Literacy Dictionary Project

Literacy & Education Co-Chairs 2006 - 2007

Congratulations on being chosen to lead your Rotary Club this year.  As you know, literacy will continue to be one of the areas of emphasis for Rotary clubs throughout the world.  D.G. Judy is encouraging all Rotary clubs to participate in a literacy project this year.  Please name a literacy chairperson as soon as possible and send their name and contact information to Communications Chairperson, Diana Holmes, dholmes@mcec.coop.

Most of the clubs in District 6150 participated in a literacy project last year.  The impact on students and Rotarians was tremendous.  This year we would like to do even more, with each club having at least one literacy project and club program.  Many clubs distributed dictionaries to third graders, through The Dictionary Project and are continuing that project again this year.  (Response from club members is almost as gratifying as from the students.)  Several clubs are giving a Thesaurus to each fourth grader.   North Little Rock hands out “I Like Me” books to all kindergarteners.

There are many opportunities for successful literacy projects in each community, either as an individual club project, or by coordinating with other Rotary clubs or service organizations.  The “A Toothy Tale” coloring book that is part of  D.G. Judy’s dental initiative, offers another opportunity for promoting literacy.  One club is giving a book to the public library in honor of each program presenter.  Purchase and read books to students, tutor, mentor, help with a community-wide book drive … the possibilities are endless.

March will be Rotary’s official Literacy Month and September 8 is International Literacy Day.  Please try to schedule something during Literacy Month and for the week of September 8 to highlight literacy in your community.  As District 6150 Literacy and Education Co-Chairs, Dick Blankenbeker & I will be available to help your club in their literacy efforts.  Let us know what you are doing – and – send us pictures!!!  We want to show on our website what our clubs are doing as we all – Lead The Way – in eliminating illiteracy.

We look forward to working with you this year.

June Morse                             Dick Blankenbeker, PDG

870-926-9985                            501-835-0806