Rotary Literacy Month

March is the month that we showcase literacy. All across the world Rotarians note the importance of reading and support numerous programs that help children and adults to gain the ability to read.

Reading, writing and character literacy are essential to independence and economic freedom. Far too many adults in North America and the developing countries live in poverty today because they haven’t mastered those skills. Far too many children are currently at risk of falling into the same trap. Illiteracy is one of the world’s most serious problems.

The inability to read translates into many difficulties. Safely driving a car, voting in an election, using a newspaper, applying for a job or having mom read a bedtime story are just a few of the challenges to be overcome.

Literacy is a basic skill that helps us to fight poverty, increase productivity, and gain skills to help each other. As Rotarians we are working to fight illiteracy one person at a time. We are doing this in so many effective ways.

How is your Rotary Club celebrating Literary Month? Here are a few ideas for Clubs passionate about literacy:

Create Awareness: 

Schedule a speaker on a literacy topic for a regular meeting.

Present a literacy award or recognition at a regular meeting.  Recognize teachers, librarians or civic leaders who promote the literacy within your community.

Sponsor a newspaper radio or TV advertisement or billboard about Rotary's work with literacy.

Undertake a literacy project at home and abroad.

Recruit a new member who is passionate about literacy.

Initiate the club’s literacy project planning process for 2015. 

Celebrate the club’s literacy project successes during 2015.