How they are participating

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes the importance of early literacy, family engagement and school readiness in low income, high poverty pediatric exam rooms nationwide, including military bases. We give new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Reach Out and Read builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at 6 months of age. The more than 4 million families served annually by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed, with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills, and a six-month developmental edge over their peers. Families served by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, better prepared to achieve their potential.

Reach Out and Read will launch a media campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to promote #GivingTuesday. Interested volunteers will be able to adopt a clinic to provide new books. Volunteers can also adopt waiting rooms and donate displays, information, and books to create a literacy-rich environment. Where possible, volunteer readers engage the children, modeling for parents the pleasures - and techniques - of reading aloud.