Diversity, equity, inclusion key for better leaders
ROTARY International President Jennifer Jones believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are needed in order to create future leaders.
During the town hall meeting on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which was held on Thursday, Jones said diversity has been the rotary’s core values for decades since the inception of the organization, and that there should be an authentic conversation that needs to be done in order to break down barriers within the group and the whole world.
“This is about the authentic conversation that we need to have to make sure that we can show up as our true authentic selves and be embraced for what it is that each of us brings to the conversation,” Jones explained.
“Every single one of us is unique and different. We recognize people are different when we can meet them where they need to be, and where we need to be. That’s how we change our thinking a little bit which, in turn, solves barriers.”
She also said that these three values are part of her advocacy as the first woman president of Rotary International as she wishes to grow the group’s membership even more and involve more people in their activities.
“Growing our membership is incredibly important to me, as making sure that people can show up as their true, authentic selves,” Jones pointed out.
“And that means embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in addition to recruiting more young people and women in organization, and telling our stories to the world,” she added.
The event was immediately followed by a meet-and-greet luncheon with several local rotary officials.
Other events lined up for Jones’ seven-day trip in the Philippines is the Rotary Community Corps Showcase organized by the Rotary Village Corps Foundation and the 10 Rotary Districts.
She will also visit select service projects in the country such as the Rotary Club of Makati West’s “Gift of Life Program,” the Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo’s “Project Calawis” and the “Tuloy sa Don Bosco” in Alabang.
Lastly, she plans to grace the 53rd Charter Anniversary Gala of the Rotary Club of Makati West, and in between during her tour will be her other meetings with business leaders, influencers and senior government officials which are intended to deepen relationships with non-rotary member stakeholders and create new partnerships that will help advance the group’s goals.