We got stuck. Understanding stopped and we were all uncomfortable. I was quite sure that our Japanese Group Study Exchange friends had heard of Harry Potter, but their faces were blank. Clearer and louder (such a funny, common, human, first-attempt) wasn’t working.
It occurred to me to say the popular English name the way it was likely pronounced in Japan, though I was a little embarrassed to try. “Ahhhh!” they exclaimed, and we were all happy to be unstuck - off again crossing cultures, learning together, sharing stories and experiences.
When it comes to diversity, Rotary has a long tradition. For decades we have engaged, and invested, in all sorts of cross-cultural exchanges. Within our clubs we have always sought diverse points of view through classifications. Rotary is generous along these lines. It is important, emancipating, humanitarian work of which we are a bright light in the world as a champion of diversity.
And we have a lot of room for growth. These days, as we consider rounding out diversity with the partner concepts of inclusion and equity, we struggle a bit. Struggle is welcome – if we struggle through.
September is Basic Education and Literacy month. We understand that without these things a person is weakened in society. We want to serve so that everyone might take their place in the world and express their full humanity. We’re innovative Rotarians are rightly proud.
But what about me? What about me in relation to my neighbor? Am I willing to learn his basics and his language? Sometimes openness comes easier across continents than across the street or the table. Some neighbors I don’t even see. Do I believe that without understanding my neighbor that I am weakened in society? Do I believe that unless I understand my neighbor that I will not take my place in the world and express my full humanity?
It’s comfortable to be with, and work with, people who understand where I’m coming from, see as I see, think as I think, share what’s important to me. Just this week I told a fellow District leader that working with him is an oasis. It is important to have a tribe. A tribe is a gift.
And our Rotary spirit will dim, sicken, and suffer and if we are tribal.
The “other” – the person who doesn’t understand where I’m coming from, see as I see, think as I think, share what’s important to me – provides me an opportunity to grow. Will I meet this neighbor with openness, a desire to learn and understand, a willingness to feel small and disoriented, a willingness to quiet my hopes and values for a moment and listen to his, a willingness to swap comfort for courage?
Practicing this kind of service to my neighbor will grow Rotary into its ideals and further our mission. The benefits far outweigh the risks.
Please read on in this Dispatch. In addition to all the valuable voices you expect to hear, Kaylynn Winegar (formerly Stahlbusch), District DEI Coordinator, and Teresa Holmes, President – Rotary Club of Madison Downtown, share their thoughts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
We’re also looking for our next District Governor to follow DGN Michelle. We want our selection process to be as open and unbiased as possible. Please read PDG Edwin’s article and consider nominating a candidate.
If you’d like to explore more on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion on your own, Rotary’s Learning Center has very good online resources. Some district clubs are working intentionally toward growing DEI – please listen and participate.
Around the world, Rotary “Peace Clubs” are focused on exploring new vistas of peace and understanding, some clubs in the U.S. are building bridges, in community service, between “red and blue”.
Thank you for giving yourself to Rotary. We appreciate your point of view in our work to live truer to our mission, vision and values.
Yours in Fellowship and Service,
District Governor Karen
6250 District Governor 2021-2022