Ashtabula Rotary Club to Have Monthly Focus
Posted on Sep 19, 2016
New format begins October 2016
Beginning October 2016, the Rotary Club of Ashtabula will focus each month on a single important topic. Transitioning to this format will not only help increase our awareness and broaden our interest in important issues but increase our club's relevance to our community and stimulate interest in membership. The concept was inspired by a similar format utilized by LEADERship Ashtabula County in which many current club Rotarians have participated.
The Rotary Year runs from July to June. Our monthly focus for our meetings will be:
July: New Horizons; August: History; September: Education & Literacy; October: Economic & Community Development; November: Service Above Self; December: Health & Social Services; January: Business & Industry; February: Peace, Justice & Safety; March: Agriculture & Natural Resources; April: Culture & Quality of Life; May: Youth; June: Future & Innovation.
From September to May, the club has invited local high schools to have Student Ambassadors attend the first club meeting of each month to provide their perspective on the issues. Listening to young people is important and greater levels of youth engagement are needed if our communities are to meet the challenges of the future. Participation is a word often used to describe the active involvement of young people in communicating their views. Yet participation is more than listening. Not only do young people have a right to express opinions on matters important to them, but also the right to have those views taken seriously and considered thoughtfully by adults.
As Rotarians, we want to help young people get the skills and experience they need to emerge as leaders and make a real difference in the lives of others. In addition to helping students and young professionals strengthen their leadership skills, Rotary expands their world understanding and provides the opportunity to form new friendships. During the remainder of the month, Student Ambassadors are welcomed to attend club meetings to hear other guest speakers regarding the topics of focus and gain a better understanding of current and emerging issues.
As Rotarians, we want to help young people get the skills and experience they need to emerge as leaders and make a real difference in the lives of others. In addition to helping students and young professionals strengthen their leadership skills, Rotary expands their world understanding and provides the opportunity to form new friendships. During the remainder of the month, Student Ambassadors are welcomed to attend club meetings to hear other guest speakers regarding the topics of focus and gain a better understanding of current and emerging issues.