THE PAUL HARRIS WAY
Classifications. Remember those? Virtually all membership in Rotary was based upon a “classification” that described the distinct and recognized business or professional service that the Rotarian renders to society. Rotary International ended required classification designations a few years ago, and many clubs no longer require that either.
How diverse are the business classifications in your club? Does your Rotary club represent a cross section of the business and professional service of your community. Does your club have a member directory identifying members’ businesses so that members can patronize them?
Diversity is also about recognizing, respecting and valuing differences in our members and in our communities.
Setting aside the divisive discussions on diversity, consider it in the context of business classifications and how a wide variety of classifications benefits your club. Paul Harris found Rotary on the premise that Diversity is also about recognizing, respecting and valuing differences based on people of good will and diverse backgrounds should come together in the spirit of friendship to foster better understanding. He believed that clubs should represent and embrace the diversity in their communities.