Reading Is Fundamental - Help Save The RIF Program
I’ve always loved reading. I think reading is one of the most important things that a child can learn to do. That saying “reading is fundamental”? It’s true. Without the ability to read everything is limited - education, career and even financial matters. Everyone should learn how to read.
I recently learned that President Obama’s 2011 proposed budget cuts funding for Reading is Fundamental - RIF is a longtime kids’ program that provides free books to millions of kids. RIF receives 80% of its funding from the government. Without federal funding, more than 4.4 million children and families will not receive free books or reading encouragement from RIF programs.
Currently, the organization is rallying parents, educators and the community with a ‘write your politician campaign’ on the internet - already thousands have offered their support. If you’d like to support this effort just go to http://www.rif.org and sign your name - that’s it!
The following is a statement from Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO, of Reading Is Fundamental:
“On February 1, President Obama released his proposed FY2011 budget which eliminates the funding for Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and its nationwide services. Without this federal funding, over 4.4 million children and families will not receive free books or reading encouragement from RIF programs at nearly 17,000 locations throughout the U.S.
“Unless Congress reinstates $25 million in funding for this program, RIF will not be able to distribute 15 million books annually to the nation’s children at greatest risk for academic failure. RIF programs in schools, community centers, hospitals, military bases, and other locations serving children from low-income families, children with disabilities, homeless children, and children without adequate access to libraries. The Inexpensive Book Distribution program is authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (SEC.5451 Inexpensive Book Distribution Program for Reading Motivation) and is not funded through earmarks. It has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interruption since 1975.
“Since its founding in 1966, RIF has played a critical role in improving literacy in this country by providing new, free books for children to keep and build home libraries. Access to books and the power of choice ignite children’s hunger for knowledge and a passion for learning. In addition, research has shown that children who have more access to books not only perform better academically, but also become productive individuals whose contributions help create strong communities. On behalf of RIF and its network of over 400,000 volunteers nationwide, I urge all Americans to contact their congressional representatives and ask them to reinstate funding for this vital program.”
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4.4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at www.rif.org.
