June 2025 Newsletter

Rotary International Convention
Basic Education and Literacy Issue

 

Preconference to the
International Convention, Calgary

Friday, 20 June 2025

 Last Chance to Register! ⏰

Click the blue "Register" button on the event page to secure your spot at the BELRAG Education Symposium.

⏳Friday, June 13

 
 


Perspectives on Basic Education and Literacy Strategy at Rotary and Introduction to BEL Area of Focus Manager

Sara Poehlman has joined Rotary as the new Basic Education and Literacy (BEL) Area of Focus Manager, bringing 25 years of experience in education and peacebuilding across 40 countries. She plans to collaborate with members of the BEL Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) and build upon the initiatives of her predecessor, Dr. Regina Fuller-White.

Poehlman recognizes an opportunity for Rotarians to increase their impact, especially in light of recent cuts to both national and international assistance budgets. Poehlman aims to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.  Read more »

 
 


BEL at the House of Friendship

Volunteer

We need your help! Volunteers are needed to work at the BELRAG booth in the House of Friendship throughout the convention.

Whether you can spare just an hour, two, or more, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. It's a lot of fun and a fantastic opportunity to connect with others who are interested in basic education and literacy projects. You will experience Rotary at its best as you engage with visitors about their BEL projects and share your own.

No prior experience is necessary. Join us!

Sign up here.

 

While BELRAG will not be hosting a breakout session this year, we encourage you to attend the following BEL-related breakout sessions. 
 

Session Title Date & Time Location Description
Stronger Schools,
Stronger Communities
Tuesday, 24 June
15:00–16:00
Room 211
Learn how partnerships in
Canada, Belize, and 
Guatemala enhance teacher
training and improve student
learning outcomes.
Impact Building Blocks
– How to Measure Results 
Tuesday, 24 June
15:30–17:00
Palomino F
Hands-on session exploring
Rotary’s impact tools to
assess and measure service
project effectiveness and
results.
Literacy Alive: Strategies
With High Rates of Success
Wednesday, 25 June
09:30–10:30
Room 237
Explore Belize’s literacy
success using research-driven
reading strategies and
collaborative international
partnerships.
 
 
 


Upcoming Events
BELRAG Office Hours #1
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82003631360?pwd=at8nfbT9d9ovrE4bGDfnf1qlYSq6s8.1
Jan 21, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00)
 
BELRAG Office Hours #2
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82003631360?pwd=at8nfbT9d9ovrE4bGDfnf1qlYSq6s8.1
Jan 21, 2026
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00)
 
Webinar: Girls Education as a Tool of Community Empowerment and Economic Development
Zoom
Feb 13, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00)
 
View entire list