"Mutual respect is the key to understanding and practicing Rotary District 6630's Policy on Anti-Harassment and Bullying," stated Jack Young, a Past Rotary District Governor and Human Resource Director with over 35 years of career experience.

Within any business or organization such as Rotary, which engages with adults and youth, we all become accountable and responsible for maintaining a culture of inclusiveness, tolerance and respect. Relationships, both personal and professional, must seek to avoid and address severe and persistent words, conduct and behaviors that mistreat, denigrate, or cause humiliation to another.

Using examples from his past experiences in private business and with Rotary, Mr. Young reminded his fellow Rotarians that when a questionably inappropriate or unwanted behavior is observed, it is important to report, document, and seek counsel in a timely manner.  We are witnessing a changing culture which means that we all should remain sensitive to others in our personal and professional interactions. Understanding Rotary's policy on anti-harassment and bullying, and consistently following the process for reporting infractions and concerns, benefits all of us.

In closing, as Rotarians, we seek to live by The Four-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say, or Do. This is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for all Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships, and which has been translated into more than 100 languages. I encourage you to practice this moral code used by Rotarians world-wide:

It is the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Is it BENEFICIAL to all concerned?