Rotary Happenings: Rotarians hears from first woman to serve as president
Although there may have been a few technical difficulties, Dr. Silvia Whitlock was still able to share her experiences recently with Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club members as she recounted how she first joined Rotary in 1982, which was during a time when women were excluded as members.
Whitlock earned her master’s in education from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and her doctorate in education from Claremont Graduate School, and she was a new school principal in Duarte, California. She wanted to join the local Rotary Club as a way to connect with area parents and community members. Whitlock received an invitation from then-Duarte Rotary Club President and Superintendent of Schools Richard Key. Dr. Whitlock, along with four other women, joined the club and continued on its mission of serving others and promoting peace through its various service projects and initiatives.
Whitlock told the San-Cap members that she remembers submitting her paperwork using only her first initial and last name, which she was advised to do, as Rotary did not admit women. She also recalled that sometimes the wives of the Rotarians were worried about women being in a dinner club with their husbands. Whitlock was quick to remind them that Rotary is a “not a social club, it is a service club.”
Whitlock said she and other women continued on working alongside their male counterparts, even though their club charter was revoked. They renamed their club the “EX-Rotary Club of Duarte” and continued meeting and performing various charitable work around California for 11 years. It was not until 1987, after initially losing in the California Supreme court, that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender that the club regained its charter. However, Whitlock still proudly states that she is an EX-Rotary Club of Duarte member.
In February 1987 at the California PETS convention, District Gov. John Fee told of the Duarte Club’s actions, the court ruling, and the decision of Rotary International to appeal to the Supreme Court. His comment was, in direct reference to the club’s small number, “This is a case of the mouse that roared.” The club, in deference to its pride in the “roar,” chose that phrase to appear on the club’s new banner.
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at the Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, at 949 Sand Castle Road, Sanibel, and via Zoom. To attend in person, email Bill Harkey at William.Harkey@gmail.com; attendance is limited to 20 people. To take part via Zoom, call 239-472-7257. For more information, visit sanibelrotary.org or www.facebook.com/sancaprotary.