By RI Service and Engagement staff
The start of the year brings new energy and inspiration into our many dreams for the 2022-23 Rotary year and beyond. Rotary International President Jennifer Jones imagines a Rotary where members turn their dreams into reality. President Jones encourages all of us to imagine the possibilities in the positive change we can make to transform the world. Through this bold vision, we can lean into our global community to deepen relationships and create a space where everyone feels welcomed, has the ability to dream big, and can take action to make the world a better place. This year, President Jones will focus on four initiatives that Imagine Rotary: advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); creating a welcoming club experience; empowering girls; and expanding our reach.
Imagine DEI: Expanding our Reach – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity is one of Rotary’s longstanding core values and greatest strengths. We can each do our part to ensure that Rotary is a welcoming and inclusive environment and exemplify our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by:
- Learning more about DEI in Rotary, including understanding definitions and how to celebrate and respect our differences.
- Determining why DEI matters to our club and community and how using DEI principles can help our club grow and become stronger.
- Raising awareness of DEI, including creating a DEI committee in your club that reflects the demographics of your community.
- Taking action on DEI in our club and community for instance educating yourself about underrepresented groups in your community in order to become a more knowledgeable and effective advocate for DEI.
Learn more and take action by reading the DEI presidential brochure.
Imagine a welcoming club experience: Comfort and Care
It is important to ensure that our clubs, events, and programs are welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable for all members and participants. This begins with listening to and understanding what members and participants want out of their Rotary involvement. President Jones urges club leaders to understand the needs and expectations of new and existing members at the outset.
Watch Jones talk about her Comfort and Care initiative.
Empowering Girls
Jones will continue past RI President Shekhar Mehta’s Empowering Girls initiative, recognizing that empowered girls become empowered women. Share your Girls Empowerment projects on Showcase.
Imagine Impact: Expanding Rotary’s Reach Media Tours
President Jones will visit eight service projects that represent each of Rotary’s areas of focus and polio eradication. The tour will provide examples of how Rotary can make a measurable difference, while introducing Rotary to new audiences and potential partners and influencers. Gain inspiration from the tour and consider how your club can also bring attention to your measurable, high-impact, sustainable, scalable projects.
Find more information about the 2022-23 presidential initiatives and how you can get involved.
Meet 2022-23 RI President Jennifer Jones and learn more about her vision for the future.
Service in Action 