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The Action Plan framework will guide our work with on-boarding Rotaract, engaging our youth and the next generation, showcasing Rotary and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
Onboarding Rotaract
On July 1, we welcome the expansion of Rotary membership to include Rotaract clubs. Rotaract's elevated status was approved by Rotary's Council on Legislation in 2019 as part of an ongoing effort to make Rotary more appealing and welcoming to young professionals. The district board took the initiative to establish a director position for Rotaract last year. Additionally, Rotaractors will be included in all aspects and activities of the district.
Engaging youth and the next generation
The future of Rotary lies in our clubs, where we must adapt to the changing reality of the present. Our challenge as an organization is to bring on the next generation of Rotarians. We must share the gift of membership with those who share our values. We must intentionally include Interactors and their families in service projects and Rotary activities. All clubs should seek opportunities to collaborate on projects with a Rotaract club. Clubs should include Interactors, faculty advisors, and families in their activities. Rotary youth programs include Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), New Generations Service Exchange, Rotary Peace Fellowships, and Rotary Community Corps. Rotary has invested heavily in these programs for many years. Yet, we don't retain an appreciative number of alumni from these programs as Rotarians. It is incumbent on every Rotary club to find an avenue to engage the next generation.
Rotary Showcase
Club presidents have set goals and priorities for the year that we expect them to share with members. During the President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS), presidents-elect were tasked with working to achieve The Rotary Citation. This award recognizes the challenging work that clubs do throughout the year. There are twenty-five available goals that you can review online at the MyRotary website. Clubs should select at least thirteen goals to apply toward citation achievement.
We must grow more to do more. In other parts of the world, Rotary is growing but not so much in the United States. Despite the array of initiatives, global grants, and community service, we struggle with membership in our district. We can change the trend and grow membership by telling our compelling stories and showcasing our projects. The theme for our 2023 District Conference will be 'A Showcase of Rotary.' On May 6, 2023, each Rotary, Rotaract, Interact, and Earlyact club, along with invited partners, will highlight their activities in an exposition format.
2022-2023 RI President Jones' Initiative: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
In her message, RI President Jennifer Jones states, "In Rotary, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)." She notes that "DEI is not just a recommended practice. It is necessary to Rotary's success in providing meaningful leadership, networking, and service opportunities today and in the future." With an intentional focus on DEI, we can celebrate each person's contributions, advance equity, and create an inclusive culture where everyone knows they are valued.
President Jones reports that with input from its DEI Task Force, Rotary International has strengthened its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her charge for the 2022-2023 year is for 'all of us – as individuals, in our clubs, in our district – to exemplify our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.' We can do this by learning more, raising awareness and understanding about DEI. Then, we should determine how using the principles help grow and strengthen our club and act on DEI in our clubs and communities.
In February 2022, the District DEI Committee was tasked to develop an initiative to start collecting demographic information from members to better help measure our clubs' diversity. With the approval of the district board, the committee’s Survey Task Force worked with Justice Informed, a professional group, to create a survey. Every member of our district will be asked to participate in completing the survey that will serve as a baseline for the district. Since the survey is being conducted by an independent organization, we are assured of complete confidentiality. I strongly urge you and your club members to complete the survey promptly. Thank you.
I look forward to a year of fun and Rotary service, as we all 'Imagine Rotary.' A Rotary that is intentional in embracing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) well beyond the next century. In the words of Paul Harris, our founder, 'If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, revolutionary on occasions.'
I wish you Alàáfia (peace and good health).
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