Certainly! Based on the context of current news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—particularly the ongoing recognition of essential workers post-COVID, and Rotary’s areas of focus—here are two project recommendations:
1. Essential Workers Wellness & Support Fair
Context: The recent editorial highlights the ongoing importance and underappreciation of essential workers in the community, even five years after the height of COVID. Many essential workers (such as healthcare staff, teachers, grocers, transit, custodians, and first responders) continue to face stress, burnout, or health challenges.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local unions (e.g., SEIU Local 1, American Federation of Teachers)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Park Districts (venues)
- Advocate Aurora Health, Vista Health System
- Local businesses for sponsorship/support
Next Steps:
a) Convene a planning committee with Rotary club members in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, inviting local health officials and school district reps.
b) Develop a program offering free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, mental health check-ins), stress management resources, and small appreciation gifts for workers.
c) Seek sponsorships and in-kind donations; invite employers to enable flexible attendance for staff.
d) Promote the event across hospital, school, and municipal networks to maximize participation.
2. Youth Civic Leadership & Volunteerism Program
Context: The opinion pieces and political commentary in daily news indicate ongoing civic division and a need for healthy, respectful civic engagement. Lake County has a diverse youth population who may benefit from structured opportunities in leadership, civic education, and volunteerism, reinforcing Rotary’s focus on youth and education.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Waukegan HS, Warren Township HS, etc.)
- College of Lake County
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- YWCA Lake County
- Lake County YMCA
- Local government officials willing to serve as mentors/speakers
Next Steps:
a) Reach out to school district administrators and youth organizations to co-design an afterschool or summer Civic Leadership Academy for teens (focus: civic education, volunteer project planning, local government basics).
b) Recruit Rotarians and community leaders for monthly workshops, mentorship, and project guidance.
c) Pair youth with Rotary service projects—such as food drives, community gardens, voter registration events—to provide practical experience.
d) Pursue grant or sponsorship funding to cover supplies, transportation, and stipends for participating youth.
Both projects directly respond to current local concerns and needs, align with Rotary’s areas of focus, and are actionable in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County context.
Based on recent news highlights from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus and directly reflect current needs and events in the community:
1. Youth Support and Safe Environments Initiative in Lake County
Context:
A recent story involved a Fox Lake couple facing child endangerment charges due to children being found in “horrid conditions.” This highlights both ongoing needs for child welfare advocacy and support for at-risk youth and families. Lake County has reported other situations involving child neglect, which suggests the need for robust community support structures.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Local schools and PTAs (e.g., Gurnee District 56, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60)
- CASA Lake County (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
- Local faith groups and shelters
Next Steps:
- Meet with CASA Lake County and the Children’s Advocacy Center to assess immediate needs for at-risk children (e.g., hygiene kits, backpacks, school supplies, access to counseling, safe spaces after school).
- Organize a Rotary-led fundraiser or supply drive, promoting tangible support for vulnerable families (such as gift cards, essential goods, or emergency funds).
- Develop a “Safe Families Education Night” in partnership with local schools, offering parents resources on child safety and connecting them to local support agencies.
- Initiate a mentorship program, pairing Rotary volunteers with youth in need of safe, positive role models.
2. Environmental Education and Conservation Support at Lake Plain
Context:
A recent news article highlighted a public tour emphasizing the importance of the Lake Plain, described as “the last area of its kind” in Lake County. This underscores both the environmental significance of local prairie and wetlands and an opportunity to foster stewardship among youth and adults.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Illinois Nature Conservancy
- Local schools’ STEM/eco-clubs
- Citizens’ groups active in Gurnee and Waukegan (e.g., Go Gurnee, Waukegan Parks Foundation)
- The local Sierra Club chapter
Next Steps:
- Connect with Lake County Forest Preserves to identify ongoing or upcoming conservation projects suitable for volunteer groups.
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored educational event—such as a community “Lake Plain Day”—featuring guided hikes, restoration activities (removing invasive species, planting natives), and hands-on science stations for kids.
- Launch a fundraising drive to support local stewardship efforts, such as funding student field trips or environmental monitoring equipment.
- Partner with school science teachers to incorporate the Lake Plain into service-learning curricula, offering Rotary volunteer guest lectures or field trip support.
These service opportunities directly address both acute and long-term needs in the community while aligning with Rotary’s focus on supporting youth, protecting the environment, and building healthier, safer neighborhoods.
Project 1: Lake County Youth Literacy and Academic Champions Initiative
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish recently won the regional Spelling Bee, prevailing over students from 73 local schools and hundreds of participants, and will go on to represent the region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The scale of participation highlights strong community engagement in youth literacy and academic achievement across Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools (specifically those that participated in the spelling bee, such as Woodland Middle School or other area schools)
- Parents/guardians and school PTAs
- Local businesses invested in youth development (e.g., bookshops, tutoring centers)
- Nearby Rotary Clubs
Next Steps:
1. Establish a Rotary Youth Literacy Fund: Raise funds to support Lake County students’ participation in academic competitions (including travel, study materials, and entry fees for events like the National Spelling Bee).
2. Organize “Words for Good” Spelling/Reading Events: Regular in-school or community-based spelling bees, reading challenges, and literacy fairs, with Rotarians volunteering as judges, mentors, and sponsors.
3. Create a Mentorship Program: Connect high-performing students (like Visharad) with younger peers to foster literacy, confidence, and leadership.
4. Initiate a Book Drive: Collect and distribute new and gently used books to underserved families and schools in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Gurnee.
5. Engage Local Media: Promote success stories and recruit donors/volunteers by celebrating student accomplishments publicly.
Alignment: Rotary Focus on Education and Literacy
Project 2: Lake Plain Native Habitat Restoration and Youth Environmental Stewards Program
Context:
A recent Lake County tour highlighted the Lake Plain as a critical and unique natural environment—“the last area of its kind”—underlining the importance of environmental stewardship. There is growing community and media attention toward its preservation.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserve District (manages and restores local habitats)
- Lake Plain partners like Audubon Great Lakes, Openlands, and local schools’ ecology clubs
- Youth groups, scouts, and school environmentalist clubs in Waukegan and Gurnee
- Environmental science faculty from College of Lake County
- Local businesses offering green products or services
Next Steps:
1. Organize Family-Friendly Habitat Restoration Days: Rotary volunteers coordinate native planting, invasive species removal, and pollinator garden maintenance with school and youth involvement.
2. Sponsor Environmental Education Workshops: Collaborate with experts to teach students and community members about the Lake Plain’s ecological significance and practical ways to protect it.
3. Launch “Adopt-a-Habitat” Program: Engage school classes or youth groups to “adopt” segments of the Lake Plain, reporting progress and challenges at Rotary meetings.
4. Host a Community Fundraiser: Raise money to support restoration materials, informational signage, and educational outreach, potentially with guided tours led by ecologists.
5. Publicize and Celebrate Progress: Share stories and photos from habitat workdays and youth projects via Rotary channels and local press.
Alignment: Rotary Focus on Environment and Youth Empowerment
1. Community Education on Scam Prevention (Community Health, Education, Economic Development)
Context:
Recent reports from the Lake County Sheriff's Office detail ongoing scams targeting local residents, including phone calls impersonating law enforcement and threatening fines. These scams exploit community members, particularly the elderly and other vulnerable groups, leading to financial losses and heightened anxiety. Raising awareness and equipping residents with the tools to recognize and avoid scams aligns closely with Rotary’s commitment to community health, education, and economic security.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Office (notably those managing public relations and crime prevention outreach)
- Local libraries (e.g., Grayslake Area Public Library, Waukegan Public Library)
- Senior centers and assisted living facilities
- Financial institutions (e.g., local banks or credit unions)
Next Steps: - Contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate a series of scam prevention workshops and secure informational resources. - Arrange speaking engagements or information booths at local libraries, senior centers, and community events. - Develop and distribute easy-to-read flyers or digital content (in multiple languages if needed) with updates on common scams and where to report them. - Explore sponsorship or grants to support the initiative, potentially turning it into an annual “Fraud Awareness Week.” - Recruit Rotary club volunteers for logistical support and to assist with materials and event promotion.
2. Support for Local Food Pantries Experiencing Increased Demand (Community Health, Economic Development, Hunger Relief)
Context:
There is a documented spike in visits to food pantries across the Chicago area, including Grayslake, as many families face increased economic hardship. Food insecurity affects health and academic outcomes, making hunger relief a crucial local need that fits Rotary’s service priorities.
Potential Partners:
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partners, COOL Ministries in Waukegan)
- Schools and PTAs (to coordinate food drives)
- Local grocery stores and farmers’ markets
- Community organizations like United Way of Lake County
Next Steps: - Connect with leading food pantries to assess their most urgent needs (food donations, volunteers, financial support). - Organize a community food drive or fundraising event, such as a “Rotary Day of Service,” encouraging schools, businesses, and residents to participate. - Partner with local businesses to host donation bins or sponsor matching contributions. - Mobilize Rotary members for on-site volunteer shifts: sorting, packing, and distributing food. - Publicize the initiative in local media and social platforms to raise visibility and encourage broader engagement.
Both initiatives offer hands-on opportunities for Rotarians and support immediate local needs, creating measurable community impact while fostering valuable partnerships.
1. Rotary Healthy Families Resource Fair & Wellness Screening
Context:
The "Community Cares Resource Fair & Volunteer Recruitment Event" scheduled for September 10 at the College of Lake County’s Grayslake campus is an opportunity to support community health, social services access, mental health, and volunteer engagement throughout Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. Lake County ranks below the Illinois average in some public health measures (per local news and county health assessments). There is continuing need to connect families with preventive care, screenings, and local wellness resources, particularly in underserved areas of Waukegan and surrounding communities.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (venue and outreach)
- Lake County Health Department (nurses, health educators)
- Local hospitals (Advocate Condell, Vista Health)
- Community groups (Y-MCA Lake County, PADS Lake County)
- Other Rotary clubs (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the College of Lake County to join as a sponsor or co-host a “Rotary Healthy Families Zone” at the Resource Fair.
- Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department and hospital partners to provide free screenings (blood pressure, diabetes, dental, mental health).
- Recruit Rotarians as on-site volunteers to guide attendees, distribute wellness kits, and promote Rotary youth programs.
- Promote the event through local schools, houses of worship, and social media in English and Spanish.
- Evaluate results and consider a recurring, rotating event across multiple Lake County communities.
2. Rotary Youth Literacy & Learning Adventure Initiative
Context:
With several community markets and family events taking place in Grayslake, Waukegan, and Vernon Hills (Summer/Waterfront Markets, "Storybook Stars" at Hawthorn Market, Harvest Fest, Escape Room events at Grayslake Library), there is strong community interest in youth and family engagement, learning, and literacy. Lake County faces disparities in literacy and youth enrichment access, particularly in Waukegan and North Chicago.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (venue, programming expertise; already hosting youth events)
- Local authors and bookstores
- United Way of Lake County (supports early education)
- Waukegan Public Schools (parent outreach)
- Children's department of Waukegan and Gurnee libraries
- Community event organizers (Farmers Market, Harvest Fest)
Next Steps:
- Plan a Rotary “Literacy & Learning Corner” at upcoming farmers markets or Harvest Fests. Activities could include free books for kids, storytimes with community leaders/authors, and hands-on STEAM activities.
- Collaborate with the Grayslake Area Public Library to expand or co-sponsor "Escape Into Adventure" or “Storybook Stars” events, offering Rotary-branded take-home learning kits (books, puzzles, science kits).
- Recruit local youth volunteers and high school Interact or Scout Troops to assist with event logistics and reading sessions.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to fund book giveaways, and engage local small businesses as sponsors for sustained impact.
- Track engagement and explore expansion in Gurnee, Waukegan, and at Waterfront Market events to reach more diverse families.
1. Water Safety Education and Equipment Donation Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlighted hazardous conditions at Lake Michigan beaches near Lake Forest due to 8-foot waves and dangerous currents. As beach seasons continue, the need for community education on water safety and accessible life-saving equipment becomes vital to preventing drownings and injuries. Expanding local awareness is also timely given the summer holidays and influx of beach visitors.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community health and safety, youth education
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Park District & Beach Management
- Lake County Health Department
- Local schools such as Lake Forest High School
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (youth involvement and messaging)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office / local emergency response
Next Steps:
1. Convene a meeting with Lake Forest Beach managers and city officials to discuss water safety needs and existing gaps (e.g., lack of signage, equipment).
2. Launch a Rotary-sponsored public education campaign: distribute flyers, host assemblies in schools (Lake Forest High School, Woodlands Academy), and develop visual signage about rip currents and safe swimming.
3. Fundraise for and donate life-saving equipment (e.g., lifebuoys, rescue poles, information kiosks) to beaches in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake Forest.
4. Train volunteers (Rotarians, Scout troops) in basic rescue techniques and organize public water safety demonstration days.
5. Measure outcomes via local ER/hospital reports and feedback from beach managers at the end of summer.
2. School-Year Kickoff Resource Drive and Mentoring Support
Context:
With the new school year underway (highlighted by first-day celebrations at Woodlands Academy and Lake Forest High School’s ranking among Illinois’s top schools), equity in student support remains a community need. Waukegan, Gurnee, and some Lake County schools serve under-resourced families facing barriers to academic success, especially after pandemic disruptions. Supporting students with essential supplies and mentorship aligns with Rotary’s value of education and support for youth.
Rotary Area of Focus: Education, support for youth
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Woodland District 50 in Gurnee, Woodlands Academy, Lake Forest High School)
- Community organizations (United Way of Lake County, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Local businesses (Waukegan Tire as a featured sponsor; Target, Walgreens for in-kind donations)
- Parent-teacher organizations
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate with school counselors and social workers to identify top-priority needs: backpacks, calculators, hygiene kits, books, and tutoring support.
2. Organize a community drive, using Rotary locations and local businesses (auto shops, retail locations) as collection/drop-off sites.
3. Recruit Rotarian and community volunteers to distribute resources before the end of September and offer ongoing academic mentoring/tutoring, focusing on students in Waukegan and Gurnee with the greatest need.
4. Publicize the initiative with strategic media releases and partnership with Patch local news to increase reach and transparency.
5. Evaluate impact by collecting feedback from participating schools and students, aiming to track improvement in attendance and engagement.
These two initiatives would visibly address current and evolving needs in the Lake County region while aligning with Rotary’s mission and areas of focus.
1. Student Empowerment & Educational Equity Initiative (Education & Youth)
Context:
Libertyville’s local D128 high schools were recently named among the top 25 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. While this highlights academic success in parts of Lake County, there is ongoing need for educational support and youth development in other areas, especially Waukegan and Gurnee, where community organizations cite disparities in resources and student support. Additionally, recent “Class ACTs” and festival philanthropy coverage spotlight the positive impact of recognizing and fostering student achievements.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville High School District 128
- Waukegan Public Schools
- Gurnee Community Schools
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- After-school programs and organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with school administrators and guidance counselors to identify specific areas of need (e.g. mentoring, test prep, access to STEM activities, or scholarships).
- Launch a “Rotary Student Success” mentorship and enrichment program, recruiting Rotarians and community volunteers as mentors and tutors.
- Partner with local schools to host regular “Achievement Nights” showcasing student accomplishments in arts, academics, service, and leadership.
- Develop a Rotary Youth Scholarship Fundraiser at a community event (such as the Mundelein Arts Festival), inviting the broader community to contribute.
- Publicize success stories to inspire broader involvement across Lake County.
2. Grocery Access & Food Security Collaborative (Community Health & Hunger Relief)
Context:
Libertyville, Mundelein, and other Lake County communities are enacting or adjusting local grocery sales taxes in response to changes in state tax policy. While Mundelein chose not to hike the tax, Libertyville will continue theirs, sparking conversation about grocery affordability. The potential impact on low-income households—especially in areas of Waukegan and Gurnee with documented food insecurity—raises an opportunity for action supporting food access.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Lake County Food Pantries Coalition
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Aldi, Piggly Wiggly)
- Lake County Health Department
- Faith-based organizations (e.g., St. Paul Lutheran in Gurnee, Cristo Rey Church in Waukegan)
- Existing Rotary Clubs
Next Steps:
- Engage the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess critical needs following grocery tax changes.
- Initiate a monthly “Rotary Community Grocery Day,” sponsoring food distributions at pantries or mobile markets in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Organize a Food for Families fundraising campaign, leveraging local businesses and Rotary events (such as at the Mundelein Arts Festival) to collect funds and food donations.
- Collaborate with the Lake County Health Department to provide nutrition education and connect residents with assistance programs (SNAP, WIC) at distribution events.
- Use Rotary’s network to advocate for longer-term policies that promote food equity and affordability across Lake County.
Both projects directly address current community issues and align with Rotary’s mission to support education/youth and health/hunger initiatives, while leveraging local momentum and potential partnerships for maximum impact.