Posted by Rich Kirkham on Oct 01, 2019
Canyon County Sunrise Rotary Club is a small club of only 15 members AND YET it is a very diverse club! One of Rotary’s Core Values is diversity. Still, this is the FIRST club I have visited so far that had an equal number of men and women in attendance at the meeting. Nevertheless, the club seemed unaware of the 50/50 split. In fact, they appeared to be almost blind to it!

METRICS OF A FAMILY. There were other measures of diversity that were likewise obvious to me but rather unnoticed and appeared insignificant to the club members themselves who see one another simply as ‘family’. For example, the club has both ‘experienced’ members over 80 years of age and young members under 40. The club has affluent professionals and regular working folks. Racial differences are evident in the group. Clergy and non clergy are likewise both represented. Charter club members since 1991 sit alongside new members of less than 4 months membership. US Veterans and non veterans alike both contribute happy dollars and speak of love for Rotary, country and family.

INCLUSION. I never got the impression that Canyon County Sunrise Club deliberately tried to create a diverse membership. It just happened because they are INCLUSIVE. Clubs with greater diversity have a greater capacity to serve their community and communities around the world. Diverse clubs create a culture of acceptance, where differences are respected, supported, and valued.
 
 
I salute the Canyon County Sunrise Rotary Club for making diversity look absolutely effortless AND fun! Bravo!

Rich Kirkham, '19-'20 District 5400 Governor