DG Karen's March Message

March is Rotary Literacy Month

Literacy has traditionally been described as the ability to read and write, an ability that so many of us take for granted.   The Rotary Foundation has long showcased educational programs as one of the cornerstones of our efforts to build peace and international understanding. 

The Rotary Foundation educational programs include the following:

·         Ambassadorial Scholarships

·         Group Study Exchange

·         Rotary World Peace Fellowships

I encourage all of our clubs to investigate these educational programs to better our communities, and indeed our world.  Please remember that basic education and literacy continues to be one of Rotary's six areas of focus .

The ability to read and to write allows us to open doors and builds better futures by giving us freedom of choices and opportunities.  In contrast, the inability to read and to write forces young and old to hide their illiteracy in real life situations including legal, financial and social situations. Feelings of isolation, inadequacy, dependency and doubt cloud their days and their lives.   What is your club doing in the work of Literacy?  

We have been advised that for 2010-2011 Rotary year, Rotary International does not offer a literacy award program at the international level.  Of course, individual districts are welcome to develop and administer their own literacy awards, which we in District 7090 are doing once again under the leadership of Past District Governor, Chair Jon Olsen.   Please check our district website under the link as District Governors Pages link on the home page, then select the 2010-2011 application form.   In summary, there are 2 recognition pieces:

District Award

Club must complete five literacy projects. Projects that are the same but in different locations (e.g. books, dictionaries to schools) count as only one project.

Governor Award

Club must completeten literacy projects, including the five required for the District Literacy Award, and

1. One project from the list of suggested activities on the other side of this brochure.

2. Either celebrate International Literacy Day (Sept. 8th) or celebrate

Literacy Month in March

3. Complete a book project (e.g. a dictionary project)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact PDG Jon Olsen @ jolsen@roadrunner.com   (716 633 2048).  Please submit your applications for either /both awards to PDG Jon Olsen.    

DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2011.

I know that many of our clubs have wonderful projects underway in this important area of need as has been shared with me during the past months in our club visits together.  Now, I look forward to recognizing those efforts by so many of you to raise awareness about literacy in your community.   YOU make a difference in the lives of those you touch with your time and talents, thank YOU for being a Rotarian.

Yours in Rotary Service,