It is a source of sadness and even anger for me to read about current attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.  While it may be true that DEI sometimes goes too far, the solution is to reinforce reasonable parameters, not to scrap the initiative.  Particularly concerning are statements about DEI and consequent actions that, at least to my ears, cross the line into racism, misogyny, and culture intolerance.
 
Let me be clear, Rotary is committed to DEI – here is the current statement from Rotary International:
 
- We believe that exemplifying and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be a part of everything we do at Rotary.
- To ensure we live up to that ideal, the Board of Directors and our DEI Advisory Council acted to strengthen the DEI statement originally adopted in 2019:

- DEI resources for Rotary members are available on My Rotary, including the DEI Code of Conduct, which provides a supportive framework for how Rotary members and participants can create and maintain an environment that is collaborative, positive, and healthy for everyone.*
 
DEI means that everyone who accepts and exemplifies Rotary’s values (as summarized by the Four-Way Test) is welcome in Rotary and is welcome in our Club. DEI does NOT mean that some are more welcome than others and it does NOT mean that we should compromise our fundamental principles and expectations simply to expand membership.
 
I appeal to each of you to shut out the noise and distortions when it comes to DEI. As part of an international organization that includes members from many cultures and beliefs, it is particularly important for us to welcome, encourage, and embrace people from all backgrounds in keeping with, and in support of Rotary values such as fairness, tolerance, generosity, curiosity, and open-mindedness.
 
*If you are interested in further reading, I recommend that you take a look at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, achieved in 1948 in the aftermath of World War II – “lest we forget” - https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

Jamie Knight
President (416-554-1072)

 

Rotary Meetings

Our speaker calendar for the next few months is filling up fast. I am sure they will all be interesting and informative to our members and guests.

 

May       6        Lunch Meeting      Jodi Skeates, Soaring Spirits Canada

            13       No Meeting           Meeting cancelled due to Paul Harris event on                                                          May 15

            20       Lunch Meeting      Club Assembly

            27       Lunch Meeting      Sarah Burns, Political Science, RIT, Rochester

 

June      3        Lunch Meeting     Nancy Gilbert, Transform International,                                                                   (ISC Malawi)

            10       Lunch Meeting      Youth Exchange students - Paul Lalonde

            17       Social Event         Turnover meeting at Betty & Jamie Knight's home

            24       Lunch Meeting      Final Club Assembly - Jamie's annual report,

                                                  Emil's end of year presentation.

 

We encourage all members to invite their spouses/partners and other guests to the meeting on May 27. We will be inviting other Rotary clubs in our district to attend as well. It should be a very interesting presentation given the current cross border political and economic situation.
 
Thanks,
Cindy Grant