Last week Louis brought a fresh new perspective to DEI, a challenge that not only Rotary International, but clubs at grass roots level are grappling with.

Louis van der Riet is an ordained minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, where he serves on task teams that work towards gender justice and racial reconciliation. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Stellenbosch University and Vrije University Amsterdam. Louis works in the Faith Partnerships programme in mainline denominations, universities, and seminaries, doing facilitation, research and resource development at the intersection of gender, sexuality and religion.

The purpose of the conversation was to greater explore diversity, inclusion, and equality amongst members of the Rotary Club of Waterfront, already a priorty goal in RCW’s Strategic and Action Plan. It was an interactive discussion, with facilitator Louis asking some tough questions which reflected on the “unconscious bias” which is embedded in the sub-conscious of all us. 

We see, judge and act spontaneously, but do we do so with open hearts, open minds that open doors. Keeping it simple, the graphic below well illustrates the Equality component of DEI.

We were challenged to look at the Rotary Club Waterfront as a person: •Race •Gender •Sexual Orientation •Physical ability •Religion •Language •Class. Although RC Waterfront has a long way to go, our awareness of the importance of DEI is palpable. This presentation by Louis van der Riet brought home the progress we had made. There is still a lot of work to be done. Dirk ended with sincere thanks for the presentaton which touched our hearts, encouraging us be mindful – to reach out to grow a more inclusive space for all at RC Waterfront, present and future with love and respect. 

Below: Happy crew with speaker Dr Louis van der Riet.Our two Waterfront Rotaractors – President Chevano Frans and Treasurer Stacey Mele, also joined us.