What I'm reading: Shoot Don't Shoot by J.A. Jance
What I'm writing: Finished my draft of my mystery short; tentative title: Redshirted.
This morning, in my never ending quest to keep the pile of paperwork on my desk down to a manageable level, I picked up a renewal form from ProLiteracy. I've been an advocate of literacy for years--my whole live, actually. Where would we be if we couldn't read? I can't remember not reading, and I swear my kids popped out of the womb as bookworms.
I've taught school, I've volunteer tutored for our local Adult Literacy League, and I'm now involved with their program to train new tutors. The Laubach Way to Reading, which is one program used to teach adults reading says, "Each One Teach One" and it's something we should all strive for. There's nothing more rewarding than to see a learner's eyes light up as they discover how to make sense of those markings on a printed page.
The Romance Writers of America supports ProLiteracy Worldwide, donating the proceeds from their annual multi-author book signing at their national conference. So does the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, among many other groups.
Back to the renewal form. Normally, I just tick a box, fill it out (or go on line), but a name popped out at me. Nora Roberts. I read the paragraph. "I agree that literacy is a basic human right that should not be denied to anyone in today's world. I also understand that my renewal contribution will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, by a generous gift from author Nora Roberts. "
I will admit I doubled my normal contribution. I can't afford to match gifts the way Nora Roberts can, but I can certainly budget a little more to help the cause.
Even if you've never donated before, I urge you to visit the ProLiteracy Worldwide website
and make a contribution. Better yet, find a program in your community and sign up to teach someone to read. All you need is an hour or two a week.
(I haven't forgotten my cover contest -- check back Friday for the whole cover and a winner)
Welcome to Terry's Place. I'm an author of mystery and romance, happy to share what I'm learning, both about writing and anything I find interesting.
3 comments:
Great post, Terry!
I agree, everyone should try and fit in volunteer time. I know the hours I spend at our school library are very gratifying. Also a real eye opener. As an avid reader with two kids who were early and avid readers, it surprised me so many kids grades 5-7 were struggling over reading my kids had mastered in kindergarten. Without the one on one, there's a very real possibility these kids would fight their way through the educational system never being fully literate.
Thanks for sharing Terry! Teaching someone to read can literally change their world on so many levels.
With all the new technology out there ie cell phones and text messaging, learning to read is even more a challenge for kids now. They text, "IDK" for "I don't know"....And lose a lot of basic skills. Good for you, Terry!
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