Seattle Rotary #4 Education Committee to Host Fellowship Event on Literacy Awareness
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Rotary #4 Education Committee is proud to announce a district-wide Fellowship event aimed at shedding light on the pressing issue of adult illiteracy and inspiring action within the community. Scheduled for mid-January, this event will serve as a platform to screen the powerful documentary film, “Sentenced,” and engage in a moderated panel discussion featuring prominent experts in literacy, education, and community leaders.
This is an amazing opportunity for all Rotarians District-wide to make an impact on our future and join the forces in our war against illiteracy.
Illiteracy affects a person’s ability to fully participate in and contribute to the world around them. Approximately 18% of the US adult population is functionally illiterate, with Hispanics, older individuals, and those in incarceration being disproportionately affected. Low literacy rates have far-reaching consequences, from perpetuating unemployment and poverty cycles to hindering one’s access to essential information and opportunities.
To address this critical issue and make a lasting impact, the Seattle Rotary #4 Education Committee has outlined three key goals for the event:
- Fostering Fellowship and Unity: The event aims to bring together District 5030 Rotarians, their friends, and family, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and unite in a people-oriented action.
- Raising Awareness: The event will raise awareness about the lifelong and generational impacts of illiteracy among Rotarians, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
- Inspiring Action: Through the screening of “Sentenced” and a subsequent panel discussion featuring local experts and community leaders, the event will empower Rotarians to take action by volunteering their time and resources to help bridge the education gap between higher-income and at-risk students in the region.
The centerpiece of the event will be the screening of “Sentenced,” a documentary that follows the lives of four illiterate adults and vividly illustrates the profound impact of illiteracy on individuals and their families. The film, originally produced by a Portland-based company, is now under the auspices of Steph Curry’s foundation and will be shown exclusively to the private audience at the event.
Following the screening, a panel discussion will delve into the local literacy situation and explore ways in which Rotarians can actively contribute to the cause. The panel will feature representatives from Seattle Public Schools, the City of Seattle, and representatives from non-profit organizations working in the realm of literacy, both at the elementary school level and with adult learners.
The event will take place at the Seattle Central Library, symbolizing a commitment to knowledge and education. The library’s auditorium will host the film screening and panel discussion, providing a convenient and appropriate setting for this essential conversation.
In 2022, 21% of US adults were illiterate, and 54% had literacy levels below the sixth grade. Low literacy rates cost Americans up to $2.2 trillion annually, and the United States ranks 125th out of 194 countries in literacy rates among its population despite being the ninth wealthiest country.
In Washington State, the statistics are equally concerning, with only 61% of 4th graders having a basic literacy level and 34% being proficient. Approximately 16% of the state’s population has a literacy level below the functional level, which significantly impacts their daily lives.
The Seattle Rotary #4 Education Committee is determined to make a substantial impact on this issue and invites all Rotarians and members of the community to join in this vital discussion and take meaningful action.
Event Details:
- Date: January 23, 2024
- Location: Seattle Central Library Auditorium
- Audience: District 5030 Rotarians, their friends, and family
- Description: Film Screening of “Sentenced” followed by a moderated panel discussion
- Contact: Lori Walker Email: lwalker@thewalkergroupnw.com
Join us in the fight against illiteracy, as we believe that together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all.
