Rotary Addressing Racism
 
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. 
 
Rotary’s vision statement drives us to work together to make a better world for everyone and that means tackling racism in all its forms.
 
Each person has a unique and different background or upbringing which contributes to unconscious bias against other human beings.  As a young boy growing up in rural B.C. in the 1950s, I heard in my home, my school, and my community, many derogatory names and statements about people who looked different from me.  Some I questioned, but I know that I absorbed many of them without even knowing.  So I have to recognize that I have unconscious biases and must be continually aware of it and question myself constantly - I must keep looking inward to unlearn and relearn.
 
Nelson Mandella said “education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world”. 
 
So I ask that you join me in District 5050’s efforts to tackle racism by participating in upcoming online sessions on racism that you will soon hear about.  Our goal is to help members and their communities work to end racism.
  
 
Statement from Rotary International:
 
At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.
 
We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.
 
We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice. 
 
Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.