The vision of Readers Ignite is to use several methods to connect under-served children to various reading programs and outreaches. Also, we envision playing an active role within families and schools, to connect children with reading resources. This would include helping connect those in need with various tutors, specialists, programs, literacy partners, etc. We are currently working in 4 areas:
1. Sponsoring outreach programs in a local bookstore that link common passions back to reading. The topics, so far, have included football, baseball, music, animals, dance, etc. Speakers may be coaches, players, rescue workers, animal-related professions, etc. These are free events, and those topical books are highlighted during the day. Speakers will generally mention some positive aspect of reading, or a certain book series, or author's impact, during their visit. These are very free-form, open house events. (To see the events thus far, look under our Events tab, and then PAST events.)
2. We are working to educate adults and families about literacy-related issues. We currently offer two seminars: "Raising a Reader in Our Digital Age," and "Our Nation's Literacy: A Wake-up Call." Both of these can be done to suit your needs. These seminars can be taught vary from 20 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the time frame that your school, church or work place would sponsor for its members, parents, employees.
3. We are working to get physical books into the hands of children, especially at-risk children. Currently, there is only one book in every 300 at-risk homes. We have held book drives that have helped to begin two libraries at schools without ANY books. We have also gotten books to women's shelters and orphanages. We have sponsored one Angel Tree for kids of single moms, in December of 2013.
4. We are working to sponsor storytimes in at-risk communites. Part of the larger issue is that at-risk homes often do not have a literate adult in the home to read to the children. Our plans include sponsoring story times in Laundromats, as well as pre-schools. We believe that the literacy issue in America is multi-faceted. We are working at making a difference within the GAPS that we see. Many of these are in at-risk communities. But a love of reading needs to be cultivated in ALL children. That is where our EXPLORE & MORE programs can make a difference, for every child, in every walk of life. These are the topical events that Readers Ignite sponsors. Your donations enable us to continue our work.
