March is Women's History Month.
When we look at Rotary today it is hard to believe that in the United States, women were not permitted to join a Rotary Club until 1987. It wasn't until 1989 when the RI Council of Legislation voted to change the RI Constitution and make women eligible for membership around the world. The men of Rotary had spoken...times had changed since 1905...it was time to change too! By June 1990, the number of female Rotarians reached over 20,000. We wanted IN! As of July 2020, the number of female Rotarians surpassed 277,000 accounting for 23% of worldwide membership. Looking at Emmaus Rotary Club today 31% of our Club Membership is female as we approach our 100th Anniversary in just a few years. I understand that it is an honor and a privilege to serve as a President of Emmaus Rotary regardless of being a woman, but it is also not lost on me that allllll this Rotary History happened within my lifetime. So, I feel even more happy to be here!
Ever since women joined Rotary 34 years ago, the organization really became limitless in what it could accomplish! Ever since women joined Rotary, TOGETHER Men and Women from all over the world have grown Rotary and charted a new course for ALL changemakers under our 7 Areas of Focus.
Ever since women joined Rotary 34 years ago, the organization really became limitless in what it could accomplish! Ever since women joined Rotary, TOGETHER Men and Women from all over the world have grown Rotary and charted a new course for ALL changemakers under our 7 Areas of Focus.
If you want to learn about the history of Women in Rotary, I encourage you to please visit this link on Rortary.org Women in Rotary | Rotary International while you scroll, please watch the video on the webpage. You will feel all the feels! I would love to know what you think!
I want to take a moment and Thank Alicia Ruiz-Orbin, (one of my Rotary Heroines) for organizing the 2023 Emmaus Rotary International Women's Day Celebration. This has become an excellent tradition for our Club and our District. Many thanks to Committee Members David Dunn, Dee Eng, Mark Erle, and Courtney Kennedy. Hats off to Val Deneen and Rory King for nominating two very deserving Women in our Community. Kassie Hilgert Director of Arts Quest and Kristin Pedemonti Founder of Steer Your Story. Both are incredible ladies making their own history! What an inspiring morning for everyone in attendance. A proud day for ERC!
Shine Bright Friends!
Meghan Reed
President, Emmaus Rotary Club 2022/23
Meghan Reed
President, Emmaus Rotary Club 2022/23
From left to right: District 7430 Governor Len Giesler, Awardee Kristin Pedimonti, Awardee,
Kassie Hilgert, IWD Committee Chair Alicia Ruiz-Orbin, ERC President Meghan Reed,
District Governor Elect Diane Donaher.