September is #NationalLiteracyMonth

We are so happy September is here! For some people, September means cooler weather, changing leaves, and sweaters. But we live in Houston where none of those things happen until well into October (if we are luck), so we have to find other reasons to get excited about September.

For us, September is exciting because it brings National Literacy Month. We will be taking this month as an opportunity to remind as many people as possible about the importance of literacy and to bring classrooms the literacy tools they so desperately need! We encourage you to do the same.

14% of Americans are illiterate, and, as this Huffington Post article explains, there is a remarkably strong link between delinquency, violence, and reading failure. All students deserve the opportunity and tools to become proficient readers, and it is up to us to help in whatever way we can.

Due to budget contraints, classrooms around the country are in need of books. Can you imagine being a teacher and not having access to high-interest, grade-level books for your students? These teachers and millions of others just like them around the country need help filling their bookshelves, purchasing audio books, and helping their students become more comfortable and proficient readers.

If you are unable to contribute to a literacy-related cause, there are many other ways to get involved in National Literacy Month. Have any old books or magazines laying around? Donate them to a school! Love to tweet? Spread the word about National Literacy Month on twitter! Have a couple of hours off work? Volunteer to read to students! Our Social Media Manager, Miriam, got the chance to read to some cute first graders at Parker Elementary School this week (pictured below), and she had a blast!

And while reading with children is an awesome way to promote literacy, you can always set an example by making reading a part of your own life! Here at PledgeCents, reading is an important part of how we learn. Co-Founder Ricky even started a book club (Ricky's Book Club), and now he and Social Media Manager Miriam read the same books at the same time so they can discuss them! Have you thought about starting a book club for your friends or coworkers? If Oprah does it, then it must be cool!

So this month, find a way to promote literacy in your own life and the lives of others. Once September ends, be sure to keep up the efforts. Reading takes your places, so why not go somewhere and take others with you?!