"Improving literacy" becomes new resolution of CCW

by Ellen Nester

"Do as I say, not as I do" has always been an ineffective way of teaching. We as New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women members realize this so, in keeping with our emphasis on "Helping Children Read for Fun and Future, we encouraged all the women who attended the National Council of Catholic Women’s convention to do so by bringing a book for distribution. The ADCCW of St. Paul/Minneapolis then distributed the books throughout the Cities. At the just-completed 51st convention, the "Book Collection" resolution passed overwhelmingly. Now we are bringing that resolution to the Diocese of New Ulm and asking you to say yes to improving literacy.

It is commonly held knowledge that reading to children increases language and learning skills as well as sparks their interest in the world. As recently as 1998, 38% of the nation’s fourth graders read below the basic level. A need has been identified. This is another way we can help the Light of Christ to Shine!

This is a worthwhile project for your parish to plug into. Simply put out a call for books, establish a collection site, and deliver them to a needy area. These areas can be community Christmas drives, day-care centers, hospitals, shelters, pre-schools...anywhere that young children can be impacted. Education and empowerment are parts of our mission statement; a chance to become a reading-member of society compliments that goal.

Now is the time to combine words and action-encourage your parish participation in the "Reading for Fun and Future" program.