The Dictionary Project
by Nancy Szlasa
A Dictionary is Necessary . . .Communication, Collaboration and Coordination Can make The Dictionary Project happen!
“Light Up” in the words of our District Governor Bill Fine, and give a dictionary to every third grader in District 7620. This is a Rotary literacy effort which is worthy of every club’s participation. Through communication, collaboration and coordination, District 7620 clubs in Maryland and Washington, DC continue to support the challenge of providing every public school third grader with a paperback dictionary. Our District began this project under the direction of Governor Ray Streib with a distribution of approximately 70,000 books. As a collaborative effort among clubs, elementary schools, teachers, parents, businesses and community organizations, District 7620 clubs over the past five years donated over 161,000 books to students at a cost of over $400,000. In addition, books have been presented as awards to various student groups and to students who are enrolled in alternative educational environments. This is a remarkable record and one of which we as committed Rotarians can be very proud.
The Dictionary Project began in Savannah, Georgia in 1995 with a distribution of 17,000 dictionaries. Today TDP has a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 15 countries around the world with a distribution of over 23 million books. Rotary continues to be the primary sponsor along with individuals and other non-for-profit organizations.
As a Rotarian there is no greater thrill than to see the sparkle in the eyes of a child who for the first time is given his/her own book. How often we hear the question, “Is this really mine to keep, forever?” We live in an affluent District, but there are those who are in dire need of the tools to gain a better education and improve their quality of life. It is here that Rotary makes a difference. Rotarians add a personal touch and visit the schools and interface with the children, teachers, and parents. School assembly programs are held to which family and members from the community are invited to hear Rotarians tell their story and distribute the dictionaries. What a proud “Rotary Moment” has been experienced by many.If you have not taken part in this project, I urge you to do so. Try partnering with other clubs or other organizations and increase your distributions numbers. As a new club member, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to become engaged in a service project. This experience may make a difference in your life as well as that of a third grade student. Please keep in mind the goal, but also know that it is in the spirit of generosity as well as of service that Rotary implements this worthwhile Dictionary Project.
For additional information about the successes of this project and ideas for you to explore for your club, go to www. dictionaryproject.org. Thank you to
everyone who has participated in TDP and will continue to do so this year!
Let us, as committed Rotarians, make a difference in the quality of life of third grade students and help them, “To Learn to Read and Read to learn.” It is through this literacy program that students can improve their communication skills as well as their quality of life and that of the community-at-large.
Contact: Nancy M. Szlasa
District 7620 Coordinator
The Dictionary Project
Nszlasa@aol.com
443-803-6547