MY PERSONAL STATEMENT ON CHANGING THE ROTARY DEI COUNCIL TO ENHANCING PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Many of you may have already heard that Rotary International has decided to change the name of the Joint Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Enhancing Participant Engagement Committee. I want to share some context and my personal reflections, especially for those who have questions or concerns.

First, this was not a decision I personally supported. Our group expressed clear reservations, but we were ultimately told by the RI Board of Directors that this change was not optional. Many have asked whether this is connected to the current political environment in the United States and the increasing attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The answer is yes. This decision is directly related to concerns about potential government actions that could affect Rotary’s ability to operate and carry out our mission globally. While I was not a fan of the name change, it is important to emphasize what the RI Board, the Trustees, and RI staff have affirmed repeatedly: this change does not diminish Rotary’s commitment to DEI. Those commitments stand firm.

One positive development is that our group has now been established as a permanent RI committee. This is a significant step that strengthens the sustainability of our work and insures that we will be around for years to come.

It’s also important to clarify that District, Zone, or other DEI committees are not required to change their names. Each group should use the name that resonates best within their own regions and cultural contexts.

Although the new name may feel unfamiliar, the phrase “Enhancing Participant Engagement” is not random. It is one of the core pillars of the Rotary Action Plan, and in many ways it elevates and integrates DEI into Rotary’s larger strategic vision.

I fully understand that this change has upset many people. Over the last five years - first as the DEI Task Force, then as the Joint Advisory Council - we have made meaningful progress toward building a more inclusive Rotary. This committee was formed because our members asked for it following the murder of George Floyd and the global conversations about racism that followed. Our work, our commitment, and our purpose remain unchanged.

My fellow committee members, RI staff, and I remain deeply dedicated to ensuring that Rotary International becomes the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization it can be. The name change does not alter our mission. Rather, it is a response to a complex external environment and an effort to protect Rotary’s ability to continue its work worldwide.

I know many of you are upset or want to express your views. While I appreciated waking up to all of the emails, text messages and social media messages this morning, there are better avenues to voice your frustration. I encourage you to share your concerns with your RI Director, with President Francesco Arezzo, with Trustee Chair Holger Knaack, and with General Secretary John Hewko.

YOUR VOICES MATTER, AND YOUR FEEDBACK IS ESSENTIAL

I will continue to speak up. I will continue to be an ally to ALL those who have been historically marginalized, and I will continue the work to make Rotary International the most diverse, equitable and inclusive organization it can be. I thank all of you for joining me on this journey and continuing to engage in this important work with honesty, courage, and dedication.