Dale was a member of our local Rotary Club for 34 years. When he was the (sergeant) at a meeting, he’d always have a quiz for the members about the national parks. He’d come up with the most arcane facts, and stump everyone. Members would moan because we knew it would be a tough quiz; but we all enjoyed learning more about the national parks and witnessing how much he loved the national park system.
Another thing he was really passionate about was making sure that all the local school children who needed eyeglasses but couldn’t afford them would have access to them. So he coordinated a program we have where members contribute each week to a fund that makes proper eyewear available to kids who need it.
We cherish the memories of our friend Dale. Please keep Jo Ann his children and grandchildren in your prayers.
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You know how it is when visitors come to our club…they say it’s “such a friendly group,” and “you all have so much fun”…”you guys laugh a lot!”…like that.
It’s not that Rotary here hasn’t always been fun…I’m sure it was…even before women arrived as equal members…not just “significant others”…And…I’m also certain that Rotary has become even more “full-hearted” …the personification of what, thanks to Bridgette Crowe…now Bridgette Gallas… named “Rotary Love.”
And yes…it wasn’t always that way.
Herstory
So let me tell you a little about “Herstory” … the evolution of Rotary Love.
1905 - 1986
More than a century ago…just 6 years after Paul Harris founded Rotary, efforts began … to include women:
In 1911 - 1923 efforts were made in the clubs in Minnesota, in Ireland and in England. Clubs were created and then disbanded or turned into adjuncts to the “real” Rotary.
And, just for context, in 1918, the 19th Amendment was presented to Congress and ratified 1920
Then there was lots of “behind the scenes” groundwork until…
In 1964, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) proposed admission of women to Rotary International…unsuccessfully.
In 1972 and again in 1977, Rotary in the United States proposed the admission of women…unsuccessfully.
In 1977, the Durante, California Rotary Club decided to “take it no more.” It approved admission of 3 women for membership. The charter of this club was revoked in 1978. Not to be discouraged… the Durante club continued to meet and serve as the “Ex-Rotary Club of Durante”
Just to give a little context, in 1980 women constituted 40+% of managerial and professional labor force in the United States.
And…again…efforts were made to include women in Rotary.
In 1980, India, Sweden, Switzerland - proposed removing restrictions on women as members of Rotary…unsuccessfully.
In 1983, the Durante California club sued to allow women as members of Rotary. The lower court upheld Rotary’s right to ban women from admission to Rotary. The club appealed.
In 1986, the Federal Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit reversed the lower court. Rotary’s appeal to the California Supreme Court was not accepted for consideration.
In 1987, the United States Supreme Court ruled on March 30 that Rotary Cannot refuse to admit women based on gender.
TheSeattle International District then voted unanimously to admit women
During all this, the Durante, California Club was reinstated in 1986.
What followed has been remarkable. 1987 - 2015
In 1987, the first woman President of any club, Silvia Whitlock, was elected in the Durante California Club.
In 1989 Rotary International officially welcomed women into its clubs.
By 1 year later…1990 …there were 20,000 women in Rotary world wide.
In 1993 - Denise Holmes became the first President of our club… followed by 5 others so far:
Suzy Vance
Susan Pound
Pat Boy
Julie Wozniak
Pat Harris.
By 1995, there were 8 women District Governors.
In 2001, Peggy Soderberg of the South Bend Club became the first woman District Governor in District 6540. followed by 3 others so far:
Judy Walker
Christina Dougherty
soon to be (2017)…Lisa Waterman.
In 2005, the first woman became a Trustee of the The Rotary Foundation.
In 2008, the first woman became a member of the Board of Directors of Rotary International.
In 2012, the first woman became Treasurer of Rotary International.
In 2013 the first woman became Vice President of Rotary International.
By 2015, there were 1.2 million members, 35,000 clubs,… almost every country in the world. And:
20% of the Rotarians were women (28% US) - maybe more recent 16% (33%US).
21% of the club presidents were women.
17% of the District Governors were women.
19% of the Regional Leaders in Rotary were women.
263 (.75%) of the clubs in the world did not have men as members.
5991 (17%) of the clubs in the world did not have any women.
Today
Recently I’ve talked with a number of people…asking them what they view as the impact of women in Rotary. I’ve heard comments like:
“Women are now part of the fabric of Rotary”
“No one thinks twice”
”When an event was coming up, men used to say “Hey Jack, come and bring the wife.’ Not any more.”
“The energy is different…it’s about moving forward and doing things.”
“In the Philippines a group of women started their own club…here…it’s more balanced together…like the real world.”
‘It’s cleaned up Rotary a lot…you don’t hear certain stories anymore.”
“Increased membership…more variety in activities…more enthusiasm.”
Let me give just one example (and there are several in this club) of the difference women have made:
TheSTRIVE Mentoring Program - a long term (20 years) sustained and on-going program supporting young people in the Michigan City community…throughout the school year:
A Rotarian, Ron Kniola, had a good idea in 1993. He convinced the club to create a mentoring program for high school students in which Rotarians would team up one-on-one with students.
In January 1996 I joined Rotary following a long road-trip with my father, a Rotarian, across the United States during which we visited with Rotaries every day for lunch or dinner. By the conclusion of this adventure, I had come to know the 4 way Test…and was especially impressed by the last 2 elements: “Will it build good will and better friendships?” … “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” When I came back from the trip, I asked to join the Rotary Club of Michigan City. When I was asked where I would like to contribute my efforts, I chose the STRIVE Mentoring Program because, for me, it epitomized the 4 way Test.
In short order, not my idea, I became the Rotarian who coordinated the program. I soon realized the key missing from the program was coordinated collaboration …creating gatherings and doing things together… Rotarians (and others) and high school students.
With support from the Success Through Education Federal Trio Program, housed at then Purdue North Central, and a willing team of Rotarians, 30 members of Rotary met with 30 high school students each month, sharing dinner and a program. In addition many Rotarians engaged in friendships with their students beyond these formal events. The result? Our students became productive contributors to our world For example:
Rhandi Anderson (formerly Childress) has become the Assistant General Counsel for the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
Chatice Lemon has a degree in childhood development, is engaged in professional child care.
Stephanie Wilson is a N Tek Mitsubishi Welder at I/N Tek I/N Kote in New Carlisle.
Aaron Garrett is a Counselor at Michigan City High School (when he isn’t involved in theater - like he is tonight).
Ashley Meeks is a thriving mother of an 8 year old child despite her challenging health concerns.
Raven Jackson is working in the Human Resources Department of Horizon Bank.
Matt Melendez is teaching English as a second language in China. And these are just a few examples.
Today as we embrace 100 years…I, as a Rotarian, will have more of this! … more collaboration coordination of programs contributing to the future of our young people and our community. There are any number of opportunities in our community…It’s up to us to choose…and to collaborate.
We have come a long way, baby! Close to half of the membership of our local club is women.. We have fun. We laugh a lot. We embrace the love of everyone, men and women alike, in Rotary.
So here’s to “Rotary Love!” Women are here…and, speaking for myself, I am here to stay.
For the final entry in Rotary International's Youth Leadership All-Stars series, Riley Benton writes about learning to lead through Interact in his community in Tennessee.
The Rotarian’s annual photo contest is back and, with the enhanced graphics capacity of our new website, looking better than ever. The 2017 contest drew 600 entries from 40 countries, judged by veteran photojournalist Steve McMurry. See the nine breathtaking images he selected as this year’s winners and start getting ready for next year’s contest.
Click below to enter a tax deductible donation to the Rotary Club of Michigan City Foundation to help us provide Service Above Self for our community and world.
Dale was a member of our local Rotary Club for 34 years. When he was the (sergeant) at a meeting, he’d always have a quiz for the members about the national parks. He’d come up with the most arcane facts, and stump everyone. Members would moan because we knew it would be a tough quiz; but we all enjoyed learning more about the national parks and witnessing how much he loved the national park system..png)
Everyone had a wonderful time at the gala enjoying the "Smoking Centennial" For a photo gallery of pictures click .jpg)
You know how it is when visitors come to our club…they say it’s “such a friendly group,” and “you all have so much fun”…”you guys laugh a lot!”…like that.
