This week I want to share something Rotary is doing in the world, here in the United States, with the help of Australian Rotarians and a partnership with the non-profit, ProLiteracy.
As you know, one of Rotary International’s six core areas of focus is supporting education. Specifically, the goal is to “strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce general disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.” Our club has promoted this goal at home and abroad in the last decade through our partnership with School District 11, our reading project at elementary schools, and our support of the young ladies of Trampled Rose in Ethiopia, among other initiatives.
Globally, more than an estimated 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Some of them are our neighbors. A study conducted a few years ago concluded that 47% of adults in Detroit are functionally illiterate (even though approximately half have a high school diploma or GED). This amounts to approximately 1 million Detroit and Michigan residents who are unable to read or use reading, writing, speaking, and computational skills in everyday life situations.
Rotarians in the United States answered this crisis by partnering with ProLiteracy Detroit to recruit and train tutors. A grant from The Rotary Foundation brought a team of literacy experts from Australia to Detroit, to share their expertise with those who are training the tutors in two six week sessions and lead to the creation of 250 trade tutor workshops. The grant helped launch a weekly program on local television to raise awareness and broaden corporate and community support. Also, Detroit-area Rotarians collected 261,000 books and 587 computers to donate to literacy agencies throughout the city.
Through the efforts of the volunteer tutors, more than 500 adults raised their reading levels by three grades, according to testing by the Michigan Adult Education Reporting System.
See you Friday, and until then, keep your eyes open for the good we can do in the world when we connect with like-minded individuals and groups. Hint: When you buy your tickets for Flight, know that you too are contributing to the fight. ;)
Blair has over 50 years of technical and managerial experience in the field of EMP. He has participated in the development, production and testing of numerous EMP-hardened systems.
The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs has received a thank you note from the Broadmoor Rotary Club, thanking us for our support in their ball drop. Mark Potter, the current President, writes that the event was a success and he's sorry none of us won. (Never fear, we will retaliate by selling the Broadmoor Club losing tickets to the Flight raffle.)
This Monday, July 29, the program at the East Club will focus on the impact of Trampled Rose in Ethiopia. Rotarians who have supported Trampled Rose are encouraged to attend. The Meeting is at Petty Jewett Golf Course, 900 E Espanola St., and begins at 12:15 p.m. Becky Kiser will be the speaker.
The ninth annual Tap-in Miniature Golf Tournament hosted by the North Club will be held on August 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Adventure Golf, 6550 Corporate Drive, Colorado Springs. After the tournament, the 19th Hole celebration will be down the street at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children, available online or from any member of the North Club.
Broadmoor Rotary's next event will be a city-wide Cornhole Tournament at America the Beautiful Park on September 8 from 11 am to 3 pm in support of Shelter Box USA. Two person teams will pay $50 per entry to compete for a $500 Grand Prize. Tournament play begins at noon.
Purchase your Flight tickets at a reduced price now through August 2nd. They're available at our weekly meetings for $90 for individual and $175 for couples. Avoid the rush!
