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Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, works to build a literate nation by helping young people discover the joy of reading. RIF exists to: Show children that reading is fun. Provide free books for children to choose and keep.
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Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, works to build a literate nation by helping young people discover the joy of reading. • RIF exists to: • Show children that reading is fun. • Provide free books for children to choose and keep. • Help communities get involved with children's literacy.
RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the U.S. • RIF: • Operates through a national, grassroots • network of volunteers. • Holds service to the nation’s underserved • children and families as its highest priority. • Develops and delivers literacy programs • and campaigns that motivate youth to read • regularly.
RIF Statistics • Each year RIF: • Serves 5.1 million children. • Encompasses 450,000 community • volunteers. • Supports 25,000 RIF program sites. • Distributes 16.5 million new, free books and • other essential literacy resources.
RIF’s Reach 62% of RIF programs are in public elementary and middle schools. 31% of RIF programs are in community centers, libraries and Head Start centers. One in every 25 children’s books sold in the United States in 2002 was given to a child through Reading Is Fundamental.
National Book Program • The oldest and largest of RIF's programs, the National Book Program, is largely funded from a grant by the federal government. • Funds go directly to local RIF programs for new books. • Children have the opportunity to choose and keep three to five books per year. • Each program receives an annual grant to cover 75% of the cost of books. • Programs are required to raise the remaining 25% locally, to "match" the grant. • All programs are managed and administered by volunteers. • Eligible programs must serve 100 or more children. • At least 80% of children in the program must be considered “at risk.” • Programs run in libraries, schools, child-care centers, Head Start programs, migrant labor camps, Boys & Girls Clubs and domestic shelters.
Special Literacy Programs • Shared Beginnings: This niche program teaches teen parents the skills and self-confidence to take an active role in developing their young children’s readiness to read by offering: • Free books to both the teen parents and their babies. • Motivational activities and guidance for establishing a literacy-rich environment at home. • Family of Readers: This program helps parents take a lead role in encouraging their children's literacy development by: • Distributing free books to children. • Engaging children in motivational literacy activities designed and conducted by their parents. • Offering grants for high-quality lending libraries available to the parents and children who participate. • Also, many of the parents are enrolled in parenting classes or are continuing their own education in Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED, or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
Kappas can share their time, talent and treasure with RIF in several ways: • Volunteer: Read aloud, help distribute books or plan motivational activities. • Advocate: Voice your support of RIF and children’s literacy issues to your elected officials. • Donate: Oversee contributions or fund-raising events.
Volunteer • One-Time Events • Community Reading Challenge • Read Across America • Book drive to build or enhance a “classroom” library for a local RIF site, community center, school or child care center • On-Going Relationships • Book buddy program • Partner with a local RIF program (book selection, book distribution, motivational activities) • Sponsor a local RIF program (funds and people-power)
Advocate “Season’s Readings” Reading Is FUN Week Summer reading
Donate Tea 5K road race Penny drive Oversee contributions Just $5.00 will purchase three quality books for one RIF child during the course of a year.