The Rotary Club of Tampa passed a bylaw that bars discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation and other factors.

TAMPA – Saying the club is following the lead of the business community, the Rotary Club of Tampa passed a bylaw this month that bans bias of all types in determining membership and leadership in the group.

Since 1914, the Rotary Club of Tampa has been led by a cross section of civic and business leaders with a heart for their motto of service above self.  Club officials say that, by creating a formal policy on diversity and inclusion, the Rotary Club of Tampa sends a clear message: It embraces the contemporary values of the business community from which it draws members.

On June 11, the club adopted a bylaws amendment that reads in part, “We promote and find strength in the diversity of our members and club activities,” and specifies that membership, leadership, and participation in all activities will not be limited based upon “an applicant’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliations, or other legally protected classes.”

With this clear diversity and inclusion policy, members said, the club follows the lead of the business community, many of whom have similar policies.

The Rotary Club of Tampa has taken the local lead on this initiative, much as it did in 1987 when it was one of the first Rotary clubs in the U.S. to welcome female members.

In preparation for adoption of this policy, the club hosted a community forum June 4 on the topic Equality Means Business. This panel discussion of local business leaders – Ashley Brundage, Nancy Faggianelli, Kelly Flannery, and Bob Rohrlack – highlighted the economic benefits of a diverse workforce and inclusive policies for companies in our community.

The Rotary Club of Tampa has been invited to join the Equality Means Business Advisory Council, a statewide advisory group committed to proactive inclusion and diversity.

A year ago, club President Filiberto Valero stated that sending a message of inclusion was his top priority as president, “not only because is the right thing to do for our community, but because it is the best thing for the club – to lead the way in the 21st Century and send a clear and loud message that Rotarians do not discriminate against anybody.”

With 160 members of all ages, professions, and demographics, the Rotary Club of Tampa represents a cross section of the community seeking to make a difference with hands-on service, philanthropic giving and leadership, both locally and internationally.  We look forward to welcoming members and guests, past and present, to these special events, and we’re ready to embrace the next 105 years of Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Tampa Foundation provides financial support for the Club’s local and international projects and charities. Its carefully managed portfolio and mindful grant process ensure our ongoing impact with the many meaningful organizations with whom we partner each year.

Rotary International has more than 1.2 million members and 35,000+ clubs worldwide. Causes include fighting disease, supporting education, growing local economies, and promoting peace. International projects planned and executed with the partnerships of clubs from across the globe build multinational friendships and mean local members can see their impact firsthand.

Rotary’s commitment to the eradication of polio has seen a 99.9% reduction in polio cases since 1988

For information,go to rotarycluboftampa.org.

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