Rotary is a huge, powerful machine. Unguided, it could thrash down the aisles of time a menace to all mankind. Well directed, it will become a humanizing instrumentality of which we need not be ashamed.’
These are the words of Paul Harris 110 years ago extoling the power and virtues of membership diversity.
The Rotary Club of Melbourne has faced its own ‘diversity’ challenges including membership of women, informal dress code, women’s rights, and same sex marriage.
Today, we find ourselves challenged once more.
With almost 2-years of lockdown fatigue and loneliness behind us, will the Rotary Club of Melbourne welcome back all members face-to-face, or will it introduce member exclusion, alienation and expulsion based on the diversity of one’s personal health choices?
Perhaps we can be guided once more by the words of Paul Harris written 110 years ago.
‘May we never, in time to come, depart from the safe course of rational toleration and humane consideration of the conviction of others.’
For the fellowship and tolerance RCM brings we give thanks. God Bless.
