A newsletter from the Columbia (South Carolina) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, focused on their community service programming for the 2026-2027 term. It covers literacy initiatives, including read-aloud sessions and book distribution for elementary students, as well as events like the Jubilee Festival. The document outlines goals, partnerships, and activities across various service areas…
This is the October 2026 edition of the newsletter for the Columbia (South Carolina) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. It is titled "Service Driven Through Impactful Programming" and is intended for chapter members and community partners. The newsletter outlines the chapter's programming focus for the 2026-2027 term, centered on literacy and community engagement.
The document opens with a table of contents listing sections on innovation, programming, friendship, and various service facets. It includes a section titled "Building Momentum: Programming in the Fast Lane" that 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. It describes "book deserts" and resource shortages in communities with few libraries.
The newsletter details specific literacy goals under "Connect Five Smart Goals." These include providing read-aloud sessions to at least 300 students in grades K-5 at Carver Lyon and distributing at least 750 age-appropriate books to students in grades 3-5. It tracks progress through the number of students served, sessions conducted, and books shared.
A major event covered is the Jubilee Festival, where the chapter partnered with Historic Columbia to create a "Jubilee Kid Zone." Activities included STEM and robotics demonstrations, a book giveaway, smoothie-making, an opera read-aloud, and a civic engagement mural project. Partnerships listed include DJ Roy Neptune's, Carver-Lyon Cheerleaders, Scholastic Books, Riverbanks Zoo, and SC ETV.
The newsletter also covers the International Trends and Services facet, which aims to increase educational opportunities in the African diaspora. A goal is set for students to write positive words about peace and letters to a school in Nairobi, Kenya, for National Peace Day. The document includes a calendar of upcoming programming and recognizes "Driving Force" alumna members for their friendship and service.