Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
What we are currently witnessing is borne from a long history of systematic racial oppressing that perpetuated discrimination and suppressed generational wealth. This condition has permeated our society for centuries and has created economically depressed pockets within our communities. An injustice has sparked a reckoning, and today we face that reckoning even as we navigate the effects of a global pandemic and economic crisis. Violence has no place in this conversation, but all Americans must listen to the voices raised in protest and take action.
Rotary has served the needs of our area for more than 100 years, and we intend to learn from this pain and help lead our communities on an unwavering path to affirming every citizen's unalienable rights to equity, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As Rotarians, we support peaceful protest against injustice and oppose all inequalities within our great nation. This is in keeping with Rotary's focus on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution to enhance the capacity of individuals and communities to transform conflict and build peace.
Rotary is not a political organization and will continue to serve the community and strengthen the ties that bind us together as one human race. Rotarians live by a code and hope all will consider these questions in every action. Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?