Ladner Rotarian Dr. Avis Glaze, national and international consultant to leaders in public education, says in her Invocation at the start of the club's May 12th meeting, "As I observe world occurrences and read books with titles such as: Levitsky and Ziblatt’s: How Democracies Die, Carter’s: The Death of Democracy, Applebaum’s: Autocracy Inc., Runciman’s: How Democracy Ends, and Canadian Andrew Coyne’s: The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, I must admit that I am feeling a bit disquieted.
"I immediately wondered, what does Rotary say about democracy?
"Democracy is defined as a system of government where supreme power is vested in the people, exercised either directly or through freely elected representatives. Originating in ancient Athens, it emphasizes equality, human rights, and the rule of law. Key components include regular elections, freedom of speech, and an independent media (Elections Ontario).
"Core principles include: political equality, protection of rights, and accountability. A key challenge is that modern democracies face threats from misinformation, voter apathy and pressures on the media.
"Rotary International sees democracy not merely as a political system, but as a practice that thrives on civic engagement, service, and shared values like truth, fairness, and goodwill. While Rotary remains strictly non-political and neutral—meaning clubs do not endorse candidates or political parties—it actively supports the principles of democracy through community service and peacebuilding.
"Rotary asserts that democracy is sustained by "informed citizens, courageous leadership, and values-driven service". It is a practice - not a given, built locally, supported by "The Four-Way Test", encourages civic duty, and focuses on civil discourse.
"Rotary encourages building connections and engaging in respectful dialogue across differences to strengthen society in a non-political manner designed to enable its members to work together on humanitarian projects regardless of their personal political leanings.
"As political polarization swirls around us, as the rule of law and diplomacy are being threatened, and as a few individuals promote exclusionary practices, it is important for us to stand on guard. Let’s ensure that our schools and communities function as incubators of democracy - teaching, modelling and providing opportunities for our students to practice what democracy looks like and how it should function in a diverse, inclusive and caring society.
"It has been said that through dialogue and collaboration, a democratic modus operandi can assist in promoting respect for diversity, human rights and stability. Our continuing prosperity as a nation depends on this.
"Let’s, therefore, keep our optimism alive and continue our quest to achieve the peaceful pluralism that strengthens the civil society that our ancestors worked so tirelessly to build."
