Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Rotary, we're committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, allowing everyone's voice to be heard, and providing equitable opportunities for fellowship, service, and leadership. Everyone who engages with Rotary — no matter who they are, where they are in the world, or how long they have been connected with Rotary — should feel valued, respected, and welcomed. These ideals reflect what current and prospective members want and expect from their Rotary experience: respect, ethical leadership, inclusion, and the opportunity to work together to create more just, open, and welcoming communities for all people. And by “all people” we mean those who differ in 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.

District 6900 has formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce in order to strengthen the organization’s commitment to DEI, and it includes a group of leaders from several clubs across the district to encourage candid conversation and promote positive progress.We're committed to creating supportive environments that foster open communication and shared learning.

Here are a few ideas your club could put into action:

• Add a Chair position on your Board for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – or choose 2 members to serve as Co-Chairs
  
• Talk about diversity with your club members and create a member diversity and inclusion action plan using the "Diversifying Your Club" assessment found in MyRotary.
• Host a DEI speaker series at your club to bring forth stories from the community you serve that your members might not otherwise hear.
  
• Consider a “Book Club” that offers members the opportunity to read together on various DEI topics and stimulates open conversations
• Utilize the “21-Day Equity Challenge” as a club to take a deeper dive into the discussion of racial equity and healing.

Need some Resources to use at your club?

21-Day Equity Challenge

Segregated by Design

Project Implicit

Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing

Want some Videos to watch?

Meet Rotary's People of Action: Champions of Inclusion (2023) - Featuring District 6900's Andre Maria

Rotary Club of Atlanta featuring Egbert Perry and Larry Gellerstedt

Club Leadership Development Series: Diversifying Your Club

How about some Reading Materials?

Huffpost - "I'm Black But Look White"

Rotary - 4 Questions About Diversity

Book - "How Did YOU Get Here? by William T. Parker

Interested in Joining the DEI Taskforce?

Contact Co-Chairs Renee Weese (rweese@norawealth.com) or Nate Tyler (natetyler.nt@gmail.com) for more information.