As we begin a new year, Rotary clubs across Georgia have a powerful opportunity to make an immediate and lasting impact on young people through the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest. January marks a pivotal moment—for recruiting essay judges, strengthening school partnerships, and planning for the year ahead.

See the Contest Through the Eyes of a Volunteer Judge

Each spring, Rotarians from sponsoring clubs across the state serve as essay judges, reading students’ personal reflections on values like perseverance, honesty, and compassion. For many volunteers, it’s one of the most meaningful experiences Rotary offers.

“Such a special experience to read these stories from so many wonderful young people!” — Bernard Santa Maria, Rotary Club of Buckhead

Judging requires no prior experience, just a willingness to read and reflect. It’s a flexible, rewarding way for Rotarians to connect directly with students’ voices.

A Turnkey Service Project with Deep Community Impact

For Rotary clubs, Laws of Life is a turnkey service project. Georgia Laws of Life provides the curriculum, training, materials, judging platform, and program support—allowing clubs to focus on what Rotary does best: building relationships and celebrating young people.

Clubs that partner with a school often share that the greatest joy comes from reading students’ stories and recognizing them at a Rotary meeting or school celebration.

Why Schools Say Yes

School leaders consistently emphasize how the contest supports both academics and character development.

“The Laws of Life Essay Contest gives our students a rare chance to reflect on who they are and what matters most. It builds empathy, strengthens writing skills, and helps us understand our students on a deeper level. We look forward to it every year.” — Dr. Terri Bell, MTSS, Stone Mountain High School

January is the Time to Start Conversations

January and February are critical planning months for schools. To engage a new school for the upcoming academic year, initial outreach should take place before March—before testing season and the end-of-year rush begin. That said, Rotary clubs are encouraged to share the Laws of Life program with local schools year-round. Helpful tools and talking points for school outreach are available at https://georgialawsoflife.org/why-rotary/

When a school expresses interest in participating, the partnering Rotary club should plan to commit to its Georgia Laws of Life sponsorship at that time. Our team is happy to support clubs every step of the way—offering guidance on timing, outreach, and next steps to make the process simple, effective, and rewarding for both the club and the school.

We Look Forward to Partnering with You

Whether your club is ready to:

•     Recruit essay judges

•     Sponsor the contest

•     Partner with your local school

•     Re-engage a past school partner

•     Or explore Laws of Life for the first time

Georgia Laws of Life is here to help. Together, we can give more students the opportunity to reflect, write, and grow—while strengthening Rotary’s connection to the communities we serve.

To learn more or schedule a presentation for your club, contact Carol Gray Walker, Executive Director, at carol@georgialawsoflife.org.