October is Economic and Community Development Month

The work of Rotary begins in the community, and every community has its own unique needs and concerns. While we serve in countless ways, we’ve focused our efforts in six key areas to maximize our impact. These areas encompass some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian needs. Rotary members planning new service projects are encouraged to consider these areas and the many opportunities for innovative projects within them. Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation have adopted six areas of focus as organizational priorities:
  • Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Water and sanitation
  • Maternal and child health
  • Basic education and literacy
  • Economic and community development
OUR IMPACT ON LOCAL ECONOMIES
There are countless ways that Rotary clubs can address these issues both locally and internationally. Rotary members train people to become resources for their community, offering networking activities, advice on new business development, and mathematics and financial management training.
 Rotarians make amazing things happen, like:
Breaking the cycle of poverty for women: Most of the women living in rural Guatemala do not have the collateral to get loans from regulated financial institutions. The Rotary Club of Guatemala de la Ermita helped 400 local women complete financial literacy courses so they could pool their money and fund their own microlending program.
Skills development, business training: In Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Rotary members helped grant more than 250 microloans and train more than 270 community members in sewing, baking, plumbing, microcredit, business management, and leadership. 
Sustainable farming: In west Cameroon, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility have significantly reduced farmers’ harvests. Rotary members gave farmers the skills they needed to improve soil fertility, control soil erosion, and market their produce. The results: increased crop yields and profits.
For ideas, consult the publication Rotary’s Areas of Focus Brochure (965en) . It s available in a pdf format on rotary.org website.
Sources:
Rotary District 7070 - https://rotary7070.org/stories/october-is-economic-and-community-development-month
Rotary Club of St. Mary's - https://rotarystmarys.ca/stories/ri-theme-for-october-economic-community-development

Our Schedule

There will be plenty of events coming up including meetings with speakers who present on community areas we might support, or service projects we plan to work.  Stay tuned below for more information on general meetings and events!

Next Meeting

Next Meeting: 
  • October 4
    • We will be meeting at our regular location; join us as Marcia Mowery will speak on the topic of “Trees: More Than Just Shade and Leaf Raking”
  • Regular Meeting Location
    • Time and location: We meet at 5:30 p.m. at our regular spot at the Appalachian Brewing Company on Cameron Street in Harrisburg, PA.
    • Join us to learn more about this program and its impact.

Up and Coming Events!

Upcoming Speakers and Events
  • ​​October 11 -  Richard Leitzel from the Friends of Fort Hunter will update us on soft plastic recycling and let us know how we can earn our own bench at the MLK Garden.
  • October 18 - Regular meeting
  • October 25 - Annual Halloween party at the brewery!  Dress your best and join us for some socializing and freakish good times!

Recent News

Our Facebook site is a great places to catch up on what we have going on!  Check us out today!

​Facebook Page

Wider Scope

We meet Tuesdays at 5:30 PM

Appalachian Brewing Company
50 N. Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101