5 Admirable Organizations That Promote Literacy and Reading
Literacy is important for just about everyone in the modern age, and reading books regularly can help people stay informed and keep their brains in good shape. That's why there are a number of organizations that promote literacy for people of all ages around the world, like the admirable groups listed here. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Admirable Organizations That Promote Literacy and Reading
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| First Book | Create equal access to quality education through a sustainable, market-driven model |
| Archipelago Books | Publish excellent translations of classic and contemporary world literature |
| Room to Read | Transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education |
| Freedom to Read Foundation | Protect and defend the First Amendment to the Constitution and support the right of libraries to collect, and individuals to access, information |
| American Library Association | Provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services |
How to Encourage Kids to Read
A great way to start is to get a bookshelf for your child's room. If they have access to their own collection of books, it'll be easy for them to read at their own pace. And if they're looking at the shelf everyday, reading will always be on their mind. It's also important to give your kids a comfortable place to sit. This can be anything from a rocking chair to a couch to a dedicated reading nook. If they have a space that's just for them, it makes reading time all the more special. As they grow, your young ones will start to read more challenging books with words they don't know. Encourage them to look up unfamiliar terms in the dictionary so they can expand their vocabulary. Finally, if you're having trouble getting your kid interested in books in the first place, try bridging the gap between visual media and literature with graphic novels.
Benefits of Reading to Young Children
- Encourages curiosity and creativity
- Develops language skills
- Enhances concentration
- Teaches facts and life lessons
- Helps strengthen the parent/child bond
Why Reading Matters
In Depth
Education and access to information create social and economic pathways to prosperity for people and their communities. However, when millions of people throughout the world are illiterate and have no access to open information, how to close the gap is a question that cannot be answered with a one-size-fits-all approach. Fortunately, these five nonprofits are working to provide a range of individual and structural solutions to those in need.
Kicking off the list at #1 is First Book, which has worked since 1992 to remove educational barriers to children in need. Founded on the principle that education is the best path from poverty to prosperity, it has distributed over 185 million books in more than 30 countries, and annually reaches an average of 5 million children. First Book has been honored with many prestigious awards, among them the Library of Congress David M. Rubenstein Prize. It partners with organizations like the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Disney Corporation, and National Geographic.
With 51% of American students in 2019 coming from low-income families, First Book has worked for decades to provide resources to children and educators in need. These resources include an online marketplace for educators, a program that translates research into teaching tools, a research initiative, and First Book's membership community. Those who wish to get involved can donate books or basic-needs items to disaster-stricken communities, join or start a fundraising team for their own community, contribute financially, or contribute as an author or illustrator.
Those who wish to get involved can donate books or basic-needs items to disaster-stricken communities, join or start a fundraising team for their own community, contribute financially, or contribute as an author or illustrator.
Coming in at #2 is Archipelago Books, a not-for-profit press that dedicates itself to advancing cultural communication through the exceptional translation of classic and modern international literature. With less than 3% of all literature published in the United States coming from non-English-speaking countries, this publishing house has stepped in so that American readers can access and experience diverse literary voices from around the world. In its first fifteen years, Archipelago Books translated more than two hundred works of adult and children's literature from more than thirty-five languages.
Archipelago Books takes an immersive approach that goes beyond the act of simple translation. Through local book readings, author panels, festival performances, and major galas, it shares its vision of cultural communication. Additionally, the press's books and free excerpts are available for purchase and download through its online store. Its website also includes an up-to-date events calendar that provides event details throughout the United States and Canada, ideal for those interested in exposing themselves to new voices and perspectives.
In the #3 spot is Room to Read. Founded in 2000, Room to Read believes that education is the best long-term solution to addressing global inequality. Its two core initiatives are the improvement of primary school literacy, and the advancement of community support for the ongoing education of girls. In order to accomplish this and create lasting systemic change, it partners with communities and local governments in Asia and Africa. Since its inception, Room to Read has helped over 16 million children, assisted over 30 thousand schools, and trained over 15 thousand teachers and librarians.
Founded in 2000, Room to Read believes that education is the best long-term solution to addressing global inequality.
To support its mandates, Room to Read runs a variety of special projects that include: workshops that teach authors how to write, illustrate and design nonfiction children's books; financial education clubs for young people; and programs that help girls develop crucial life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making and perseverance. In addition to accepting donations, the nonprofit offers volunteer opportunities and has local fundraising chapters. Finally, according to Charity Navigator, over 85% of its annual spending is on its programming.
At #4 is the Freedom to Read Foundation, which has worked for more than 50 years to defend the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and to support the right of libraries and individuals to collect and access information. Incorporated in 1969 by members of the American Library Association, the F.T.R.F. continues to maintain ties and collaborate with its parent organization. Since its creation, the foundation has asserted that any censorship infringes on people's right to a free and open forum of ideas, and believes that the solution to offensive speech is more speech.
The Freedom to Read Foundation's three areas of activity are involvement in litigation surrounding First Amendment rights, the awarding of grants to individuals and organizations that advocate for free speech, and educational programs. The foundation's action portfolio includes participation in U.S. Supreme Court cases, informational webinars, and learning projects developed in collaboration with U.S. universities. Those interested in supporting the F.T.R.F. can donate or join its membership program.
The Freedom to Read Foundation's three areas of activity are involvement in litigation surrounding First Amendment rights, the awarding of grants to individuals and organizations that advocate for free speech, and educational programs.
Coming in at #5 is the American Library Association. Founded in 1876, the A.L.A. is the world's oldest and largest library association. The association's mission is to promote learning and information accessibility by developing, promoting, and improving library and information services and the library profession itself. Its key action areas include library advocacy, diversity, education and lifelong learning, equal access to information, intellectual freedom, literacy, organizational excellence, and the transformation of libraries.
The American Library Association supports its action areas with diverse programming that includes: a comprehensive online learning database for library professionals; awards, grants and scholarships to recognize distinguished library service; advocacy tools and information; school accreditation; and conferences and events. Anyone interested in becoming involved with the A.L.A. can donate, attend its events, or become a member. Members gain access to exclusive resources, and can join and contribute to local chapters.
