CNY Rotary DEI
Hello CNY Rotary,
 
I am excited to extend a warm welcome to all members of our new CNY family on behalf of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As the first term DEI chair for CNY, I am honored to lead our efforts in building a solid foundation of promoting a more inclusive and welcoming environment within our Rotary District. I want every member to know that I am available to talk, difficult conversations and all, at any time, so please reach out to me.
 
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords to us – they are core values that Rotary strives to embody in everything we do. We believe that by embracing the unique perspectives and backgrounds of all humans, we can truly make a difference in our clubs, our communities and our world.
 
This important work is something that is not reserved for only the DEI committee. It is through each Rotarian’s everyday attitudes and tasks that we make change. Together, we can create clubs where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every member feels respected and supported. Let us come together to celebrate our differences, learn from one another, and build a stronger, more diverse yet united Rotary family.
 
I look forward to working alongside each of you as we embark on this journey towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Rotary district. I want every member to know that I am available to talk, difficult conversations and all at any time. Please reach out to me. 
 
Thank you for your commitment to ‘our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.’*

Inclusively yours,
Pam Baxter
Chair
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
*excerpt of Rotary International DEI statement 2019

CONTACT US: DEI@CNYROTARY.ORG

DEI News
Alcohol has been used in celebrations for centuries, it is an ancestral beverage, and it has been both divinized and demonized. Some refer to it as a social lubricant as it allows people to let go of a little bit of their inhibitions and celebrate. It can make people feel more relaxed, lighten the mood and even make an anxious social situation more tolerable by the sense of feeling free from self-consciousness.
With Pride Month in the rearview mirror now, though not that far in the distance, a newspaper article and a museum’s special event made me think deeper about Pride Month, and its meanings and impact. I should probably say that I am a 65-year-old, straight, white guy.  I think a lot about inclusion and being open minded.  I try and ‘walk the walk,’ but like many others I probably fall short at times.