Improve literacy

Did you know that at least 50% of the unemployed are functionally illiterate? That an estimated $5 billion a year in taxes goes to support people receiving public assistance who are unemployable due to illiteracy? That the average kindergarten student has seen more than 5,000 hours of television, having spent more time in front of the TV than it takes to earn a bachelors's degree? That 44% of all American adults do not read one book in the course of a year? Are you as saddened by these statistics as I am?

"So what can I do?"

* Learn more by visiting the National Institute for Literacy or Proliteracy Worldwide.

* Donate books to children by clicking the bright red button on The Literacy Site. Do this now! It takes less than 10 seconds. And don't forget to click tomorrow.

* Volunteer to teach someone to read. Find an organization near you at www.literacydirectory.org. This is important since adult reading scores improve approximately one grade level with just 35-45 hours of tutoring. Use the directory to identify tutoring services for people in need of help, and to learn more about learning disabilities.

* Join with Heifer International and use their Read to Feed curriculum to teach children reading skills and sustainable development.

* Volunteer at your local library.

* Read to your children. Read as a couple. Read as a family. Join a bookclub.

* Give books as presents.

I imagine you know how valuable it is to be able to read. Help someone else experience that joy. (Did you click that bright red button?)