Why People of Faith Should Care about the Literacy Crisis

Preventative Justice
In the parable of the Sheep and the Goats
(Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus describes life in God’s Kingdom as caring for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned.

“For as much as you have done it to the least of these you have done it unto me”
-Jesus

In the 21st century, our welfare lines, immigration centers, sex-trafficking pipelines, addiction centers and prisons are full of dropouts and those unable to read. This is why it is imperative that children learn to read by 4th grade. We call it PREVENTATIVE JUSTICE.  Remember,

“When you look into the eyes of the poor and hurting, you gaze into the face of Jesus,” -Tony Campolo
Become a Literacy Church
Become a Literacy Church
Perfect Partnership
Every school has a church near by
“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood” John 1:14
Churches are full of do-gooders looking for ways to “Love Thy Neighbor”
Activate anyone as reading mentors:  grandparents, teenagers, stay-at-home parents, businesspeople.
Low cost mission: Often literacy volunteerism is already paid for
Become a Literacy Church
Become a Literacy Church
A Man mentoring a child
A cute little boy smiling
Young school aged black girls walking down a hallway. One of them is looking at the camera smiling
A middle aged black woman reading to a little white girl. The wall behind her is green and they appear to be in a classroom setting.
An older white woman with glasses reading to a white little girl with glasses
A close up shot of a white woman looking a little black girl.
Two little girls reading together, close up shot

Benefits to your Congregation

Activate your untapped people and potential
Serve: Tangibly care for “the least of these”
Impact: Transform your neighborhood’s future
Initiate: Instead of inviting your neighbors to church, bring them with you to school
Reputation: Live an exemplary life in the neighborhood
Invigorate: Your leadership, your maturity and your story
Live the life that Jesus modeled and invites you to share
Grow your congregation and your faith
Steward: Literacy initiatives are low-cost and high-reward

Your Church Can Make a Difference

Fuel Children’s Literacy Initiatives Nationwide

Your support fuels our mission to expand a growing literacy volunteer network that spans the nation. By joining the Children’s Literacy Project, you help connect reading mentors and volunteer tutors with children who need them most.

Become a Reading Mentor
Become a Reading Mentor
Donate
Donate