Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion refers to a policy or practice that is designed to make people of various backgrounds feel welcome and ensure they have the needed support to perform to the fullest of their abilities. It is a term used to describe programs that promote the representation and participation, in an association or workplace, of different groups of individuals, including people of different ages, races and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. This is a policy that is being pursued by Rotary International (RI).

Conformably with this policy, the RI By-Laws (Section 4.070) provides that “(e)ach club xxx shall endeavor to build a well-balanced membership that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. No club xxx, regardless of when it joined RI, may in any way limit membership due to gender, race, color, creed, national origin, or sexual orientation, or impose any membership condition not specifically allowed by the RI constitution or bylaws. Any membership provision or condition in conflict with this section is null, void, and without effect.”

All clubs registered prior to 6 June 1922, which includes RCM, have been required to adopt the standard RI Constitution for clubs. The standard Constitution states that “(t)his club shall be composed of adult persons who demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership; possess good reputation within their business, profession, and/or community; and are willing to serve in their community and/or around the world” (Article 8, Section 1).

However, the RI Council on Legislation’s Enactment 89-76 allowed clubs to operate under specified variations to the standard RI constitution, “provided the exact texts of the variations have been sent to and identified by the board of directors of Rotary International by 31 December 1989.” The Rotary Club of Manila’s being an all-male club is one of the variations from the standard Rotary Club Constitution that was timely sent and reported to the RI board of directors sometime in December 1989. Thus, pursuant to Enactment 89-76, RCM is allowed to operate under the variations that were reported to RI in compliance with the latter’s directive.

To be sure, however, RCM is fully supportive of the DEI policy of RI. In fact, the programs, projects and initiatives of the Club are consciously designed and planned to touch the lives of a diverse group of people, as well as effect changes in communities and institutions where everyone is respected, valued and welcomed. RCM also has specific projects whose special emphasis is addressing the needs and concerns of women and children. More, RCM actively partners and pursues projects with other Rotary Clubs that have all-gender memberships.

Consistent with RI’s noble objective, RCM fully recognizes that each individual must have “the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.” This is why RCM ensures that its partnerships, pursuits, and projects are always aimed towards promoting and championing diversity, equity and inclusion.