This week's speakers came to us from Human in Common, an innovative team of diversity
consultants. Deborah Cohen, one of the co-founders of the organization, presented along with Robert Gordon, a Diversity Specialist. This was the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training brought to us by the DEI Committee.
The presenters started by reviewing Rotary's mission, noting the rich history of the club. Rotary has always sought to solve real problems with real commitment, and that DEI is clearly a core value. The key will be consistency in the commitment.
In order to continue the discussion, a definition of diversity beyond the basic one found in a dictionary has to be established. The presenters focused both on what diversity is and what it is not. Critically, diversity is made up the differences between us that impact advantages and privileges as well as our opportunities and resources. Robert Gordon went on to explain how diversity is actually good for business as studies show how diverse teams outperform their peers. Next up was inclusion, once again looking both at what it is and what it is not. Inclusion is not ignoring or tolerance differences, simply accommodating differences, or assimilation. Rather inclusion is about celebrating and amplifying identities, voices, values, priorities, and leadership of all community members.
Getting into the details further, Deborah cited several important statistics. Census studies show that the United States is becoming increasingly diverse and that Generation Z is our most diverse generation ever. In Salem, the Asian, Hispanic, and Black populations all increased over the last ten years. Combined people of color now make up over 28% of the city's population.
Deborah and Robert then laid out a two pronged approach to increasing diversity in a club such as Rotary. First is an internal assessment as clubs with a history of exclusionary practices can develop blind spots, many times unintentionally. For example, a club with a mostly white membership will likely invite new members who are mostly white, resulting in little or no diversity. Organizations need to recognize where and when this is happening. Regional diversity training is a great step, as well as keeping diversity and inclusion on the club's agenda.
The second prong revolves around external work in the community. Since it is a great time to begin recruiting new members, creating a survey about the motivation to join a club like the Salem Rotary is a great first step. Taking it a step further, the presenters broke the club into groups to create lists of businesses, groups, and organizations in Salem owned and run by people of color. Robert and Deborah closed by giving the club direction and a basic roadmap to diversity and inclusion. Their advice is to engage in allyship and partnership, to reach out to businesses, organizations, and groups run by people of color, and to practice cultural appreciation.
Hopefully you have sold your Calendars! Gerrit Bradley asked for members to bring their Calendar stubs back along with ONE CHECK made out to the Rotary Club of Salem. Stubs and checks can also be given to Rich Eisner. Bill Henning is hoping to bill Rotarians who have not yet paid around February 1!
Kristen Armstrong prepared a speech and did a fantastic job sharing her thoughts on the Four Way Test. She specifically pondered the concept of integrity, asking herself if any action would make her parents proud as well as be behavior she would want her children to emulate. To drive the point home, Kristen told the story about how her son Luke wanted to return a wrestler toy because he had three of the same toy. Kristen counseled Luke to research the value of the wrestler prior to returning it, then asked him what he considered fair. In the end, Luke traded the wrestler for three used wrestlers, a win-win if there ever was one! John Hall volunteered to share his thoughts next week!
The pot is creeping closer to four digits. It was at $949 this week and there were no winners!
Guests and Visiting Rotarians
Jack the A/V Savant was in attendance, along with Linsey Wood, a prospective Rotarian, who was the guest of Ryan Guilmartin. Two Rotarians from the Beverly Rotary club, Matt and Rachel, attended via Zoom.
YOURS IN SERVICE
Due to the length of today's presentation, announcements were limited
ROTARIAN NEWS
Jason Consalvo was delighted to report that a previous calendar raffle winner had decided to donate the winnings back to the Salem Rotary. We will use these funds well!
Rick Jakious probably should have donated more Happy Dollars to account for how busy he has been. He was excited that he successfully made a bottle opener in a blacksmithing class. A colleague had enrolled in a 12 week DEI program through the Boston Chamber of Commerce, which is going very well. Most importantly, he recounted the details about the escape of a translator's family in Afghanistan (if you remember Hanna's presentation last year). The code phrase that they used was to ask for Tom Brady. When the former Patriots quarterback heard the story, he invited the translator to the Bucs playoff game along with the Marine who helped in the rescue!
Upcoming events
Cooking with Julie
February 4 at 6 pm on Zoom
Turn simple grocery store ingredients into restaurant-worthy dishes with former Salem Rotarian Juli Lederhaus. Juli will walk us through an Italian inspired menu that uses ingredients you likely have in your home and can be a meal in minutes for a busy weeknight. A grocery list, recipes, and wine selections will be sent out beforehand. The cost is $50 and a portion of the proceeds will go to the wonderful people at the Salem Pantry.
Rotary Auction
May 20, 2022
Please make note of the date change. The hope is that the later date will increase attendance.
Click the link below to log into the weekly club meeting via Zoom.
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.
The presenters started by reviewing Rotary's mission, noting the rich history of the club. Rotary has always sought to solve real problems with real commitment, and that DEI is clearly a core value. The key will be consistency in the commitment. 
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