National Organization Issues Call to Action
In the fall of 2018, Assistance League issued a call to action to all 120 chapters and chapters-in-formation to participate in a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the importance of promoting childhood literacy and putting books in the hands of children who might not have access to them.
Coinciding with founder Anne Banning’s birthday on February 25, Assistance League Action! Week is officially celebrated February 25 – March 3, 2019.
Why is this initiative so important?
Consider the following facts:
In low income communities, books and educational resources are scarce. Kids start school behind their more affluent peers and never catch up.
A record number of kids are growing up in need.
•More than half of U.S. public school students live in low income households.
Public education and programs are deeply underfunded.
•23 states are spending less on education than before the 2008 recession.
Without adequate resources, children cannot learn.
•79% of fourth graders from low income households do not read proficiently.
The impact of this cycle is staggering.
•Poor educational outcomes are tied to future poverty, unemployment, illness, and crime.
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, Annie E. Casey Kids Count, World Literacy Foundation
Assistance League® of the Bay Area wholeheartedly answered this call to action.
We invite you to learn about our participation and how community partnerships were key to our success.