Prior Lake Rotary Club

About Our Club
In 2020, the Prior Lake Rotary Club formed the Equity and Inclusion Committee to help bring awareness and understanding to the need for more work around anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior Lake Rotarians are committed to demonstrating the 4-way test and bringing individuals and organizations together to work for peace and justice. Here are lists of related activities. 
 
Diversity and Inclusion work as a club:
  • Ethics training centered in the 4-way test for MNCAPS and Bridges Area Learning Center students
  • District Grant to purchase a trailer for transporting bikes and a wheelchair trike with Marilyn’s TWOcan as well as participation in a ride.
  • STRIVE mentorship program pairing adult mentors with high school students who have faced challenges in their lives to offer support, encouragement, and assistance
  • Donated $4,000 to Harvest Pack and hosted events packing meals to fight hunger in food insecure communities in the US- the meals we packed were donated locally to ROCK and the CAP Agency
  • Support given to Hope Kids and Shockwaves Adaptive Ski Squad for adaptive Ski Day to offer the opportunity for individuals with mobility, visual, or other impairments to experience the joys and benefits of water sports
  • Support given to the Special Olympics MN through funds raised via Polar Plunge participation
  • Support given to Southern Valley Alliance to help women and families impacted by domestic violence.
  • Providing host families for international exchange students for PLHS and hosting them at our club meetings to share their stories and culture  
 
Diversity and Inclusion work (completed and upcoming) specifically from the committee:
  • Peace Pole Dedication ceremony in Gateway Park to promote peace on earth for all people
  • Currently in the planning phase for multiple other projects in conjunction with PLHS and the PLSAS School District to help students feel safe, welcome, and at home in their schools
  • Also will be hosting a community forum with a keynote speaker to help the community to understand what racism looks like and what we can do to show respect for all people, date and location to be announced.
From both the club and committee:
  • Giving a platform to speakers for members of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities:
    • Panel several PL Rotarians sharing their personal stories about Diversity and Inclusion
    • Rebecca Crooks-Stratton for the Understanding Native MN campaign
    • Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community member Andy Vig talking about SMSC history and Native American Cultural Challenges
    • Together with the Rotary Club of White Bear Lake, Alan C. Page- listening to his experiences and story as a football player and a MN Supreme Court Justice
    • Mikah Meyer- professional road tripper, social media warrior, Rotary Alumni, and LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity
    • Prior Lake Savage Coalition for Teachers of Color
    • PLHS Black Student Union
    • Sam Ouk: Refugee Experience (upcoming December 8th)