As the community outreach program manager for Lead to Read KC, I recruit volunteers from the community to read for 30 minutes a week with students in our 33 partner schools. I also run our book distribution program, Reading is Everywhere, where we place baskets of free children's books in places where children are waiting.
I'm driven by the idea that we are to be light in the darkness, that we are to see the good and be the good in other people's lives, be they family members, friends, strangers, or even people I'll never meet. I see books as beacons of light, illuminating the dark corners of our minds. As a former teacher, I feel animated by the desire to do something when I see a problem, and by working for Lead to Read, I can daily put into action my desire to help connect children and families in our community with resources, mentorship and support.
Literacy rates in Kansas City are low, as they are across the country, and in many cases, it reflects the opportunity gap in our community. I love spreading the word about Lead to Read in the community, through presentations at businesses, civic organizations and churches. I love distributing books and engaging families in literacy games at community events, where I can help spark a child's confidence in reading, and cheerlead a parent as an educator to their child. I don't see myself as having "the answer," but rather as an incredibly enthusiastic person who wants to help build up the enthusiasm and confidence of others.
I notice the glimmer in people's eye, the subtle shift in body posture, the smile that may creep onto a face, when I can connect individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities, a "just right" book for the moment or a student with a local author. I value these moments of humanity, of connection and recognition of the beauty and humanity of others.
I'm driven by the idea that we are to be light in the darkness, that we are to see the good and be the good in other people's lives, be they family members, friends, strangers, or even people I'll never meet. I see books as beacons of light, illuminating the dark corners of our minds. As a former teacher, I feel animated by the desire to do something when I see a problem, and by working for Lead to Read, I can daily put into action my desire to help connect children and families in our community with resources, mentorship and support.
Literacy rates in Kansas City are low, as they are across the country, and in many cases, it reflects the opportunity gap in our community. I love spreading the word about Lead to Read in the community, through presentations at businesses, civic organizations and churches. I love distributing books and engaging families in literacy games at community events, where I can help spark a child's confidence in reading, and cheerlead a parent as an educator to their child. I don't see myself as having "the answer," but rather as an incredibly enthusiastic person who wants to help build up the enthusiasm and confidence of others.
I notice the glimmer in people's eye, the subtle shift in body posture, the smile that may creep onto a face, when I can connect individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities, a "just right" book for the moment or a student with a local author. I value these moments of humanity, of connection and recognition of the beauty and humanity of others.