Community Service

Rotary strives to achieve its objective of “Service Above Self” through activities in five primary areas. These are often referred to as the Five Avenues of Service.

One Avenue of Service is Community Service. This Avenue relates to the activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. Particular emphasis is given to helping children, families in need, the aged, the disabled, and those in vulnerable circumstances. Rotarians strive to promote the ideal of service in their personal, business and community lives.

Community Service Chair: Mary Hodson, Champaign-Urbana Sunrise

Committees

Here are some of the District 6490 committees within Community Service that help carry out the mission of Community Service:

District Grants Committee – Chair: Ray Rybarczyk, BN Sunrise

District grants fund small-scale, short-term activities that address needs in our community and communities abroad

District Grants are due each year by September 1.

Click here for the 2019-2020 final report form (doc) or final report form (pdf). 

Click here for the 2020-2021 information sheet (pdf) and the editable application (doc)

Literacy and Education – Chair: Mike Harris, Monticello 

Responsible for working with clubs to implement local and international literacy projects; distributes Cardinal Care funds; and assists in any other initiatives dealing with literacy and education

 Polio Eradication – Chair: Mike Martin, Mattoon

Solicits funds raised to support immunization campaigns to, once and for all time, eradicate polio

 Shelter Box USA and Disaster Relief – Tom Hodson, Champaign West

Provides humanitarian relief and aid in the form of equipment and materials that provide shelter, warmth, and comfort for displaced people; enhances awareness and helps District 6490 respond to and recover from disasters