Bellevue Rotary’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Bellevue Rotary has expressed its Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by creating a DEI Committee, adopting a Statement expressing its Commitment to DEI, and developing a Racial Equity Lens.

Bellevue Rotary’s DEI Committee

The Rotary Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the club. We develop strategies and initiatives to raise awareness and integrate these values into club activities. The DEI Committee assesses the club’s current state of diversity and inclusion, develops action plans, and implements initiatives such as workshops and partnerships. We collaborate with the Membership Committee to attract and retain a diverse membership. The DEI Committee provides guidance on incorporating diversity and inclusion in projects, facilitates discussions, and acts as a resource for club members. We may also collaborate with district or international DEI committees. The DEI Committee’s efforts foster an inclusive and equitable Rotary environment that values the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of its members.

Our Approach to Putting DEI Into Action

1. Provide information that will deepen BRC members knowledge about racial equity,
2. Increase awareness among BRC members of issues related to racism and diversity,
3. Offer a variety of attractive and enticing opportunities to Club members for study and reflection on the issues involved in racial equity and justice. (e.g. another BeCulture DEI Workshop), and
4. Regularly collect and assess annually data to better identify systemic inequities
within our organization.

1. Create a welcoming space for all with a BIPOC focus,
2. Increase leadership opportunities (board positions, committee chairs, etc.) for BIPOC members, and
3. Create a more inclusive and equitable institutional structure within the club and around its policies (e.g., DEI Director).
4. Include Key Strategies developed by the DEI Committee in the development of the Club’s Strategic Plan and communicate this to all committee chairs and our members at large.

1. Outreach to local community members and organizations to recruit BIPOC to BRC,
2. Actively nurture and retain a diverse membership, and
3. Club marketing materials and membership packets show BIPOC representation.

1. Hold community events and partner with cultural organizations that promote DEI,
2. Identify and denounce discrimination or racist policies and racist practices in our broader community,
3. Make public statements in support of DEI initiatives, and
4. Communicate to the BRC Club positive ways that we are doing the work and how they can join us.

Racial Equity Lens

This Racial Equity Lens applies to all decisions (or policies, or programs, or practices) made by the BRC DEI Committee and other committees which choose to adopt it. This equity lens focuses on racial equity but can and should (will) also be applied for other marginalized groups and individuals (as listed in the Rotary International Diversity Statement.)

  • What decision is being made?
  • What beliefs, values, and assumptions (some of which will be cultural) guide how the topic is being considered?
  • How are Black, Indigenous and People of Color included in discussions and decisions?
  • What assumptions are at the foundation of the issue? Be explicit in naming these and the values and cultural bases for them.
  • How does the conclusion have potential to do harm to Black, Indigenous and People of Color?
  • How does the conclusion advantage people and/or groups who have traditionally benefited from privilege, thus risking perpetuation of the status quo?

DEI Resource Guide

The BRC DEI Committee created a searchable DEI Resource Guide for District 5030. It includes Videos, TED Talks, Books, Opinion pieces, Websites and more to assist in the study of issues related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Smiling Rotarians Featuring Tracy Rockwell And Frank Sosebee

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