Rotary District Conference Brings an Impressive Line-Up of Education Empowerment Speakers to Tucson

Erin Gruwell, author of “The Freedom Writers Diary,” joins a distinguished line-up of speakers at the Sounthern Arizona Rotary’s 2023 Conference of Clubs. Rotarians and the general public are invited

Erin Gruwell, award-winning educator and author of the New York Times bestseller “The Freedom Writers Diary” and inspiration for the 2007 Paramount Pictures movie “Freedom Writers” starring Hilary Swank, will headline a distinguished list of speakers at the Southern Arizona Rotary District 5500 Conference of Clubs. The in-person conference is open to Rotarians and the general public from October 6 – 7, 2023, at the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson.

Other featured keynote speakers include national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate, David Ambroz; innovative educator and memory training expert, Scott Bornstein; and distinguished Rotary leader and health advocate, Shirley Grace. The conference will also include a panel of experts on empowering girls with University of Arizona alum and Swimming & Diving Assistant Coach Amanda Beard, a seven-time Olympic medalist and author of the New York Times Bestseller, “In the Water They Can’t See You Cry.” In addition, Dr. Amanda Kraus, University of Arizona Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and Executive Director of UA’s Disability Resource Center, will speak about reframing disability and challenging what we think we know.

The Conference of Clubs’ service project benefits the Tucson Chapter of Project Linus. Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new volunteer-made blankets. Conference attendees will get hands-on experience making Project Linus blankets for children in need throughout greater Tucson.

Conference attendees can either register for the full two-day conference (includes all meals) or pay a flat $25 conference registration fee, then choose which keynote speaker they would like to attend. A meal ticket must be purchased for keynote speaker presentations. Refer to the Conference Schedule to see the full list of keynote speakers and sessions. Go to the Conference Registration page to secure your place at the Arizona Rotary District 5500 Conference of Clubs!