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The Beginning of EarlyAct in District 6450:
District Governor Chuck Johnson appointed an EarlyAct Committee in February 2004 to begin organizing immediately to bring EarlyAct Clubs to the communities we serve in District 6450. The committee consisted of Chuck Snyder, from the Hinsdale Club, John Keane from the Oak Forest Club, and Dave Carlson from the Lockport Club. The committee’s first meeting was held on March 23 at the Burr Ridge Ramada Inn. The focus of the committee’s first meeting was how best to educate local clubs and communities of the powerful benefits of the program. Also a point of discussion was how to identify and motivate clubs in the district to become "Pioneer Clubs" in sponsoring an EarlyAct program in their community.
What is EarlyAct? It is a school-wide club for elementary and middle school students from ages 5-14. The program is sponsored by a local Rotary club in the school district. The mission and operation of EarlyAct are closely linked to the ideals of Rotary and provide the foundation and natural succession into Rotary`s high school level service club called Interact.
EarlyAct provides young students the opportunity for gaining an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world. At a young age, all students can easily be encouraged to be caring and helpful. Their minds are open to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual, which builds respect for others. EarlyAct promotes understanding and the building of friendships among the club members. EarlyAct also engages students in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles to identify and carry out projects that benefit their school, local, and global communities.
The EarlyAct advisor is expected to facilitate at the meetings, which can be held as often as once a week or as little as once a month, and to help the students develop two service projects during the school year. The sponsoring Rotary club members help facilitate and act as mentors and role models. The Rotary club is responsible for assigning a liaison, holding an induction ceremony when the club is formed, and for providing monetary support if needed. The cost to the Rotary club is flexible and depends on the resources of the Rotary club and needs of the EarlyAct club.
If you would like more information on EarlyAct please contact Chuck Snyder directly at 630-325-2043
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