Politics & DEI in Rotary

Over the past month, our Board of Directors have been discussing the need to remind our club about a couple of key guidelines regarding Politics and DEI in our club.  It is important to remember that what makes Southtowne Rotary special, is the diversity of our members, along with a shared interest in service to our community, and the international populations we serve.  The section regarding politics in the Manual of Procedure from Rotary International, makes a clear delineation between what individuals can voice, and what the club, as an entity representing Rotary at large is allowed to do. 

The following paragraphs are from the Manual of Procedure and are supported by our board leadership. 

RI and its member clubs must refrain from issuing partisan political statements. Rotarians are prohibited from adopting statements with a view to exerting any corporate pressure on governments or political authorities. However, it is the duty of Rotarians:

1. In their clubs, to keep under review political developments in their own communities and throughout the world insofar as they affect service to their vocations and communities as well as the pursuit of the Rotary objective of world understanding and peace. They are expected to seek reliable information through balanced programs and discussions so that members can reach their own conclusions after a fair, collective examination of the issues.

2. Outside their clubs, to be active as individuals in as many legally constituted groups and organizations as possible to promote, not only in words but through exemplary dedication, the awareness of the dignity of all people and the respect of the consequent human rights of the individual.

In other words, Rotary Clubs are prohibited from endorsing political candidates or issues but individual Rotarians are expected to be politically aware and visible in the community so that we have opportunity to promote our objective of world understanding and peace.

Additionally, in the same MOP, this policy about DEI is outlined. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 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. (RCP 26.130.)

The Board of Directors of Southtowne Rotary welcomes input from our members. We look forward to continuing our work, while celebrating the things that bring us together and make us stronger as a club.