What Would You Miss if You Could Not Read or Write?
World Read Aloud Day: Changing the World One Story at a Time
According to UNICEF nearly 1 billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name.
Experts estimate that 7 million Americans are illiterate, 27 million are unable to read well enough to complete a job application and 30 million can’t read a simple sentence. The tragedy is that these people may never fully participate in American society.
These are powerful statements, the shear enormity of the problem overwhelming, after all what can you or I do about a problem as big as world literacy . . . right?
Here’s the wonderful, almost magical thing about an individual choosing to go on a mission to make a difference . . . they don’t need to be rich or powerful, they simply need to decide and take action. Simple interactions can have a powerful rippling effect once that first step has been taken.
World Read Aloud Day: March 7, 2012
Sponsored by Lit World, a 501C3 nonprofit organization advocating global literacy
World Read Aloud Day is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words, especially those words that are shared from one person to another, and shows the world’s children that we support their future: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world.
Often the only barrier between the ability of an individual to create meaningful change is a small veil of anxiety . . . which can be easily torn away by the passion of a willing heart. Each time someone is helped, hope is passed on.
“It’s a BIG lie,” says Jim Henry. “It’s never too late to learn.”
Jim Henry’s father pulled him out of third grade so he could help support his family. He never learned to read, hiding his illiteracy 
from others for the better part of a century.
Then in his mid-90s, after retiring as a lobsterman, he set out to continue his education. He took reading lessons and practiced writing. Not only is he reading and writing now, but he published a book in November at age 98 called In a Fisherman’s Language. “I’m so happy, I catch myself crying,” he says. “It’s the difference between night and day for me. It’s like I’m born again.”
How to Create Your Own Ripple Effect . . .
- Register for WRAD 2012 at Lit World and learn more about their work to cultivate literacy worldwide.
- If you’re a blogger, consider writing a post or participate in spreading the word through social media.
- Spread the word among loved ones, or organize a community event.
- Teach your children to love books.
- Be the change . . . visit a hospice or nursing home and read to seniors.
- Organize a local drive to collect books to donate to shelters for families who are homeless or victims of domestic violence.
- Learn more about organizations with outreach programs, such as First Book and Reading Is Fundamental. Both organizations sponsor outreach programs and provide training and resources.
- Support and work with your local library* draw attention and community support with a Read Aloud Day event.
*Local public libraries are a primary source of books for thousands of children. Unfortunately, due to shrinking budgets and rising book costs, many of these libraries possess only limited collections of books, and what volumes they do own are often falling apart from being ‘loved to death’ or are out-of-date.
Each of us has an opportunity to take a first step toward achieving the dream of global literacy by participating in this year’s World Read Aloud Day and showing the world’s children that we support their future: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world.
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Twitter: stevetheowl12
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Great post, Marty! I learned to read pretty young, and I am glad to have been encouraged along the way. I remember all of the Little Golden Books when I was younger, and when I was at the store a couple weeks ago and saw one, I knew what my little niece’s first present from her aunt and uncle was
It was a little disappointing that the pages aren’t cardboard any longer, but I can’t wait until she learns about a bunny finding his way home.
Steve Nicholas recently posted..Looking Good or Doing Good?
Twitter: donna_tribe
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Marquita, another stellar post! I agree with William Amis when he talks about our kids who don’t even know how to write with a pen. Also they have their own language by texting. It is a shame that they get pushed through each level of education.
Getting back to your cause, I think it is wonderful that you have enlightened us about how many kids cannot read. I live in a community that is constantly having reading programs and “books for kids” which I support.
There is nothing better than having your own book when you are a kid. I feel it is of the utmost importance. I can remember reading to my daughter since she was in my womb. I read to her constantly, until at the age of 3, she started reading on her own. It shocked me, but I went with it.
I just cannot imagine a kid without a book!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Success Is Built On Encouragement
Welcome back Donna and thank you so much for your very thoughtful comment … I’m not at all surprised that you’re a “believer” in the power of books, and I’m with you as far as the importance of our children having access to as many books as they can read.
Twitter: lynnjonesie
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Marty, I can not imagine living without being able to read! Having lived in a 3rd world country for nearly 8 years, I saw how limited people were because they could not read. I also love your story about Jim Henry. I need to share that with my hubby.
He still has time to write that book about our experiences in the Philippines. 5 years has past since our return to the US, he could be living off the proceeds by now. 
Thank you for sharing about World Read Aloud Day…….I had no idea, but a wonderful cause to support and be involved in.
Bless you!
Lynn
Lynn Jones recently posted..Enjoy Life’s Journey
Welcome back Lynn, and thanks for taking time to contribute to the conversation. The book you mentioned about living in the Philippines sounds fascinating, I hope your husband writes it
Twitter: JupiterJimFLA
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Marquita,
I love reading and think it’s so important to support it. RIF — Reading is Fundamental — has always been one of my favorite organizations.
And I love the story about Jim Henry the lobsterman! Wow! If that doesn’t make us want to do more with our lives, then I don’t know what will!
Thanks for the post!
– Jupiter Jim
Jupiter Jim recently posted..WordPress Tutorial: Add Facebook Social Plugin for “Comments” to your WordPress Blog
Hey Jim, thanks so much for taking the time to contribute to the conversation, and so glad you were inspired by Jim’s story!
Twitter: brotherbillamis
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Marty,I had no idea that so many people go without ability to read and write. It is crazy to thing that our school system is making it a point to stop using paper and pen. They send our little ones home with notbooks (computers) and that is it. We need a big push to bring back pen and paper learning. Reading out loud and claiming a place still in history. You want to get scared. With our youth they can\\\’t even write with a pen. You would be amazed at even high school students can\\\’t spell simple words and write it on paper. They use the same symbols that they use to text and chat online. They make attempts to hand it in to teachers. Teachers even have a cheat sheet that has all the symbols and what they mean to understand this new way of writing. Now, that is just crazy?Marty, your a great supporter and one who keeps us all grouned. Your one of our great coaches and I love that you stand for such a needed cause. Thank you from my heart.
Hi William, always appreciate your thoughtful comments. You’ve raised some very important points about our kids, and to tell you the truth many adults are in the same boat. I just commented to someone the other day after I’d signed my name on a document that I was shocked at how bad my handwriting had become! The truth is I can’t remember the last time I actually sat down and wrote a letter by hand … these days even my signature is electronic for most things. Really gives you something to think about, huh?
” 7 million Americans are illiterate, 27 million are unable to read well enough to complete a job application and 30 million can’t read a simple sentence” – I don’t even think that this can really happen, but thanks to the World Read Aloud Day that will happened on March 7, 2012 this will really a big help for the children and adults that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world and their future, like what Jim Henry says” its never too late to learn”.
Candice Michelle recently posted..Glock Sights
Hey Candice, welcome back … the numbers are staggering but sadly all too true. This is my second year supporting WRAD and this year I’ve spent a fair amount of time researching stories just like Jim’s … there are many that are so uplifting and inspirational, and others that just break my heart. I do plan on sharing some of them just before WRAD. Thanks again
Marquita,
I really enjoyed your post! what a great cause you have here on you post. I am regular donator to UNICEF, I feel proud and happy if I can help them in anyway.
We are very blessed to be able to go to school and lear how to read and write!
Awesome Post !
~ Easther
Easther Sudharta recently posted..Speed Up Operating System, Protect Your Data And Enjoy Surfing
Welcome Easther and thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and contribute to the conversation! I am so pleased you enjoyed the article and how wonderful to know you support such a worthwhile organization as UNICEF!
Twitter: ricsalas
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Hi Marquita, how are you? I really enjoyed your post and know how important it is to help in such a way. I enjoyed it so much that I opted in to get you ebook…and I never opt into anything anymore. I have all the business related stuff I need but this is something I would like to keep up with and is a deep passion I have. Hope you have a great Wednesday!
Rick
Rick Salas recently posted..Why Your San Antonio Network Marketing Business Might Struggle
Wow Rick, I am honored, seriously! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and especially for joining the community – you made my day!
Twitter: steveborgman
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Marquita, what a great cause you have highlighted here! My mother, a retired schoolteacher, has volunteered quite a bit to help children improve their reading. We who are able to read have no idea how blessed we are. It’s time to pay it forward.
Steve Borgman recently posted..10 Acts of Kindness To Change the World
Thanks Steve, I agree! The ability to read and write is something mot of us take for granted, but not having those skills makes a profound difference in someone’s life.
Twitter: TonyaReynolds1
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Marty,
The school I sub in often is promoting this as well! I think it is wonderful. There are so many students who struggle with basic reading and writing skills. My older sons school is also having a book drive this week.
Tonya
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