Supporting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Rotary welcomes people of all backgrounds, cultures, experiences and identities and is working to create experiences where all people feel welcomed, respected and valued.
The Rotary Club of Edina’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is working to increase diversity in the club’s membership, bring awareness of race and equity issues in Edina and the Twin Cities metropolitan area, develop leaders of color, and support organizations that assist people of color. Specifically, the committee’s current goals are to:
- Assist club leadership with five-year vision to include diversity, equity and inclusion goals
- Work with the Club Service and Programming committees to host Prospective Member Days targeted to people of color and women
- Work with the Club Service and Programming committees to host an annual race and equity panel discussion
- Assist the club’s Programming Committee in finding speakers to talk about racial equity and/or women’s issues
- Assist the club’s Community Service – Local Funding Committee in finding worthy non-profits serving people of color and encouraging them to apply for grants
- Work with the Membership Committee to increase the number of members of color in the club and assist with onboarding
- Work with the Membership Committee to increase the number of women in the club and assist with onboarding
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award and plan appropriate recognition if the award continues
- Assist the Nominating Committee in identifying members of color and women to serve on the club’s Board of Directors
- Collaborate with other Rotary clubs on race and equity issues
- Participate in the City of Edina’s annual Juneteenth celebration as a sponsor or with a presence
- Support Black-owned businesses in the area
For more information or to join the committee, contact Director Sylvester Thomas. To suggest a program or speaker, contact Programming Committee Chair Susan Stiles.