Can you imagine what your life would be like if you were not able to read?
Reading good books is one of the best ways young people and adults can better themselves. Reading good books can:
- Inform
- Inspire
- Motivate
- Advise
- Entertain
- Expand our minds
Reading is also a critical skill for school, work and all areas of life. Although the ability to read is extremely valuable, there are a significant number of youth and adults in the United States and around the world who are illiterate today.
It is exciting to know there are organizations doing something about the problem. Some of these organizations have earned the Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Award.
- First Book has given more than 40 million books to low-income kids in the United States since 1992. Go to www.FirstBook.org to learn more about First Book.
- Raising a Reader also encourages children in low-income families to read. They provide books and specialists that work with the children. Go to www.RaisingaReader.org to learn more about First Book.
- Room to Read publishes books and builds schools and libraries in several countries. Go to www.RoomToRead.org to learn more about First Book.
Consider providing some of your time and/or wealth to helping others learn to read.
Do you need some suggestions? Consider these ideas:
- Volunteer at your local school
- Volunteer at your local library
- Mentor a child or adult who needs help developing reading skills
- Donate or raise funds for an organization that encourages reading
- Donate books
You can make a lifetime difference in a person's life. Decide how you want to get started and do it. You will be glad you did.
