Diversity, Equity and Inclusion = DEI
Welcome to the District 7150 DEI page, a space where you will find helpful resources to better understand how DEI impacts your Rotary Club.
First, let's review Rotary's commitment with their current statement on DEI:
 
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.
 
Click here to learn more about the Board of Director's statement.
DEI LESSONS: DEFINING EQUITY
What Is Equity?
DEFINITION: Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Sometimes we are asked about equity versus equality, and while they sound familiar and do sometimes overlap, they really are two distinct concepts. The above illustration helps us to see the difference between them. Here we can see across the top an example of equality where everyone got the same bicycle. But clearly not everyone can use the same bike because people come in different sizes and abilities. The equitable solution is that everyone gets a bike designed and sized properly for their needs, eliminating any barriers to full participation. Equity is fairness.
As Rotarians it is defined explicitly in our values that fairness matters. It is the second question in our Four Way Test. In Rotary, we should take pride in doing our best to be fair to all concerned!
You can learn about this and more with a program from your District 7150 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. They have a program perfect for laying out the basics and introducing your members to the importance of DEI in our organization, Rotary International’s commitment to it, and how it is vital to a long legacy of service above self. Reach out to one of the committee's chairs to schedule them as a program today!
DEI Lessons: Unconscious (or Implicit) Bias
Please review this short video and read the highlights below. (And check back for more DEI Lessons!)
 
 
 
This concept is very important to understand, so let’s revisit a few key points from the video:
  • Our unconscious mind is part of our fight or flight decision-making with lightning fast assessments based on past experiences, what we’ve been told, how we’ve been influenced by society and stereotypes.
  • No matter how wrong or negative our unconscious biases are, they do not make us bad people because it is our conscious mind that controls how we handle those biases and how we behave outwardly.
  • If you are human being living in society (which we ALL are) you will have these biases in some form or another.
  • Exploring biases like these will improve your understanding of yourself and others. Denying they exist helps no one. Even if a bias feels very ugly, it's important to consider where it came from so you can tell your conscious mind how wrong it really is.

So now that we all know we are all subject to unconsciously making snap judgements, what do we do about them? Do we let them influence us in real life or do we challenge them when they enter our conscious mind?

When it comes to wolves versus cocker spaniels, definitely go with your gut. But have you ever asked yourself if those unfounded, icky feelings you have about your neighbor could be because they don’t look like you? Or talk like you? Or drive a nice car like you? Recognizing and admitting to our biases is just the first step, but as the video says, it is important that we are actively paying attention to our own behaviors or else we could inadvertently be behaving badly towards others.

Rotary's DEI Code of Conduct

The DEI code of conduct asks Rotary members to:

  • Use respectful language
  • Be supportive
  • Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
  • Celebrate diversity

Although free expression is important, what we say and how we behave matter. Rotary does not tolerate speech or behavior that promotes bias, discrimination, prejudice, or hatred because of age, ethnicity, race, color, disabilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

All Rotary leaders, from club presidents and district governors to directors and trustees, are expected to apply the DEI code of conduct uniformly by taking responsibility for how their words and actions may affect others.

Click here for instructions on how to report a violation of this code.