One of Rotary's six areas of focus is supporting education for all children and literacy for children and adults. The goal is "to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy." But why? Why did we just spend so much time and effort raising money for School District 11? Why do we send scholars like Kailee into the world? Why do we send and receive youth exchange students?
I think you would understand the answer to all those questions if you knew about Mestawot.
Mestawot lives in Holleta, Ethiopia, just west of Addis Ababa. She's a high school senior, set to graduate second in her class and earn a full scholarship to university. She would have had to drop out of secondary school without a $300 scholarship from a Rotarian because her family wasn't independently able to afford her education. I say her family, but I mean her mother, because that's all the family Mestawot has. But my point isn't to congratulate us for supporting Mestawot. That scholarship was a seed, but the watering has been left to other hands.
The power of Mestawot's story is that she used the help she was given to give help to others. She joined with friends at her school in an informal service club. They contribute one day per week of their transportation costs to help the elderly with their transportation. Rather than selling or renting their uniforms to poor juniors, Metawot and her group have organized a way to donate their uniforms after graduation to new students who truly need them. And who know what Mestawot will do with her university education to benefit herself and her community?
Literate adults are better able to participate economically in the development of their communities. They enjoy better health because they better understand the health information given through care provider instructions or medication directions. They are also better able to communicate with their children’s teachers and to help their children with school work. "The power of literacy lies not just in the ability to read and write, but rather in a person’s capacity to apply these skills to effectively connect, interpret and discern the intricacies of the world in which they live."
Everything we do in Rotary comes back to education. We promote peace through our Fellowships and Youth Exchanges, and the method chosen is education. Community education is a critical component in disease prevention and eradication and in the promotion of better sanitation. Community development cannot happen where there isn't adequate education.
Education is all, so thank you for all you do to promote education here in the Springs. Thank you for reading to school children. Thank you for sponsoring their concerts and buying them instruments. Thank you for opening your homes to youths from around the world on exchange. Thank you for providing children with hands-on learning experiences like the Planet Walk. Thank you for supporting scholarships for our student athletes, our outstanding seniors, and our peace fellows. Thank you for supporting the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Thank you for your time, your talents, your financial support, and your mutual support of each other in this effort.
Back to school is just around the corner and our students at Queen Palmer could use some help. We would like to provide some school supplies to help get the year started for these kids.
They need blunt tip children's scissors and Crayola broad markers (currently on sale at Staples for $0.97!) Also, because colds do happen, Kleenex boxes!
Please bring them to the club meeting Friday, August 16.
The Rotary Club of Colorado Springs announces that this year's swarm of butterflies and new this year, dragonflies, for the 2019 FLIGHT Gala and Auction will be revealed to the community at a free event at the Pioneer Museum.
The "Grand Reveal" will take place, rain or shine, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., on August 13 at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 South Tejon Street. Grand Reveal sponsors, Socially Exceptional, Judy Casey and Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, invite you to enjoy delicious culinary delights for sale by two food trucks, Piglatin, and Marco's Pizza, as you browse this outstanding collection of art.
The weatherproof butterflies and dragonflies, designed by local/regional artists, will be on display at the Museum until mid-September. They will then be auctioned during the evening FLIGHT Gala on September 14, at the Double Tree Hilton, 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard. The Gala begins at 5:00 p.m. with a silent auction/cocktail hour, followed by a full course meal during the Live Auction of Butterflies and Dragonflies.
A laminated page of guidelines for the Words of Appreciation, Inspiration, and Reflection is provided each week to the Rotarian conducting this part of the Club's meeting. These guidelines are as follows...
The purpose of the “Words of Appreciation, Inspiration, and Reflection” section of the Club meeting is to provide a thoughtful moment to separate our minds from our busy lives and reflect on the opportunity to join in the fellowship and service of Rotary and, if you chose, to invoke divine guidance and bless the meal.
Rotary is a secular, nonpolitical organization open to those of all faiths and beliefs who subscribe to the values and principles of Rotary, including the Rotary Four Way Test and the Rotarian Code of Conduct. To create a welcoming atmosphere, it is important that all Rotarians and their guests feel included in all parts of the Rotary weekly ceremony of events. Leading this part of the agenda is a privilege and a responsibility.
If you sign up you may do a reading, recitation, reflect on a personal story, or do an invocation. The following are the guidelines:
Be respectful of the composition of the audience. Your words are offered on behalf of the entire membership and guests who represent different faiths and traditions. Your words should be nonsectarian and inclusive rather than exclusive.
Relate to Rotary; it is the purpose of the gathering.
If conducting an invocation, use inclusive terms for deity rather than particular proper names such as “Father” for divine manifestation.
Closing words should simply be “Amen” (let it be so).
Refrain from preaching, arguing, or testifying.
Comments can be as short as 2 or 3 sentences but NO MORE THAN a minute in duration.
Part III of the Rotary Leadership Institute is offered September 14 in the meeting room of the Rockrimmon Public Library. It is not necessary to attend Parts I and II before attending Part III. There is no cost to this leadership training, and it will end well before the Flight gala. See Caryn Adams if interested or respond to the email sent to you earlier this week by Paulette Church.
Saturday, September 21 is the 2019 Bob Carlone Sporting Clay Shoot hosted by Rotary Club of East Colorado Springs. Proceeds benefit Trampled Rose. The event takes place at the Pikes Peak Gun Club in Colorado Springs, CO. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m., with the shoot immediately following at 8 a.m. Whether you're a sharp-shooter or a first-timer, all are welcome! Drawing Ticket enters you for a chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate at Glen Eyrie Castle. You can use the gift certificate for any lodging, gift shop, restaurant or event (to include the Holiday Madrigal Dinner) at Glen Eyrie. The Clay Shoot is sponsored by Platte Furniture, Eastern Colorado Bank, and Morgan Leagal Officers, P.C. Tickets available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-bob-carlone-sporting-clay-shoot-proceeds-benefiting-trampled-rose-tickets-68477290419
There's still time to sign up for the District 5470 Conference to be held October 11 through 13 at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop, Colorado. The conference promises a family fun weekend with the opportunity to participate in a service project, meet with Rotarians from across the district, engage in facilitated group discussions, listen to inspiring speaker, and enjoy evening entertainment.A variety of lodging options and all resort facilities are available. Conference registration $185.00 includes 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and evening entertainment. Children under 12 are free, teenagers 13-18 $125.00. Register for the conference at https://rotary5470.org and book your loding by calling Mt. Princeton Resort 719-395-2447 (use group code Rotary).
