Room to Read: Part II

October 30, 2012 by Dina McQueen

Read Part I of the Room to Read story here. 

This is a revolution, an uprising against global illiteracy that is sure to end in a radical transformation of how children are viewed and treated everywhere.

Where does this revolt against atrocity begin? Of course, with you, with me, with anybody who can  “envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education, reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.”

On a warm morning, Room to Read D.C. chapter head Craig Herb sat with me for a one-on-one chat about the many ways Room to Read is leading a global movement to help heal the planet.  He told me that Room to Read is not just about education:

“We are creating environments for literacy,” he explained. “It is known that if you are not literate by third or fourth grade, you are lost. We are finding that that’s true even in this county.  With [Room to Read's] libraries, literacy training, and girls’ schools, we raise the likelihood that a girl will stay in school. Education is really about literacy initially, and it carries on from there.”

There are so many ways to be an instrument for change that do not include writing a check. The D.C. chapter holds fundraising and awareness events that need staff volunteers. If you feel inspired to get started immediately, Craig invites you to connect with him for a personal conversation to explore your strengths, and how you feel capable of helping. Please contact him at washingtondc@roomtoread.org.

“Volunteers in the D.C. area might help with invitations and staffing for events, newsletters, and technology. Then, I have a group of connectors, more the fifty-plus crowd that network with their peers and colleagues to find others that resonate with our mission; they often are the ones that make events like our annual Spring Gala successful. All fifty-two of Room to Read’s chapters are all-volunteer, organizations that help empower individuals to succeed in making their visions to support this mission successful.”

Whether revolving around the numerous events on the Chapter’s website, or other volunteer opportunities in communications, social medial, and serving on teams that reach out to schools and young professionals, there are many ways to help. According to the Room to Read website, getting on board the Room to Read global train to end illiteracy can be initiated by a potential volunteer’s unique vision.

For example, Room to Read supports a strong program called, “Students Helping Students.” If you are a university student, you can organize a Battle of the Bands event to raise awareness and money for Room to Read. You can also collect textbooks, or organize networking events.

If you are a mom of school-aged kids, get your child’s school to host a Room to Read Read-a-thon, Change Drive, or other creative fundraiser to help elementary students learn about our world and what they can do to help make it an even more awesome place to live. The possibilities seem endless, once you let your creative juices flow.

For more information on how to engage with the D.C. Chapter, click here.