Speak to the Riverbend Rotary Club
Inspiring Insights and Thought-Provoking Conversations
U.S. Representative Mike Bost addresses Riverbend Rotarians
We invite guest speakers making an impact our community to speak at our club meetings.
Protecting Our Children: Foster Care Crisis and Early Intervention
“ In March, we served close to 300 Madison County children in our therapy program.” - Erin Bickle
Foster Care Crisis Exposed:
How Early Intervention and Community Support Can Save Lives
At a recent Riverbend Rotary Club meeting hosted by Rotary President Monica Bristow (left), Rotarians were privileged to meet Erin Bickle (right), Executive Director of Refuge For Kids, an organization dedicated to supporting children in foster care. Erin shared her insights on the challenges faced by children in the foster care system in Illinois and the importance of early intervention in preventing adverse childhood experience.
Madison County - #2 most children in foster care
Foster care numbers in Illinois are alarmingly high, with Madison County ranking #2, St. Clair County ranking #1, and Cook County (Chicago) ranking #8 in the state for the highest number of children in foster care.
Co-Sleeping Kills Kids
A recent report revealed a 40% increase in child deaths in contact with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, with many resulting from unsafe sleeping arrangements such as co-sleeping. Erin emphasized the need for community awareness and education on the dangers of co-sleeping.
100% Preventable
Erin stressed the importance of community efforts in building protective factors to strengthen families, such as home visiting programs and early childhood counseling. Early intervention in cases of trauma can greatly improve a child's outcome in adulthood.
Urgent Need
The role of supportive adults, such as coaches, in a child's life is critical. It only takes one loving adult to change the trajectory of a child's life, providing a vital protective factor for vulnerable children.
Erin's presentation highlighted the urgent need for community support and early intervention to protect at-risk children and strengthen families.
To learn more about Refuge For Kids and how you can help, visit their website at https://refuge4kids.org, email info@refuge4kids.org, or call 618-251-9790.
We invite you to join us at the Riverbend Rotary Club to learn more about local community programs and explore opportunities to make a difference. We meet most Thursdays at Senior Services Plus in Alton. For more information, visit our website at www.RiverbendRotary.com.
Executive Director of YWCA and Rotarian Dorothy Hummel stands alongside Erin Bickle, Executive Director of Refuge For Kids, after a thought-provoking presentation on foster care and early intervention at a recent Riverbend Rotary Club meeting.
Craft Your Perfect Presentation with
Our New Riverbend Rotary
Speakers' Template!
Speaking to a Rotary Club audience can be an exciting, but sometimes daunting, opportunity.
We've created a template to help guide you in crafting a presentation that not only informs but also entertains and inspires.
Using this tool, you'll be able to articulate your passions, highlight the importance of your cause, and engage your audience in meaningful ways.
As an example, we've used a humorous, imaginative topic: "The Society for the Protection and Advancement of Invisible Unicorns (SPA-IU)".
This fictitious charity serves as an illustrative guide for how you might structure your own presentation, providing a clear and engaging path from introduction to conclusion.
This template, along with Toastmasters best practices, will assist you in building a compelling narrative, connecting with your audience, and delivering a powerful call to action.
Remember, the key to a successful presentation is authenticity, preparation, and a deep understanding of your topic.
Now, it's your turn to bring your passions to the stage. Whether you're
advocating for invisible unicorns, local community initiatives, or global change, we're excited to hear your story and learn from your journey.
Together, we'll continue the Rotary Club tradition of learning, sharing, and inspiring action in our community.
Get started with our presentation template today and prepare to make a lasting impression at your next Rotary Club meeting!
