Last week, the first week of Rotary's Literacy Month, I wrote that one of Rotary's six Areas of Focus is the support of education. What are our six Areas of Focus? This graphic might help:

 

These focus areas were instituted when RI implemented its new grants model last year. All significant Rotary projects address one (or more) of these six areas.  While Rotarians can serve in countless ways, Rotary has focused its efforts on these six areas, which reflect some of the most critical and widespread humanitarian needs.

The Burleson Rotary Club's projects, like our Flags for Scholars project to, our Meals On Wheels deliveries, our Christmas Parade sponsorship, and our Dictionary Project, all fall within the Areas of Focus. During Literacy Month, we should consider the problem of illiteracy, not only in third-world countries, but also in Burleson, Texas. Statistics tell us that illiteracy is a big problem right here at home.

If you are aware of a need in this area, or if you have an idea for combatting illiteracy, you can help our club focus on the need. Alert our board members. Suggest a project. Make a difference.

The Burleson Rotary Club grows more digital every day, it seems, right along with Rotary International and our Rotary District 5790. Most of our "official" Rotary business, from reporting attendance, to registering new members is accomplished online. Scholarship applicants and parade entrants download the forms they need from our website. Facebook connects us with our community, and this very newsletter reaches you via email.

 

A lot of members contribute to the success of our digital efforts. THANK YOU to everyone who helps: You who send photos of club-related events; you who keep your database information updated; you who send jokes that end up in the BURRO; you who update the forms and other downloads our public requires; and the list goes on. Remember, you are always invited to contribute.

 

A special THANK YOU to Brooke Justice, Adam Russell, and Victoria Johnson for keeping our club visible on Facebook, on the Internet, and in the newspapers. You are greatly, greatly appreciated.