifer is seeking to have Rotary made up of 30% women.  At first glance, that seems a bit odd.  Does this mean that once clubs reach a level of 30% women members that they should not recruit any more?  Or does it mean that Rotary should reduce its standards so as to recruit more women?  Perhaps it means that if a district has more than 30% women, like our District 5495, it should develop a plan to cut back to 30% as President Jennifer wants?     The simple answer is “NO” to all of these! 
 
President Jennifer is simply encouraging all Rotarians to exactly what Paul Harris did.  Like most of us, Paul Harris only knew people in his circle of friends and associates.  He had to broaden his own horizon; go outside his established circle of friends and acquaintances to find others who would qualify to be great Rotarians.
 
Imagine DEI: Expanding Our Reach with all the possibilities of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion.  Contact PDG Barb Feder at barbfeder@gmail.com to book a presentation at your club!
 
 
By Jerry Oliver
 
Our Rotary International President Jennifer Jones is focused on four presidential initiatives that reimagine Rotary now and well into the future. Chief among those is advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
 
Chief among those is advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as led by the Rotary DEI task force charged with shaping a comprehensive action plan with achievable, measurable, and meaningful outcomes for Rotary. 
 
So why is DEI so important now and receiving such a high level of attention both from enlightened professional and civic organizations like ours around the world? According to the Pew Research Center, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more important than ever for organizations as they move to ensure members of all backgrounds feel valued for who they are and what they bring to the organization.
 
In addition, per the U.S. Census Bureau, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and other racial minorities will make up a majority of the U.S. population by the year 2050.
 
Recognizing this, I believe Rotary’s timely and forward-looking initiative is about creating a membership that reflects the world we will live in if we are to remain relevant and effective. In my view, it’s not a nicety but a necessity. 
 
Our international website states with regard to DEI, “Rotary can make a measurable difference (only) while introducing Rotary to new audiences and potential partners and influencers. We recognize that being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization will enhance the experience that members have in Rotary, allow us to carry out more meaningful and effective service efforts, and create open, welcoming environments that appeal to people who want to connect with us.”
 
Note: Jerry Oliver is past president of Phoenix 100. His column appeared recently the Phoenix 100 Rotarizonian.
By John Ore, Rotary Club of Tempe South
 
The issue of diversity is certainly front and center nowadays.  For years, America has promoted, and in some cases, demanded diversity.  Federal programs like Affirmative Action, and Federal court orders have often resulted in more animosity than equality.  Not long ago, diversity simply meant racial diversity.  Next came gender diversity.  Now it even includes gender identity and sexual preference. 
 
Rotary has been a world leader in diversity since its founding.  A look at the progress made by Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign, and a myriad of Rotary Foundation service projects around the world demonstrates diversity beyond what any government mandate would require.
 
Paul Harris was a pioneer in many ways.  In fact, Rotary was actually founded on the idea of diversity; vocational diversity.  Paul Harris called the first Rotary meeting because as a lawyer, he realized that he didn’t know many people other than other lawyers and some judges.  For over a century, with a very few exceptions, no two members of any Rotary Club did exactly the same thing for a living.  As Rotary became an international, this vocational diversity spread to every corner of the world.  And that international growth brought ethnic and racial diversity.
 
As Rotary grew in size and in its ethnic and racial diversity, it did so without women.  Interestingly enough however, in the late 1980s, it was Rotary’s culture of diversity that led to that monumental change in the organization.  Women were suing Kiwanis and the Jaycees, demanding admittance.  And they won!  But because Rotary was considered a “private” organization, it was not included in the finding of the court(s).  Rotary had to change from within, and so it did, when the Rotary Club of Duarte, California fought to admit women as members, and won.  In its finding for the Duarte Rotary Club, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that admitting women would present Rotary with a broadened opportunity for service.  But in the decades since that decision, women have presented Rotary with much more than just that.  Women have brought all their skills and leadership ability to the organization, to the point that the current International President is a woman.
 
President Jennifer is seeking to have Rotary made up of 30% women.  At first glance, that seems a bit odd.  Does this mean that once clubs reach a level of 30% women members that they should not recruit any more?  Or does it mean that Rotary should reduce its standards so as to recruit more women?  Perhaps it means that if a district has more than 30% women, like our District 5495, it should develop a plan to cut back to 30% as President Jennifer wants?     The simple answer is “NO” to all of these! 
 
President Jennifer is simply encouraging all Rotarians to exactly what Paul Harris did.  Like most of us, Paul Harris only knew people in his circle of friends and associates.  He had to broaden his own horizon; go outside his established circle of friends and acquaintances to find others who would qualify to be great Rotarians.
 
Imagine DEI: Expanding Our Reach with all the possibilities of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion.  Contact PDG Barb Feder at barbfeder@gmail.com to book a presentation at your club!
 
 

Exploring the Possibilities of Expanding Our Reach in Membership, Service & Conflict Resolution Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

By PDG Barb Feder, District 5495 DEI Chair

One thing we have learned over the past year is that DEI has become a hot topic with all sorts of controversy attached.

Those of you who know me soon become aware that I wear my rose-colored glasses when it comes to all things Rotary.

It seems to me that Rotary is the perfect stage for DEI. We are an international organization so by our nature we are diversified; we proclaim truth and fairness for all and have been known as the great equalizer for both our members and those we serve.

These things are self-evident when we look at the overview of the international organization. But when we view many of our clubs, we see that diversity and inclusion are not as defined as they could be.

Here is our opportunity to look at all the types of diversity available to us to enable our clubs to grow in qualified members, effective service projects and impact those communities we have not been able to reach.

This is not a mandate from on high. Each club should determine how DEI can best be implemented. If you and your club are happy with your current membership, no one is going to force DEI on you -- BUT if you want to grow in numbers and service, I urge you to consider mirroring the makeup of your community so you have among your members those who are familiar with community leaders you have not been able to reach.

In the next months I will be submitting articles of the various types of diverse groups you may wish to consider for your club.

We’ll start out with Vocational Diversity. Rotary has always recommended clubs have members representing all businesses and professionals within their locations. When was the last time your club looked at its membership make-up compared to those professions (especially the new ones) in your community?

When was the last time your club had a membership drive or club open house? When was the last time YOU brought a guest to a meeting (Zoom works) or a service project? Now that meetings have opened up a bit, this is a great time to make that invitation!

We have a District 5495 Task Force that has been assigned groups of clubs. Your Task Force Coordinator will be in touch to discuss your thoughts and needs.

Past District Governor Barb Feder can be reached at barbfeder@gmail.com and can assist your club with learning more about the value of DEI.

Resources

Imagine DEI 2022-23 Presidential Initiative