Rotary President Mark Calitri is planning and working on ways for the organization to be more inclusive and practice diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the community. Calitri, who is also President/CEO of Visit Owensboro, said there are numerous opportunities throughout the community to attract more diverse backgrounds.
He noted the recent announcement of the city claiming the title of Bluegrass Music Capital of the word and posed the question of how can the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum involve African American and Afghan artists and musicians.
“Our society is starting to change, and Owensboro is starting to change and evolve,” Calitri said.
Even further, he said this is not just for monetary gain as tourists spend money while in town, but also for the city to continue to be successful with its residents.
As Rotarians, the organization pushes for members to serve the community around them properly. With that in mind, Calitri said it’s important for the organization to attract young professionals to the organization along with those from different walks of life.
One idea Calitri has to help fund different areas within the community is supporting the cricket league started by some of the local Burmese population. Right now, he is working with the community to get a tournament with them.
“I think Owensboro has some opportunities to be more inclusive, to be more welcoming to folks from all walks of life,” Calitri said. “What I’m thinking about is more funding opportunities for programs and opportunities to be more inclusive.”
When Glenn Taylor came to speak during Wednesday’s Rotary meeting, he harped on these same principles: the life we live is a culmination of the choices we’ve made.
Taylor talked about how oftentimes people search for a replication of a memory they deemed blissful whether it be food, a moment in life, or a location. In doing so they close themselves off to experiencing a new sensation.
He encouraged all Rotarians to be open with themselves and henceforth with the world that they are surrounded by.
“With effort, commitment, perseverance, adaptability, openness and receptiveness, we can develop a degree of comfort with ourselves that is the personification [of that memory],” Taylor said.
