This October edition of the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links newsletter highlights the chapter's service initiatives, with a focus on early childhood literacy. It includes program goals, event recaps, and upcoming meeting schedules.
This is the October edition of the Service Driven newsletter from the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, a civic organization. The issue is built around the theme 'Connect Five: Driving Impact Forward' and focuses on the chapter's literacy and community service programs for the 2026-2027 programming year.
The newsletter opens with a welcome and table of contents, then moves into a feature on the 'Aerodynamics of 2026-2027 Programming.' This section discusses the importance of reading aloud to children in grades 3-5, citing data that nearly 2 in 3 children are not reading at grade level by age 10, and addresses the challenge of 'book deserts' in communities with few libraries.
A section titled 'Salute to Our Driving Force' honors alumna members, followed by 'Connect Five Smart Goals' which outlines two specific literacy targets. The first goal is to provide read-aloud sessions to at least 300 students in grades K-5 at Carver Lyon, and the second is to distribute 750 age-appropriate books to students in grades 3-5 by the end of the school year.
The 'Services to Youth' section recaps the Jubilee Festival and Literacy Initiative, detailing partnerships with organizations like Historic Columbia, Riverbanks Zoo, and SC ETV. It describes the Jubilee Kid Zone activities, including STEM and robotics demonstrations, smoothie making, an opera read-aloud, and the creation of the 'We Shall Be Heard' mural about Civil Rights history.
The final pages list upcoming events, including a STEM Extravaganza on October 8, Little Libraries on October 28, and an Art Contest Umbrella for Links Day. It also provides a schedule of standing meetings for the Arts, Health & Human Services, National Trends & Services, and Services to Youth committees in October.