We are still in the midst of the holiday season so it was very encouraging to see such a good turnout at our first formal breakfast meeting last Wednesday. What a fabulous start to the year!
We have in the last twelve months inducted six new members, all of whom bring youth, enthusiasm,
diversity, vibrancy and energy to our membership. Thank you to our membership director Richard and members who have actively played a part in our membership drive. It is fascinating to see the changing ‘face’ of our organization.
A top priority for Rotary (and indeed to Port Nicholson Rotary) is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve and are inclusive of all cultures, experiences and identities. That is part of the formula to make Rotary sustainable. To help us achieve this goal, Rotary International Board, in 2020, passed a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy:
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders.
We can be proud that at Port Nicholson Rotary we have a membership composition that meets this policy. However, there is more work to be done to make our organization more vibrant and truly representative of the community we serve.
Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility
Getting together to enjoy a good meal, socializing and fellowship is good fun but the real challenge is to identify and get involved in projects that serve those in need. We have a good track record on this front but we need more to get involved in. If you have any ideas or suggestions please bring that up at our meetings or drop me a line with your suggestion(s)
Rotary is a call to service to advance goodwill and peace in our community and around the world’
Thank you to members who have registered for the 2021 District conference in March. The early bird registration has expired but there is still time to register for the event. https://rotary9940.org
It’s a cracker of a day today (Sunday). A good day to take the East by West ferry to Eastbourne and a walk along the coast over there- which is what Sue and I hope to do today!
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