John Crawford, left, executive director of Junior Achievement of Western New York, spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown. He was welcomed by club president Marion Beckerink, pictured at right.

John Crawford, executive director of Western New York Junior Achievement, was a recent guest speaker to the members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown.

He discussed the strategies he has developed to advance the organization’s mission while building alternate revenue streams and high-performing teams at Junior Achievement.

Crawford described Junior Achievement’s services in the eight counties of Western New York. He said the organization’s goal is to empower young people by supplementing the education of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Junior Achievement develops a curriculum on topics such as financial literacy. Complete packets of information about each curriculum are provided to teachers and volunteers. The agency trains the volunteers and teachers. These activities include games and activities in school, after school, and during the summer. The activities inspire the young people to achieve a more fulfilling career and life by contributing professional insights and personal experiences.

Rotarian Joelle Washer Conti of Northwest Bank added that she and many other bank representatives have acted as volunteers. She noted that volunteers are well-trained and that the activities and curriculum are a “ton of fun.”