READ

I once worked in a call center that sold and serviced satellite service to rural and urban America. I will never forget one phone call I received with a gentleman who had an error message on his television and could not receive a picture. In order for me to help him, I needed him to read the error message. He spelled the letters that appeared on the television screen, and was very hesitant with each letter. I quickly realized he was unable to read.

I am grateful that I was brought up to learn the power of being able to read. There are parts of the United States where the importance of reading is not emphasized. Fortunately, there is an organization trying to make a difference to rural America.

This great organization is www.readorganization.org. What I like about this organization is if you do not have the money to help support them, donate a book, or volunteer to help. Here is there mission statement:

READ is a nonprofit that focuses on helping people in rural areas acquire education and development. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, 80% of the 72 million children worldwide who are not in primary school live in rural areas.  Most rural illiterate people are involved in securing food for themselves and the wider community while lacking access to quality education. Girls living in poverty in rural areas are at the highest risk for dropping out of school.

Educational materials, such as: books, DVDs, computers and internet access are fundamental to educational success.  It is the goal of READ to provide the educational materials necessary so that those who wish to seek knowledge have the resources to do so. As an organization, it is very important to us to be accountable to our donors with the resources they have given us.  To have lasting impact in a community, the projects have to be something the community also sees as needed. READ will only be present in communities that contribute resources to make the projects a reality. All of our projects will be in areas where we have established an ongoing contact.