Message from the District Governor
It is that time of year! Our children are starting school again—or, for some, beginning their school journey for the very first time.
My great-niece is attending kindergarten for the first time in the Philadelphia schools, while my son is heading to Cork, Ireland, to pursue a graduate degree in International Sustainable Business. So, however your family is involved with the new school year, I wish everyone a wonderful, successful, and fulfilling year of learning!
Many of our Rotary clubs have donated backpacks filled with school supplies to ensure that children in their communities begin the school year ready to learn. Other clubs have donated supplies directly to schools and teachers. Education is an important area of focus for Rotary, and I am proud that our clubs continue to come together to support children, families, educators, and communities.
Monthly Theme: Basic Education and Literacy
September is Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, one of its seven areas of focus. Reading and writing are essential skills that help us learn, communicate, and succeed in life.
Improving education and literacy can reduce poverty, improve health, strengthen communities, create economic opportunities, and promote peace. These are goals we should all support and teach our children.
Dolly Parton and Rotary International
With the passing of Dolly Parton, a spotlight is getting shone on her charitable endeavors. One of them has been partnering with Rotary since 2009; the Imagination Library which provides books to preschool-aged children in communities of all sizes across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Think you might like to be a part of this program?
Learn more about it HERE.
Young Rotarians' Transformative Experience
Editor’s note: The Rotary District SE PA provided support for two young members to attend the Rotary International Convention recently held in Taipei, Taiwan. One is a member of the Rotaract of Temple University and the other, from the North Philadelphia Rotary Club, Los Madrugadores. The letter was addressed to Past District Governors, Janice Biros and Treasurer, David Houtz.
My name is Rachel Harmon, and I am the President of the Temple University Rotaract Club. Around a month ago, Yesenia Rodriguez Pizarro Vice President of the North Philadelphia Rotary Club, Los Madrugadores, and I had the honor of attending the Rotary International Convention in Taiwan. This was made possible due to the generosity of District 7450 in their stipend allotment.
Read more about their transformative experience HERE.
Member Profile: Billy Simbo of Glenside-Abington Rotary
With many years in Rotary, Billy Simbo has seen a lot of Service Above Self. In this video, you'll hear about some of his favorite Rotary projects. And you'll see the special way he shows his love for Philly's football team.
