Rotary helps us lead the way

I have been a proud Rotarian for four years. I became a member under the leadership of Khaatim S. El. 

Atlanta's West End has historically been fertile ground where ideas and leaders take root and branch out to change the social environment. That history is reflected in the membership of the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End. We are diverse, young and old, male and female, from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and geographic back grounds.

The Rotary Club of Atlanta West End is living, breathing proof that fellowship flourishes when we seek our common humanity and celebrate our differences.

The Rotary Club of Atlanta West End continues to be a faithful supporter of L.E.A.D.'s year round programming.

In early June, our club sponsored L.E.A.D. Ambassador Earl Muhammad (Henry W. Grady High School, Atlanta Public Schools) for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

L.E.A.D. Ambassador Earl Muhammad (Henry W. Grady High School, Atlanta Public Schools) attending R.Y.L.A.

RYLA is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants can be ages 14-30, but most clubs and districts choose to focus on a narrower age range, such as 14-18 or 19-30.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to

•Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth


•Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders


•Encourage leadership of youth by youth


•Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities


Last week, L.E.A.D. Ambassador alum Joseph McCrary joined me for our annual club officers installation dinner.

L.E.A.D. Ambassador Joseph McCrary, Rotarian Frances Ellison-Dansby and Rotarian C.J. Stewart at the 2013 Rotary Club Installation Dinner at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center.

I am proud to be the co-founder of an amazing organization L.E.A.D. while also serving the world as an Rotarian of the Atlanta West End.