At Rotary, we are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard, and providing equitable opportunities for fellowship, service and leadership.
Connecting the Dots between DEI and Rotary Fellowships
June is Rotary Fellowships month.
This designation highlights the importance of fellowship and international goodwill among Rotarians who share common interests, promoting participation in fellowships and fostering a deeper understanding of this program.
DEI plays a crucial role in enhancing Rotary Fellowships by fostering a welcoming environment that values varied DEI plays a crucial role in enhancing Rotary Fellowships by fostering a welcoming environment that values varied perspectives and experiences. By integrating DEI principles, Rotarians can ensure that their fellowships reflect the rich tapestry of global cultures, backgrounds, and ideas, which strengthens collaboration and innovation. Encouraging participation from underrepresented groups not only enriches discussions but also aligns with Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self. This commitment to inclusivity enhances the overall fellowship experience, allowing members to learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and tackle pressing global challenges collectively, thereby amplifying the impact of their initiatives.
Our District’s DEI Milestones in Rotary Year 2024-25
In Rotary Year 2024-25, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) continue to be pivotal focuses for our District, reflecting a robust commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the Rotary community. The District DEI Committee has been unwavering in its dedication to raising awareness and providing educational training on various aspects of DEI, ensuring that all members understand its significance and application in both personal and professional contexts.
On 19 August 2024, a DEI Fellowship Happy Hour was held, fostering connections among Club DEI Directors early on in the Rotary Year and providing a platform for various clubs to connect, share experiences, and develop synergies. Such networking facilitates clubs to foster collaboration and innovation in DEI initiatives across the District.
The signature District DEI Seminar was held on 2 November 2024, featuring the theme “Change Your Mindset, Create a Sense of Belonging.” This event attracted over 60 Rotarians who are eager to embrace DEI principles. The seminar commenced with inspiring remarks from DG Nigel Lo, followed by a comprehensive discourse by PDG Ada Cheng, our District DEI Committee Chair, on the importance of fostering belonging within Rotary. Keynote speakers delivered impactful presentations on inclusivity by sharing their real- life experiences and their positive approaches to handle obstacles they encountered. They included Peter Wong, Deputy CEO of Dialogue in the Dark (HK) Foundation; Olivia Wong, MTR’s General Manager in Environmental & Social Responsibility; and Anne Yeung, Director of Public Relations for Pink Dot Hong Kong. Peter, a visually impaired leader, emphasized viewing individuals as “People with Differences,” advocating for their rights to dream and contribute. Olivia highlighted MTR’s initiatives empowering diverse backgrounds, while Anne shared her personal journey and work with Pink Dot Hong Kong, promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility. The seminar also included presentations by the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East and the Rotary Club of The Hub Hong Kong, showcasing DEI-focused service projects. The event concluded with a mini quiz game on DEI issues round the world, enriching attendees’ understanding and commitment to DEI.
In order to enhance DEI awareness among members of Rotary in Macau, an Area 1 Joint Clubs’ Meeting conducted in Chinese was organized by the eight Clubs in Macau on March 26, 2025. PDG Ada Cheng shared the DEI fundamentals, equipping participants with foundational knowledge and providing examples to make the Rotary experience more inclusive for diverse individuals. A total of 98 Rotarians and Rotaractors participated in person. The meeting was a success, and Rotarians in Macau reinforced their commitment to joining hands with other members in the District to embrace and promote DEI both inside and outside Rotary!
“WHY DEI MATTERS?” SERIES
To further support ongoing education, the monthly DG newsletter continues to feature a “WHY DEI MATTERS?” series. This series explores various DEI-related topics, addressing the challenges we face in our daily lives, whether at work, in personal interactions, or within the Rotary framework. Each month highlights specific issues aligned with international observances designated by the United Nations. The article of each month also features the subject topic of the Rotary month which places an emphasis on a designated avenue of service or an area of service focus. Topics covered in the series include breastfeeding support, basic educational needs, mental health, violence against women, rights of persons with disabilities, racial discrimination, equitable solutions to climate change, and the importance of intercultural exchange and understanding.
The District has achieved a notable milestone with 88 out of 120 clubs appointing DEI Directors. Many clubs have engaged in DEI Seminars, completed online training, adopted the DEI Code of Conduct, and participated in discussions. Further, the District DEI Committee exemplifies diversity itself, comprising members of various ages, ethnicities, and genders, setting a standard for inclusive leadership.
Through these initiatives, the Committee aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and empathy in our District, nurturing future leaders who are equipped to resolve conflicts and promote lasting peace. We are committed to creating a Rotary community where everyone feels they belong and can contribute meaningfully.
Please feel free to contact the DEI Committee at dei.rid3450@gmail.com
