Indiana Rotarians support literacy goals
For many years, Rotarians have been active in efforts to reduce illiteracy, from building schools and paying salaries of teachers to serving as tutors to collecting and distributing books and audiovisual materials to libraries. Rotarians are working with governments to create large-scale replicable literacy projects in the developing world. In 1997, the RI Board of Directors designated July as Literacy Month, a perfect time for Rotary clubs to develop their own literacy projects as well as raise awareness of Rotarian efforts worldwide to eradicate illiteracy.

Under the leadership of Tipton Rotarian Harlan Hofeling, central Indiana Rotarians will be more involved in literacy efforts here at home. Hofeling is the district chairman of the Literacy Resource Group. He can be reached at hhofeling@msn.com.

One literacy project of note was begun several years ago by members of the New Castle Rotary Club. In this effort, Rotarians volunteer to read to elementary students as regularly as every week. “I read to two classes per week for twenty minutes each” said Rotarian Gene Lacy, a longtime member of the New Castle club. Lacy reports he greatly enjoys the weekly contact with the students. "As incoming chairman of the school board, reading to school kids has given me more insights into daily classroom activities", said New Castle Rotarian Steve Walls, another volunteer reader. Approximately a dozen Rotarians and others participate in this reading program initiated by the New Castle Rotarians.

There are many ways to help promote literacy in central Indiana. Dr. Peggy Hinckley, a member of the Indianapolis East Rotary Club and school superintendent, has prepared a valuable list of program ideas that any club can consider. To see a brief streamed video of her suggestions, click on the link below:

Video Link:
17 tips to start your own local literacy program in Indiana.

Note: This video is in RealPlayer format. You must have RealPayer installed to view the video. Get RealPayer by clicking here.