My name is Brad Rubini and I’m a past president of Toledo Rotary and your Literacy Chair for District 6600. I’d like to Share My Story with you about why I believe in Rotary literacy projects and how I became so passionate about literacy.
As a child I was always in the back of the class, I was always being tested – strange glasses with color lenses, color strips to put on paper and other tests. I was a great student in art, shop, gym, cooking but not in English, math and history. Finally in my senior year of high school they figured out what was wrong- I am dyslexic. I did graduate from high school and attended college but had to take remedial English and Math 90 that is below college level. The funny part about this is my wife was a straight A student but when the children asked history questions, I remembered the answers. I just learned in a different way!
July 6, 2000, was the worst day of my family’s life. Our oldest child, Claire, died at Girl Scout camp in Defiance. Claire LOVED to read and at age 7, as I was reading to her before bed, she said, “Daddy, why are you reading the words wrong?” Boy, did that hurt! So I explained to her what my problem was and for the next three years she read to me on most nights while my wife read to our other two children.
For many years in Northwest Ohio, the third Saturday in May is now “Claire’s Day,” the largest children’s book festival in Ohio and maybe the whole country (visit Claire’s Day for more information). One of the highlights of the event is recognizing the most improved reader in the classroom. We presented over 800 students this award last year. I am passionate about literacy!
Many clubs in the district do a great job promoting literacy in their communities. If your club doesn’t have an active literacy program or you’d like to enhance your current program, you can get started for as low as $60. Here are some ideas that may help your club:
The Dictionary Project. A case of 24 student dictionaries for presentation to classrooms your club might sponsor to promote literacy and the work of Rotary – all for $60!
Apple Dumpling Book Program. This Literacy Project was developed by the Rotary Club of Fairborn, Ohio and is centered on a children’s picture book featuring, Andy and Elmer, designed to promote literacy, ethics and the Four-Way Test. The Fairborn Rotary Club was awarded the 2006-07 North American “Lead The Way” Literacy Award from the Rotary International Literacy Resource Group for this project.
Four-Way Test Bookmarks. Spread the word with these inexpensive royal blue ribbon bookmarks that feature the Rotary International emblem and The Four-Way Test hot-stamped in gold. Sold only in packs of ten.
Create a Rotary Club-sponsored “Little Free Library” in your community.
Start your own Rotary Club Claire’s Day Event. Click HERE or contact me for more information.
I’m excited about what we can do to promote literacy through Rotary. And I’m here to help. Please let me know how I can work with you in this vital area of focus.
Brad Rubini
District 6600 Literacy Chair
brad@toledospring.com
(419) 704-3890