Our Kids Read

As I reflect on my good fortune of being married to an amazing Irishman and enjoy the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, I'm also heartened by the activities taking place across the country for National Reading Month. However, this is tempered by the persistent issue of low literacy rates in the U.S. Despite our progress, 21% of adults are still illiterate, and 54% have literacy levels below a 6th-grade level. Why should companies care??Investing in literacy is not just a social responsibility; it's a strategic business move. Literate employees are more productive, innovative, and capable of critical thinking. In my work, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of literacy. It's not just about reading and writing; it's about unlocking potential and creating opportunities for individuals and communities. What can you do right now? Sponsor Literacy Programs:? The Discover Literacy program from the DOLLAR GENERAL LITERACY FOUNDATION and Discovery Education offers no-cost resources that enable educators to implement the five foundational components of literacy into interactive, on-the-go learning experiences. Designed for students at all levels, these require little-to-no prep, making them accessible and effective for all communities. Support Access to Free Books:? Utilize resources like the Little Free Library, which provides free book exchanges in communities around the world. You can find a location near you (or even better, add one) using their map. You can support local literacy organizations like Our Kids Read and bookstores like The Book Thing in Baltimore that offer free books to the public. Encourage Mentorship:? Encourage employees to use paid volunteer time as reading mentors or tutors in their communities. Create a Reading Culture:? Establish book clubs and reading groups within the company to foster a culture of continuous learning and development. Companies play a pivotal role in enhancing literacy rates and building a more educated and empowered workforce. Creating a literate society doesn’t happen through the luck of the Irish, so let's make a difference this #NationalReadingMonth.

Our Kids Read held an amazing gathering Wednesday night in NYC. Their 2nd gala featured impassioned learners and educators. I returned to Toronto with my heart filled and brimming. We heard from an inspiring and energetic 6th grader who just several years ago would not have had the words to express himself publicly. His journey has been fueled with courage through the OKR reading buddy program, and he made it known he is a force to be reckoned with. Reading, learning, laughing, and growing weekly with a mentor this young guy is transforming. A few years back OKR started with a mission of putting diverse books into underserved kids' hands through book fairs and working with schools. The reading buddy program has been a massive boost to engagement and pressing far further than the books alone. OKR audaciously aspires to pair one million kids with reading buddies exploring the world of stories and literacy. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work together with Jahmal Lake and the rest of the OKR community to push the boundaries. If you are interested in joining me, please reach out or visit OKR's website to learn more.

Wrapping up #GIVE with a few pics and mentions from events this month. Kicked off the month by supporting a 9/11 Heroes Run before teaming up with a great group of folks to hand out water at the Army Ten-Miler. Later in the month, packed waiting room kits for kids receiving treatment at the hospital, gave away books at local schools, and hosted info sessions for groups involved in foster care and those honoring our fallen heroes at cemeteries across the world. Thanks to the $25/hr match Microsoft gives eligible non-profits through its GIVE program, these efforts raised tens of thousands of dollars for orgs like these. Thanks to all who helped and these orgs for the work you do to support your communities. Travis Manion Foundation TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER FOUNDATION Our Kids Read St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Bananas Foster Inc Wreaths Across America #MicrosoftLife #MicrosoftGIVE