In accordance with RI policies and District 5110 anti-harassment statutes, the board of the Eugene Metropolitan Rotary Club recently dismissed a member with prejudice for repeated violations of those policies.
To uphold the ethical standards of Rotary is to reject bigotry and behavior incompatible with The Four-Way Test. To this end, Metro will incorporate the District 5110 anti-harassment policy into our bylaws and new member orientations. We are setting up reporting procedures for members who experience or witness harassment, such as sexual impropriety, sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and religious, cultural, or ethnic discrimination.
We will schedule guest speakers and enlist professionals to help members engage with this topic so they recognize microagressions and prevent “mere jokes” and “light-hearted comments” from becoming chronic harassment and an entrenched club culture.
We hope other clubs will join us in updating their policies and procedures and by sharing ideas for speakers and other experts.
Comments
5 comments
Toni Webb
Will the Grants Pass Rotary groups take a position to censure the Active Club’s discriminatory practice of not admitting women as members? Each year, the Active Club applies for, and receives, government money for their events, the largest being Boatnik. It is against Oregon State law for municipalities to give money/grants to organizations that discriminate. Many of the official sponsors who donate money to the Active Club have policies against discrimination, and those sponsors may not be be aware of Active Club policies. Active Clubs are a national group, although some Clubs are independent or became independent years ago. The Grants Pass Active Club is ostensibly the only Active Club in the US with a discriminatory policy on membership. Women have long played a role in volunteering for the events and activities sponsored by the Active Club, including Boatnik.
PDG Gerry Kosanovic
The Rotary Club of Eugene Metro demonstrated remarkable compassion, courage, and integrity in confronting a difficult issue, carefully balancing concern for individuals with their responsibility to uphold Rotary’s values and ethical standards. It was an honor to work with the club and its members; I appreciate the kind words.
Heather Edwards
Yes, thank you to PDG Gerry for facilitating and Metro for wholeheartedly participating. Even in hard times, Rotarians can bring out the best in each other. PDG Gerry grounded a complex issue in our shared values with a compassionate, inspiring, strength-based, and future-focused exploration. Bravo!
PDG Aimee Walsh
I applaud the hard work that Metro has undertaken! Also, grateful for PDG Gerry Kosanovic’s facilitation skills. If you or your club would like additional guidance or resources, please reach out to your local Assistant Governor or contact District 5110’s Chief Learning Officer Aimee Walsh at: dgaimee2223@gmail.com
Claudette M McWilliams
Thank you Metro for leading the way!