With COVID-19 cases rising there is a need and opportunity to engage with and empower everyday Illinoisans across the state, in an ongoing and intentional way, to assist in outreach and prevention efforts. By giving Illinoisans opportunities to serve and assist in Illinois’ COVID-19 response efforts this enables them to become contributors, problem solvers and partners in helping their communities.
We are leaning on Illinoisans all over the state to help get the word out on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their peers, neighbors, family and friends. IDPH aims to identify and recruit individuals from across the state that are representative of the state’s diversity (race, ethnicity, geography, gender, age, etc.) to serve as Ambassadors. This diversity also includes individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. For example, PTA member, radio/TV/YouTube talk show host, Block Club president, religious leaders, high school student council member, spoken word youth poet, local business owner, elected official, civically active senior citizen, etc.
I am reaching out to ask if you would consider serving as an Ambassador or assist in identifying Ambassadors from the community you live and work in. For more information, description of role and responsibilities, and to sign up please see this one-pager.
The commitment for this effort is minimal and can be incorporated into your daily life (examples include sending out an email to a listserv you may be subscribed to, sharing flyers with information, doing a facebook live, participating or hosting a Zoom meeting, making an announcement during your small group, church, mosque or other place of worship, etc.). IDPH will work with Ambassadors on an ongoing, regular basis to provide support, share accurate and current information, and ultimately to ensure community impact.
Greatly appreciate you considering.
From....
Juana Ballesteros
Manager, Community Public Health Outreach
IL Department of Public Health
juana.ballesteros@illinois.gov
Good afternoon
As we all know we are in the midst of a COVID-19 surge that could continue for months......and all with the hope of the COVID-19 vaccine on its way starting with the front-line health workers; followed by those at risk; and eventually the rest of the population in the US.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has started an Ambassador program for outreach to all communities throughout Illinois -- the goal is for peer to peer communication on COVID-19 prevention initiatives as well as COVID-19 immunizations as soon as they are available.
I have been volunteering with IDPH on a variety of initiatives and this is one that we know will engage and inform more people. They would like Rotarians to be involved because of their knowledge and passion for Polio immunizations to stop the spread of the disease --- and they know that some Rotarians were young when Polio struck in the US and have memories of the need to protect children ---- sort of like the need now to protect vulnerable populations.
If you are interested in getting involved as a Prevention Ambassador with the Illinois Department of Public Health, additional information is below and also in the attached one-pager. If you or someone in your District/Clubs want to take this on, please have them complete the survey at so IDPH has their contact info as materials will be sent to them soon and training will be right after Thanksgiving.
Thank you - if you have questions, let me know.
Pat
Patricia Merryweather-Arges, PDG
Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator - 2018 - 2021
Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group Board - 2019-2022
Rotary District International Services Chair 2016-2023
District Representative to Council on Legislation and Resolution 2020-2023
Presidential Peace Conference Chair in Chicago, 2018
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President of Rotary International and the Chair of The Rotary Foundation Letter
Calls for Rotarians to Step Up
Below is a letter all District Governors received this week from the President of Rotary International and the Chair of The Rotary Foundation, discussing Rotary's involvement in the worldwide vaccination campaign against COVID-19.
We are encouraged to spread the message of the power of vaccines to save lives. Of course, each District's response will be different depending on local circumstances. The Governor's Line welcomes your suggestions as to the role District 6440 could play in Northeastern Illinois. If you would like to be part of a task force exploring options, please contact me. We must take into account that D6440 covers all or part of five counties, each of which has its own situation, public health department, and guidelines. There are ways that D6440 Rotarians can have an impact today: There are ways that D6440 Rotarians can have an impact today:
1. BE A COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has started an Ambassador program for outreach to all communities, for communications on prevention initiatives and immunizations once available. They would like Rotarians involved, in part because of their knowledge and passion for Polio vaccination. See here for additional information. If you complete this survey, IDPH will send you materials and notifications about training.
2. ENCOURAGE VACCINATION Residents of Lake County can register for vaccination on the Lake County AllVax Portal, Community Service Chair Suzanne (Sam) Martinez is working with President Angela Walker of North Chicago to encourage all Lake County Rotary Clubs to help spread the news of this opportunity. There may be similar initiatives in other counties.
Contact Sam for more information at smartinezsam@aol.com. Our official theme this year is, "Rotary Opens Opportunities". Let's rise to the challenge, and show our communities our commitment and creativity in a time when they need us most.
Stay well,
Lyle Staab
District Governor 2020-2021
District 6440
Rotary Club of Long Grove, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods
Give-Back-Day in November hosted by Grill House Update
“We received 20% of sales when anyone mentioned Rotary when ordering. These small fundraisers help benefit our club and we thank members, who encouraged friends, family, colleagues to order lunch and dinner using the code word: Rotary!” said Gayle Cucio, Fundraising Chair, “We raised $147, which will go to our charitable account.”
Grill House is located at 3061 Dundee Rd., in the White Plains Plaza.
