As Public Image Director, I’m excited to help our clubs leverage September’s emphasis on Basic Education and Literacy to amplify Rotary International’s mission on all public-facing platforms. Basic Education and Literacy is not only a core service priority but also a powerful storytelling lens that can showcase Rotary’s impact, engage communities, and attract new supporters.Maximizing Basic Education and Literacy in your public platforms
- Spotlight real stories: If your club has a fundraiser or service project that focuses on supporting schools, educational programs or literacy programs, consider sharing these concrete, human-interest stories that illustrate how reading, literacy programs, or educational support transform lives. Include quotes from students, teachers, and volunteers, and pair these with compelling photos or short videos.
- Use a consistent Basic Education and Literacy message across channels: Create a district-wide statement or tagline (e.g., “Rotary empowering readers, building futures”) and tailor it to your local programs. Ensure this message appears on club websites, social media banners, event pages, newsletters, and press releases.
- Align events with Rotary branding: When promoting literacy-related fundraisers or service projects, tie them to Rotary’s brand standards (logo usage, color palette, and typography). Get creative and find ideas in the Rotary Brand Center (LInk: https://brandcenter.
- Show the impact, not just the activity: For every event or initiative, communicate outcomes (e.g., number of books donated, students tutored, literacy hours completed, literacy-related scholarships awarded). Quantifiable results increase credibility and attract support.
- Measure and share impact: Does your club donate or support a local Literacy Program or Educational initiative? Track those metrics such as event attendance, books distributed, literacy hours, and new followers or donors gained through your efforts. Share impact summaries with the district to celebrate successes and learn from challenges.
Basic Education and Literacy as one pillar of Rotary’s Global Impact
While Basic Education and Literacy is a vital, tangible way we serve communities, it is one of many pathways through which Rotary International makes a global difference. In our communications, we should consistently weave Basic Education and Literacy into the broader narrative of Rotary’s mission—community service, humanitarian initiatives, humanitarian grants, clean water projects, disease prevention, economic development, and more. This integrated storytelling approach helps audiences understand how localized efforts fit into Rotary’s worldwide impact.
September’s Basic Education and Literacy focus gives us a powerful platform to tell Rotary’s story—one that demonstrates how education empowers individuals and strengthens communities. By thoughtfully promoting Basic Education and Literacy initiatives on our public-facing platforms, clubs can inspire participation, broaden support, and reinforce Rotary’s global impact.
Thank you for your dedication to keeping Rotary’s image strong and trusted. If you’d like assistance refining your club’s communications plan or creating ready-to-use marketing materials, I’m here to help.
In Rotary Service,
Trudy Williams
Public Image Director, Rotary District 5830
