THIS WEEK -- I'm looking forward to our first presentation about Diversity and Inclusion this Wednesday. Making our clubs more diverse and inclusive is one of the major goals of our Rotary District this year, and Chris Nelson, plus Jim and Deb Geiger have worked hard to prepare several programs that should help us do just that. For your convenience and preparation for the program, what follows is Rotary International's Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
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.
LAST WEEK -- We concluded our three-part series about human trafficking with a presentation from Alycha Boehm and Megan Sell of Valley Youth House. We learned that teens and young adults often don't realize they are being trafficked as it is usually an intimate partner or friend who grooms and manipulates them and therefore it is particularly difficult to untangle these teens and young adults from their relationships to begin to heal. However, Valley Youth House's Thrive Program spends a great deal of time and resources giving these teens tremendous support and services.
PLEASE NOTE -- We extend our deep sympathies to both Ham Malek and Cindy Glick as each grieve the loss of a son. Covid makes it difficult to give a hug and share space with them, but please take a moment to offer a prayer or send a note or card.