Governor's Message (Jun 05, 2020)

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As Rotarians, we are the stewards of The Four Way Test and our Rotary values of promoting world peace and understanding. During this difficult and turbulent time in our country, I would like to share with you a letter from Mirabella Pulido, President of the Boston Rotaract Club. It is very moving and truly reflects how I feel as a fellow Rotarian.

Letter from Mira to her club:

As you’re reading this, the world around us seems the most chaotic it’s ever been in our lifetimes. Members of our own club, community, and country are hurting right now. Whether it be from the ongoing civil unrest, the effects of the pandemic, or reasons that are unknown to you and me, I hope you are all taking care of yourselves during these trying times.

As members and affiliates of one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, we have a moral obligation to support the dignity of every human being. This means we must speak out unequivocally against hatred, prejudice, and violence.

Boston Rotaract stands in solidarity with its Black club members and with all of those who work to advance greater racial justice for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) folks.

We cannot claim the values we say we stand for – Is it fair to all concerned? – without coming together to support our community. While we pride ourselves on international service projects and youth exchange programs, much of the work that needs to be done is in our own backyards.

Rotarians and Rotaractors are known to be “People of Action,” so let’s do what we do best. This is a critical time to strengthen our commitment to creating lasting change, especially for BIPOC, by taking meaningful action. We must continue to work in Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus by: promoting peace, creating economic opportunities, supporting women and children, and educating all – especially ourselves. Whatever position we find ourselves in, we must play our role and make a difference.

As I considered writing this letter, I struggled searching for others in my district who look like me for guidance. It should not be an anomaly to be a young, brown woman in a network of 1.2M Rotarians. Let’s start internally and look at our own clubs. Our membership must reflect our communities and those we serve.

I have enormous faith in and love for Rotary International. Our life’s work is to better our world and we must use this moment in history to drive and accelerate positive change for the future.

It has been an incredibly high honor to serve as this year’s president of Boston Rotaract.

In service above self, Mirabella

As you have these challenging conversations with others in your Rotary Club, as well as in your communities, I ask you to reflect upon how we as a district and individual clubs can improve upon diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are the pillars that lead us to world peace and understanding.

I thank you in advance for your kindness and for your selfless dedication and commitment to The Four Way Test, promoting peace, inclusion, equity and diversity, and being the catalyst for the betterment of humanity.