Umina Rotary decides to remain a male club
The Rotary Club of Umina Beach has decided unanimously to remain a "male club".
The decision followed Rotary's adoption of the principle of "diversity, equity and inclusion" and the request by District Governor Ms Mina Howard to put the question to the club.
Incoming club president Mr Wayne Dowdle said that Umina Beach Rotary was "somewhat of an anomaly being a male-member-only club", with five in the district.
"Retaining gender specific makeup is not intended as slight on the impact and importance of women in professional and business life," he said.
"Rather it is the club's view that we do offer diversity in a community where two mixed clubs already exist on the Peninsula.
"Umina Beach Rotary Club is a club where males can meet, be blokes while doing good for the community in which they live and elsewhere in the world."
He said Rotary appeared to be "seeking inclusion of females, and others, in clubs for a number of reasons. perhaps one being to increase membership in recognition of their importance in professional and in business life".
Mr Dowdle said the club was formed as a male club in 1976, as was Rotary at that time.
"This however means that if we wish for this club to survive as a 'Male Bastion', it is incumbent upon us to ensure that it does and can by attracting and retaining some more agile, younger members.
"If we don't this Club will die, I would say within 5 years.
"The longer-term survival of this club depends upon our relevance in the Peninsula community, the community in which we live and represent.
"I believe we need to gain a greater exposure for our involvement in the community to achieve this.
"The end beneficiaries, besides ourselves, are in fact the wider community."
SOURCE:
Newsletter, 8 Jul 2022
Wayne Dowdle, Rotary Umina Beach