This article was written by Kathleen Hustad
The North Minneapolis Rotary Club proudly celebrates the diversity of its members and their unique experiences as they strive to make a positive impact in the community.
In recognition of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March, we feel it is a wonderful time to celebrate. With a membership that is majority female and 45 percent African American, we celebrate what makes us unique and our shared commitment to service.
Our club is comprised of community members with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We each bring something unique to the table that contributes towards making us who we are – an organization dedicated to uniting people through meaningful service.
The North Minneapolis Rotary is a beacon of diversity in the broader Minnesota District #5950. A top priority for Rotary International is growing and diversifying its membership. Rotary celebrates and welcomes the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Rotary was founded in 1905. Since its inception, Rotary was open to men of all races and formalized this in its standard constitution in 1922. However, it took until 1989 for women to be protected in the same manner.
“In honor of Black History Month, we recognize and reflect on the contributions made by African Americans to our club since its inception in 2012. We are proud to have been founded by an African American Ann Dillard who worked tirelessly with other founding members to build our club from the ground up,” said Club Secretary Sue Tincher. “We also celebrate the achievements of our current African American members and their unique lived experiences that contribute to making us stronger as a Club.”
Given March is Women’s history month, we are proud to recognize women leaders within our club from all walks of life who come together in pursuit of a common goal – community service. From business professionals to educators, community leaders, business owners, and retirees, we are united by a shared commitment for improving the lives of those around us. The majority female membership brings with it a valuable perspective that helps us understand our community and the families that call the Northside home.
Although most of the club is African American and female, all community members wanting to serve are welcome. The club is always looking for community minded professionals looking to connect with each other and the broader community to make a difference.
“Our commitment is to continue showing up in service for those who need it most while engaging with each other through meaningful conversations as a way of understanding different perspectives on issues facing North Minneapolis today,” said past President Susan Smith.
“We invite community members interested in joining us or learning more about what we do here at North Minneapolis Rotary,” said Smith. “Let’s come together to further serve the Northside!”
As the Rotary Club is gearing up for the year, it welcomes community members interested in learning more to check out the club. We are looking to build on our 10 plus years of impact and growth.
The North Minneapolis Rotary Club meets online every Tuesday by Zoom from 7:35-8:35 a.m. and welcomes Northside community members and professionals to get involved. It is always looking for guest speakers who are making a difference in our community. Contact us at northmplsrotary@gmail.com to request the link.