William Flores, a.k.a. WillFlo, is a multi-talented Salvadorian American organizer, event planner, published poet, aspiring author, and founder of the , an arts organization based in LA. He’s also serving as an AmeriCorps member with Reading Partners as the first senior literacy lead in Los Angeles.

Will has had an amazing life, from his roots in South Central LA to beginning his service term last year in the same area where he grew up. We’re honored that he chose to serve with AmeriCorps and lend his life experience to the students in LA. We decided to ask him a few questions about how he ended up here, what he does as an AmeriCorps member, and what he plans to do next.

What were you doing before you joined AmeriCorps at Reading Partners?

In 2021, I graduated from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College with an associate of arts degree in community planning and economic development. From 2020 to 2023, I was working on a project called the as the director of community engagement. As part of my work, we installed eleven murals that reflected the voice of the South Central LA community. It was my job to ensure South Central LA’s community and voice were well represented.��

This project overlapped with my initial half-service term with Reading Partners in 2023 and the beginning of my full-time service term in 2024.��

Why did you decide to serve? 

During the last year of working on the Green Alley Network project, we had already exhausted the funds that I was relying on for income, so I needed to find a new way to make money fast. I also was going through a tough time fighting my way out of homelessness.

I applied to many different places, but Reading Partners LA was the most responsive and quickest to reply.��

I have worked with people from different backgrounds and identities from seniors to teens, but I had yet to work with kids. With Reading Partners, I had that opportunity, so I accepted the offer.�� 

I was blessed to be placed at Para Los Niños as they are close to and serve many families from my community of South Central. I love serving my community.��

What does your day-to-day look like as an AmeriCorps member?

I’m a senior literacy lead at Para Los Niños (my reading center), so my role has me conducting the in-person tutoring sessions Monday-Thursday. My day usually starts with set up and admin work before I pick up my first student.��

After we walk to the reading center together, I read a grade-level book to the student for 10 minutes before we go into the lesson. During the lesson, I walk the students through an easy-to-follow curriculum that our in-person volunteers also use.��

In the above video, I describe this portion of the lesson as us learning together. It’s been so long since I learned these literacy skills, so I relearn them myself as I tutor my students.��

I really enjoy the SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons as this helps us to learn ways to better handle challenges in life. I also really enjoy coaching them through the Student Read Aloud. This is where I listen closely and catch patterns of errors or difficulties that the student is having in their reading. I then correct them, give them advice, and make an individual reading plan that will help them in the future.

After 45 minutes, the session ends and I write my notes. Then, I get ready for my next student. I typically work with five students on their literacy skills each day.

What is your favorite part of AmeriCorps service?

My favorite part of AmeriCorps is by far the service days. A few times a year, all of the Reading Partners AmeriCorps members come together and serve our community at a different capacity with all hands on deck.

Has your time with AmeriCorps and Reading Partners impacted your future goals?

I was already working on my first book before coming to Reading Partners, but my experience here has really inspired me to make this dream come true. I hope to publish it before turning 40 in January 2025. You can follow my journey and find a link to my book when it comes out .

This book of poetry contains many poems written in four quatrains (16 bar verse) and made to flow with almost any four-count instrumental. Influenced by hip-hop, my writing tells a lyrical story about my life and my perception of it and is filled with positive and empowering messages that can help us through those tough times.

What do you plan to do after completing your service term? 

After my service term ends this summer, I hope to visit Japan and the Philippines, resting and working on another one of my projects: an organization I co-founded with Ken KJ Onoda-Song called which helps to bring art to communities that need it around the world.

APPLY FOR AMERICORPS

The post A life of service: How this AmeriCorps member came to serve the same community he grew up in appeared first on Reading Partners.

Our theme for this year’s Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) Heritage Month is “.” For this booklist, we selected twelve picture books celebrating a diverse group of leaders–athletes, engineers, members of Congress, physicists, singers, activists, and adventurers – who have one thing in common: they thrive on challenges. Many of the biographies in our list were written by authors who have a personal connection to the subjects of their books: Emeline Lee and Reem Faruqi wrote about their grandparents, Simran Jeet Singh wrote about a fellow Sikh, Christina Soontornvat about a fellow Thai, Dawn Bohulano Mabalon about a fellow Filipino, and so on. This goes to show that the spirit of innovation lasts only as long as the generations who pass it down. We hope these stories inspire you and your young readers to do the same.

Bonnie’s Rocket by Emeline Lee, illustrated by Alina Chau

is a heartwarming story about an aspiring engineer and her Baba, Lau Tung Kwan, who was himself an engineer for NASA’s Apollo 11 space mission – and the author’s grandfather. In the book Bonnie builds her own model rocket while her father, several states away, designs the life-support systems in the Apollo 11 Lunar Module. Through handwritten letters, Baba becomes Bonnie’s cheerleader, boosting her confidence and reminding her that hard work always pays off. After the successful Apollo 11 mission that sent the first astronauts to the moon, Baba goes home in time for the launch of Bonnie’s own handmade rocket.

Building a Dream by Darshana Khiani, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

takes us to the fishing village of Koh Panyee, which is built on stilts off the coast of southern Thailand. This is the true story of a group of boys who had a simple dream: to have a place to play soccer. But in their floating village, grass and sand were in short supply, so together the boys gathered tools, wood scraps, and old barrels to build their own soccer pitch. For weeks they worked tirelessly until they finished their floating wooden pitch. The challenges of practicing on a swaying pitch helped them develop better footing, balance, and ball control. And even though the boys lost their first game, in the eyes of their community, they were already champions.

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura

brings to life the legacy of Patsy Mink, the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress. In the 1940s Patsy wanted to go to medical school, but she was rejected by all 12 colleges she applied to simply for being a woman. She went to law school instead, eventually becoming the first Congresswoman from �Ჹ�ɲ���’i. While in Congress she championed Title IX, the civil rights law prohibiting gender discrimination. As a result, Patsy opened doors for women to participate in education, sports, and other institutions from which they, like her, have been previously excluded. Patsy’s life is a true testament of the Japanese proverb: fall down seven times, stand up eight. With tremendous resilience, she faced every adversity and never gave up.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh, illustrated by Baljinder Kaur

is all about perseverance. Born with weak legs that “looked like sticks,” Fauja Singh did not take his first step until he was five years old. Yet that first step was all he needed. Step after step, year after year, he grew stronger and more determined. He got married, started a family, and reminded his children every morning: “Today is a chance to do your best.” At 81, Fauja left his village in Punjab to join his family in England, where running became a way for him to connect with his new home. At 89, he ran his first marathon in London. He has since completed over 160 marathons, becoming the first 100-year-old to run the 26.2-mile distance. A true inspiration, Fauja Singh is especially beloved by runners, people with disabilities, and the Sikh community.

Journey for Justice by Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta, illustrated by Andre Sibayan

is the first biography written about an unsung hero who worked alongside Cesar Chavez. As the assistant director of the United Farm Workers, Larry Itliong led the fight for higher wages and safer working conditions for Mexican and Filipino farmworkers. The book introduces us to young Larry and his journey as a Filipino farmworker and union rights leader. After experiencing racism and struggling to make a living wage, he became an organizer for the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC). In 1965 he led thousands of Filipino farmworkers in a strike against grape growers in Delano, CA, an event that caught the attention of Cesar Chavez. Larry then traveled all over the nation as an advocate for farmworkers, not to mention a pillar of the Filipino community.

A Life of Service by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

follows Senator Duckworth through her early life in southeast Asia. Her father worked as an American aid worker, and Tammy often accompanied him to camps in Cambodia. When her family moved to the United States, they endured hardship and lived on public assistance. With her family on the verge of homelessness, Tammy found work by selling flowers on the curbside. She studied hard and eventually became a helicopter pilot for the National Guard. While on active duty in Iraq, she suffered a devastating injury that left her with both legs amputated. During her recovery, she helped other veterans get health care by negotiating with elected officials. She ran for the House in 2012 and became the first woman with a disability to be elected. She was also the first member of Congress to be born in Thailand and the first senator to give birth while in office. Senator Duckworth is a true survivor, her commitment to service an inspiration to all Americans.

Milloo’s Mind by Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

begins with a reader. “When she read, her thoughts danced, her mind breathed, and her heart hummed,” writes author Reem Faruqi in this story about her own grandmother Maryam, founder of the Happy Home Schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Milloo’s Mind recounts Maryam’s journey as an inquisitive young girl who, in the 1930s, was told to “stay home like other girls.” Instead, she defied expectations and graduated at the top of her class. She became a teacher, her first classroom taking up space in the house she shared with her husband. Maryam spent the rest of her life building schools, inspiring thousands of girls to pursue their love of learning.

Momo & Uncle Yeti by Sibani Karki, illustrated by Oleg Goncharov

breathes life into the popular Nepali dish, momo, and the mythical Himalayan ape, yeti. In this magical world, Uncle Yeti has an enormous appetite. His search for delicious international cuisines takes him to New York City. Momo, who has been scaling the snow-capped Himalayas, gets a postcard from Uncle Yeti saying he was lost in New York. Flying from Kathmandu to the JFK Airport, little Momo is the author’s representation of her own experience of moving to the United States, meeting people from all over the world. As we follow Momo on a journey to retrace Uncle Yeti’s footsteps, the city itself becomes a character with its hustling, bustling energy.

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa

celebrates a young Polynesian girl’s first adventure through her hometown in �Ჹ�ɲ���’i. Using her grandmother’s magic sunglasses, Punky goes on a solo mission to get “the best butter on the island” for Grandma’s famous banana bread. Along the way she meets several characters in need of her help: a pig dragging mangoes to her piglets, a bee collecting pollen for her hive, and a young boy crying from a scraped knee. Punky’s definition of aloha – “Be helpful. Be giving. Be brave.” – is her compass as she skateboards through her bite-sized journey of self-discovery.

Queen of Physics by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang

is about the “First Lady of Physics.” Wu Chien Shiung was born in China in 1912, and her parents supported her education by opening the first girls’ school in their hometown. She excelled in science and moved to California to study physics at UC Berkeley, where she experienced discrimination in the form of sexism and racism. She overcame these barriers by conducting groundbreaking experiments in nuclear and particle physics. Despite being rejected for the Nobel Prize three times, she continued her work in beta decay and became the first woman president of the American Physical Society.

She Sang for India by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Shreya Gupta

tells the story of the first Indian musician to sing at the United Nations. Born in 1916, Subbulakshmi grew up in a time when girls and women were “not free to sing everywhere,” prohibited from performing in most public places. With hope, determination, and grit, Subbulakshmi set out to change the hearts and minds of her neighbors, then her countrymen, then people all over the world. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who invited her to sing at protests, Subbulakshmi dedicated her life – and her voice – to freedom, justice, and social change.

We Are Here by Naomi Hirahara, illustrated by Illi Ferandez

is a labor of love. Detailing the lives of 30 trailblazers in the AAPINH community, each mini-biography is a testament to courage, curiosity, and creativity. This anthology includes profiles of famous celebrities like Dwayne Johnson, Bruno Mars, and Keanu Reeves, as well as: Arab-American writer Etel Ednan, transgender swimmer Schuyler Bailar, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, and indigenous poet Craig Santos Perez. As Theodore Gonzalves put it in the book’s foreword: we are here, and we are everywhere.

“No one is powerless when we come together. No one can make us invisible when we demand to be seen.”

– Amanda Nguyen, founder and CEO of

If you’d like to purchase any of these books, we recommend doing so either through the author’s website or through , a certified B-Corp that donates a portion of each sale to independent bookstores around the country.

The post Booklist celebrating innovators in the AAPINH community appeared first on Reading Partners.

Reading Partners champions literacy as a transformative tool in the lives of children because it is fundamental to improving their capacity to learn both in and out of the classroom. Literacy also serves as a building block for children to learn empathy, interpersonal understanding, and vital critical thinking skills that will help them well into adulthood. In an age of media saturation, with both children and adults spending more and more time online, these critical thinking skills are one of the most important skills relevant to media literacy.��

What is media literacy?

Media literacy that help people, not just youth, analyze the content of media messages that they receive and send. It ensures that each of us is not a passive consumer, but rather, an active one, using tools to question the things that we are told or see throughout our media consumption. Without media literacy, you wouldn’t understand how to fact-check a piece of content or be able to distinguish between credible news and biased content. It helps you recognize an author’s intent, recognize abstract concepts such as determining the role of media in our culture, and even helps you understand differing perspectives on complex topics such as politics.

How you consume media, however, is only one part of the equation. Media literacy also helps us create our own content responsibly. This could be something as small as sending your friend a meme you made in a direct message or something that holds as much weight as a hard-hitting exposé written for the New York Times.��

Media literacy skills help us realize that our words carry weight, rid our creations of bias, and even recognize our own point of view. It would be an understatement to call media literacy a necessary tool to navigate the modern-day world—when we are surrounded by media at a rate like never before, this type of literacy is essential to understanding and interacting with the world around us.

The traditional media of previous generations, such as television, radio, and newspapers, were historically the gatekeepers of news—these entities decided who created news and what was deemed newsworthy to share with audiences. The digital age has brought the gift of content creation to everyone, yet one thing remains the same: media, whether created by CNN or a 16-year old on TikTok, is still being created by a person. It is, therefore, to ask how and why that piece of content was created, consider the author’s or organization’s goals in creation, and assess the client’s level of authority and impact through this lens.��

Changing sentiments

Media literacy is a subject that has historically been neglected in the American school system.�� A by Media Literacy Now found that nearly half of adults ages 19 to 81 did not learn media literacy skills in high school. The average age of respondents was 41.��

The tides are changing, however. Whether it be because of the proliferation of AI, shifting modern sentiments, the 24-hour news cycle, or a newfound interest from legislators and early childhood professionals about the impacts of screen time, the subject of media literacy is finally being brought into the classroom curriculum.��

Journalism and its importance to democracy

With the Maryland Primary Elections this month, it is especially important for all citizens to be media literate so that they can be conscious of any misinformation, propaganda, or fake news they encounter throughout the election cycle. Developing media literacy skills is crucial to interpreting the reliability of different sources, which fosters informed decision-making and encourages participation in democratic processes.

To become an informed citizen throughout the election season, it’s important to go out of your way to have a healthy “news diet.” A news diet refers to the diversity, quality, and legitimacy of the news you consume and how you consume it.��

Social media algorithms often only serve us content, whether that’s advertisements or articles, that align with our current political beliefs. This practice can become a never-ending cycle of affirmation, or an “echo chamber,” preventing you from truly being informed about issues from all sides. It is important to seek out opposing viewpoints from time to time so that you can look at your own beliefs more objectively.

Attention-grabbing, clickbait-inspired headlines also play a part. These headlines may not accurately represent a legitimate opinion or the content of the piece, but rather, focus on what will drive the most traffic to that content’s site. It is important to recognize the business side of journalism and not fall victim to bad actors who are trying to elicit strong emotions, and therefore, clicks, over quality content. Having a good news diet means being cognizant of your relationship with the news, knowing the role of the news, knowing how to determine what is credible and what is fraudulent, and being brave enough to seek out different opinions that will make you question your own beliefs.��

Techniques to practice media literacy

, of the News Literacy Project, is a nonpartisan education nonprofit focused on improving news literacy throughout American society, creating better informed, more engaged, and more empowered citizens. When consuming your “news diet” throughout the election cycle and beyond, try these five techniques to discover misinformation and analyze news through a media literacy lens:��

• Check to see if something is authentic or not. Can you find any other organizations or blogs covering this same piece of news? News organizations are quick to cover newsworthy topics. If a piece of news is credible, it’s safe to say that piece would be covered by a bevy of different sources.��
• Verify if something has been posted or corroborated by a credible source. Does the author or sources throughout the content have a proven track record of fair and honest reporting? Are they a part of a larger network, or are they an independent journalist? Standards-based news organizations to ensure the accuracy, fairness, transparency and accountability of their content. While these organizations are not perfect, these regulations can offer a baseline level of credibility over other, more independent sources.��
• Look to see if there is evidence that can be used to back up what is being claimed. Is the piece using evidence that is being taken out of context? Does what is being claimed have any evidence at all? Double-check linked sources to determine their legitimacy or what biases might be present. Fabricating or having a lack of sources can be a telltale sign of fake news.
• Determine if a piece’s context is accurate. Is a particular event or photo being taken out of context? Use reverse image search to find out the original date and context of when a photo was taken. An aerial photo of a crowd of passionate sports fans celebrating their team’s win years ago could be spun as a political protest that happened yesterday, for example. Context is everything.��
• Ask yourself if the post is being made using solid reasoning. Check for logical fallacies and other errors in reasoning that are often used in place of actual evidence. For example, the slippery slope fallacy, alludes to a small action inevitably leading to a chain of larger, unfounded reactions. “If the U.S. were to lower the voting age to 16, then 15-year-olds will be wanting to vote too! Then eventually, we’ll have to let babies vote!?”

Incorporating techniques such as these will help shield you from bad actors or media made with the intent to deceive or confuse you. Those who are media literate will realize when they are being fed news that reinforces one opinion or confirms their preexisting doubts, and won’t completely write off other news sources solely because the outlet published a piece they did not agree with. Please keep in mind though, that none of these techniques on their own is a silver bullet to determine whether a news source is credible or not. Rather, these techniques should all be used in combination with each other to ensure your time spent consuming news media is well spent. Without media literacy, you may find yourself believing something that was taken completely out of context, especially during the highly sensationalized political election cycle.��

Conclusion

Preparing children to navigate the internet by themselves and teaching them how to be conscious, deliberate users is essential for empowering well-informed future voters and citizens. But, media literacy isn’t just an issue for future voters. All of us need to practice this essential form of literacy to consume the whirlwind media cycle through a critical eye.

The post The importance of media literacy appeared first on Reading Partners.

Let’s explore how important access to inclusive literacy is for all children and the challenges presented. By understanding the topic, we can take impactful steps for positive change.��

What is inclusive literacy?

Inclusive literacy education ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, can see themselves in the books they read and have access to the support and resources they need to succeed.��

Because many students learn differently and at different paces, one way to ensure literacy education is inclusive is to offer individualized support to students. This may include using assistive technology, more one-on-one time, and additional time to complete tasks.��

Why is inclusive literacy important?

Reading and writing allow us to communicate, express, and understand the world around us. For students with disabilities, literacy is incredibly important; it helps them find ways to interpret their own world.��

When children learn to read, their confidence soars. And with confidence comes an increase in their ability to communicate with their peers, teachers, and family.��

It also allows them to self-advocate as they continue to learn what literacy is the best approach to it. A boost from self-esteem naturally improves a child’s ability to converse and express themselves in both individual and group settings.

Children with disabilities learn to advocate for themselves as they develop literacy. When they don’t see children or adults similar to themselves, they can feel unrepresented and ‘different” from their peers. Learning to read with characters that relate to them is a great way to provide role models and comfort. If you’re looking for these kinds of characters, check out this from the NY Public Library filled with stories that embrace disability and difference.

There are many benefits to providing an inclusive learning environment. The best news is that many are immediate benefits of approaching strategy differently. Let’s talk about them so we can bridge the gap and create a better learning environment.��

Assisted methods for inclusive literacy

For some kids, their journey to literacy proficiency might require additional tools to assist them in the learning process. It’s similar to how learning may require individualized attention for some while others can pick it up from video demonstration.

To best support children with disabilities and implement an inclusive literacy environment, here are some  approaches educators and families can take.

Individualized attention

Children with or without disabilities are all . When it comes to inclusive literacy, it’s important to address the child’s current reading level and abilities, as well as what roadblocks they may be experiencing when learning.

For example, a child who may be on the spectrum with autism can benefit from more individualized attention, dependent on their needs. For some children with disabilities, group settings can be triggering and less controllable. A trusted professional can manage this much better in an individualized setting.��

This can take time to develop a plan because learning and observing how the child approaches literacy is important. To discover patterns, be sure to give the child enough runway before providing an immediate correction.

Assistive technology

Technology has continued to develop in our fast-paced society. One of the benefits of technology is that it has made reading and writing more inclusive for everybody. One popular method is text-to-speech. This tool is incredibly important for those who have a hard time spelling.

However, those with dyslexia and who are learning to read can appreciate that most web pages now offer a . By hearing text read aloud, these students can access the same educational content as their peers, which helps in creating an inclusive learning environment.

Every child has a unique learning style. Some children are auditory learners and understand content better when they hear it. Text-to-speech can cater to these learning preferences, thus aiding comprehension and retention of information from early on.��

Extra time

Learning may take a little bit longer for some kids with disabilities. Being aware of how these students are progressing can clue educators and families in to situations where they may need to enourage their learner to take more time to complete tasks. By taking the pressure off of their student and creating a more welcoming, relaxed environment, that student may be more likely to feel comfortable while they learn. And when students feel included and encourgaed, they’re more likely to develop key literacy skills that will help them succeed in school and beyond.��

Small improvements add up

If you’re wanting to create a more inclusive learning environment, there’s no need for a complete program overhaul. Small adjustments can go a long way in improving a classroom or educational space and making it more comfortable for children with disabilities. Here are a few ideas:

1. Build your classroom around the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensuring that teaching methods, materials, and assessments are accessible and effective for all students, regardless of their learning abilities. This approach would include flexible learning environments where students can choose how they learn best, whether through visual aids, auditory lessons, or hands-on activities.
2. Equip your classroom with state-of-the-art assistive technology, including text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and digital texts with adjustable fonts and colors to cater to the diverse needs of students.��
3. Ensure the evaluation of student learning is multifaceted, moving beyond traditional tests to include portfolios, presentations, and project-based assignments. These assessments would allow students to demonstrate their understanding in ways that best suit their learning styles and abilities.
4. Focus on social and emotional learning, helping students develop the skills necessary to navigate the world confidently and compassionately. This would include teaching empathy, resilience, and communication skills as integral parts of the curriculum.

The focus always comes back to providing an environment where one child can get as far as another with their literacy despite what challenges they may face. Whether you are an educator, a volunteer, or a family member, consider this information when working with kids.

The post Bridging the gap: Supporting students with disabilities in accessing inclusive literacy opportunities appeared first on Reading Partners.

That thought came up when I shadowed a literacy tutor during her session at a local elementary school for Reading Partners. I started my internship in late March of this year and even after only volunteering a few weeks, I’ve learned that there are endless benefits to donating your time.

Why is volunteering so important?

The U.S Census Bureau and AmeriCorps researched this question and . In their research, they discovered that those who formally volunteered contributed to over 4.1 billion hours of service which had an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion.�� 

With every opportunity comes many benefits – and volunteering is no exception. Volunteering can help more than just your community, in fact, it has been proven to support many aspects of your personal life as well.��

Helping others and creating bonds

Volunteering allows you to support others in times of need. While you’re donating your time, you can have the power to bring your community together and form deep connections with those you surround yourself with.��

In fact, Reading Partners recently published a blog discussing the positive impact volunteering has on creating a sense of community and helping individuals feel less lonely. In the blog, you can find more information on the loneliness epidemic and learn more about how volunteering can combat it.

Professional and personal outcomes

Volunteering can help you build leadership skills and allow you to take action on matters you care about. You’ll also have the chance to advance your career or discover passions related to it by volunteering in sectors aligning with your interests. Depending on where you volunteer, you can evolve multiple new skills such as communication and decision-making, both of which will aid your professional development.

Improving your physical and mental health

examined data from 70,000 subjects based on their volunteer habits and mental health in the United Kingdom. The study found that those who volunteered within the past year were more satisfied with their lives and felt their overall health improved compared to those who didn’t. They concluded that volunteering can even help your physical and mental health.

The one question I ask you now is, “How do you want to make a difference in your community?”

Why I chose to get involved with Reading Partners

One of the biggest reasons why I chose to volunteer at Reading Partners is because I realized that I wanted to make a difference in my community by helping children learn how to read. Reading is the foundation of all future learning, so once kids unlock their literacy skills, a whole world of knowledge soon follows. However, access to literacy support and resources varies widely among students in the U.S.

In fact, found that 60 percent of students at a few high-poverty schools are behind in their reading. They also found that Black and Hispanic students, those who are from economically disadvantaged communities, as well as those with disabilities have fallen the most behind in their reading skills by no fault of their own. Volunteering with kids has made me realize how important it is for everyone to read. Whether you choose to get involved with a literacy cause like me, or another cause near to your heart, getting started is easier than you think.

How can you start?

There are countless volunteering opportunities within any community. But one way you can start is by researching what’s available near you. If you’re interested in helping kids in literacy like me, you can see if Reading Partners is currently in your community and get involved today! However, no matter how you decide to donate your time, you’ll always be able to make a difference.

The next time I went back to the local elementary school to shadow a Reading Partners tutor, I was able to see the same student move on to learn the rest of the alphabet’s pronunciation. This inspired me to sit down with the students and read a book with them. This opportunity has made me realize that I love to volunteer because I get to discover what I’m passionate about, as well as possibly help someone in need. Knowing I’m able to impact someone’s life so positively has left an amazing impact on me that I know will last a lifetime.

The post How volunteering for a semester changed my life appeared first on Reading Partners.

My journey to AmeriCorps at Reading Partners

Going into my senior year of college, I had accepted a return offer from a consulting firm I had interned for that summer. I was so excited! It wasn’t my dream job by any means, but I liked the people I worked with, it paid well, and it was in a city I liked (Minneapolis, Minnesota – one of the Twin Cities). And, it meant I could focus on fully enjoying my senior year instead of job searching. The firm let us choose one of two start dates: summer or fall of 2023. Wanting a longer break between my graduation in May and what I thought would be the start of a long career in corporate America, I selected the fall date.��

Then came the mass layoffs throughout the technology industry. They had overhired during the pandemic, and amid inflation, high interest rates, and people returning to work in-person, were looking to cut costs. Consulting firms were impacted as well. Companies across industries were reducing their spending, and a great way to do that was to stop paying the high cost of hiring consultants.��

Mostly unfazed and with my job still intact, I graduated from college and commenced my summer travels. About halfway through June, my company notified me that my start date had been pushed back to March of 2024. Knowing I couldn’t sit around and wait until March to start working, and even then couldn’t count on starting in March, I started looking for other opportunities.��

One day, I received a message on Handshake, my university’s career site, that piqued my interest. It read, “We’re a national non-profit that’s tackling the literacy crisis in our nation’s elementary schools…[and] we are currently recruiting for paid AmeriCorps members to join our Fall 2023 cohort.” The message was from an AmeriCorps recruiter, and I was interested for a few reasons. One, I had always been passionate about community service and giving back to others. Two, beginning my senior year, I became unenthusiastic about traditional applications of industrial engineering (more on that later) and was considering applying my skills in the education industry. Plus, logistically, it was in the same city as my consulting job and was a shorter time commitment than PeaceCorps service terms.��

I met with the recruiter that had messaged me and scheduled an interview. Everyone I met with was extremely kind and mission-driven; I could tell the culture of the organization would be a great fit. Because the service term ran through June 2024, I (ironically) would have to ask my consulting firm to delay my start date. They were polite but inflexible, and a couple weeks after I accepted the AmeriCorps offer, actually ended up rescinding all other offers in my cohort. Just like that, I was a future AmeriCorps member.

The ins and outs of industrial engineering (IE) and how it led to me to education

I think most people think industrial engineers work in construction, which is fair. I didn’t know what industrial engineering was before I started college either. I like to say industrial engineers design processes and systems that work for people. Or, for a more technical definition, we work at the intersection of people, process, and technology, often using data to drive our decisions (which happens to be one of Reading Partners’ values). It’s hands-on in a different way than most engineering disciplines. Have you ever been in a situation, like waiting in a long line somewhere, or using an overly confusing website, in which you thought, “This would be so much better if…” or “This would be so much easier to use if…?” Those are the kinds of projects IEs work on. It’s continuous improvement on steroids.

Typical applications of industrial engineering include manufacturing processes, healthcare systems, and even more broadly, business processes, which is why many IEs go into consulting. I have done internships in both manufacturing and consulting, and while I liked both, I realized my senior year that neither is what I want to do for my career. Hence, my search for more non-traditional applications of IE, like education. If you’re curious or would like more examples, Purdue University has a of industrial engineering.

The Reading Partners Twin Cities team

My day-to-day as an AmeriCorps member

As a Reading Partners program coordinator, I manage the day-to-day operations of the reading center at New Millennium Academy, one of Minneapolis’ Hmong charter schools. I support tutors as they work one on one with students, track student progress and assign interventions, enter student data, occasionally tutor students, and coordinate with teachers about scheduling conflicts.��

My favorite part of my job by far is forming connections with the students. I’ve also enjoyed learning about the science behind how students learn to read, as well as how to build student comprehension. My engineering background has helped me use data to identify areas for improvement, both for students and for Reading Partners overall. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my position and am glad I got the opportunity to gain work experience in a K-12 environment. It has affected my outlook on the education industry and my ideas about what I hope to do in my career.

Our education system needs more engineering experts

Engineers are essentially problem-solvers. In our degree, we learn a set of tools to solve complex problems. America’s education system is certainly complex, and most people would agree it is a system that could at least use some improvements. Remember when I said industrial engineers use data to design processes and systems in a way that works for people? I want to examine and/or collect data about which aspects of our education system aren’t working, and collaborate with education thought leaders to develop better ways of operating, to achieve better outcomes for our youth. I may not be as knowledgeable as others on current education policies and practices, but it fascinates me and I’m constantly learning.��

One day I may end up in graduate school, working in education administration, education consulting, or being an executive director for an education nonprofit…the possibilities are almost endless. The IE toolbox I have contains tools that will be useful in education: data analysis, statistics, process mapping, continuous improvement, and human factors, to name a few. Other technical degrees also have tools that would be useful. People with backgrounds in computer science, math, chemistry, medical fields, etc. have gained skills that can be applied to improving our education system. I recently read a brilliant book, , by Mark Seidenberg, that details the intersection of phonics, cognitive science, neuroscience, and machine learning. He discusses how schools of education and science could work together to craft science-backed reading curriculums that would improve student reading scores across the country.��

The education of our K-12 students should be one of our nation’s top, if not the top, priority. It is paramount for our youth’s development as informed and socially responsible citizens. The industry needs people from all backgrounds with strong critical thinking skills and diverse skill sets to tackle the problems it currently faces. Even if on the surface it seems like your background has nothing to do with education, I encourage you to think about how you can apply the tools in your toolbox to education, and even if people wonder daily why you’re doing the job you are, I promise you that if education is your passion, your talent and perspective is needed and you belong.��

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However, it is important to acknowledge that Baltimore’s history also includes practices that went against the ideals of Douglass and Tubman—policies birthed here that negatively impacted generations of minority communities in the city and nationwide. Baltimore activists are especially aware of this, deeming Baltimore to be a “Tale of Two Cities.” One’s experience living in Baltimore varies widely depending on various socioeconomic factors—many of which can be connected to redlining, which has plagued our city for decades.

What is redlining?

The term “redlining” has come to mean racial discrimination of any kind in housing, but it government maps that outlined areas where Black residents lived and therefore were deemed risky investments. It is said that in Baltimore in 1911, a Black Yale graduate purchased a home in a predominately all-white neighborhood, and the Baltimore City government responded by adopting a residential segregation ordinance, limiting Black residents to only live in newly designated areas.

, the Mayor of Baltimore at the time, about the ordinance’s enactment: “Blacks should be quarantined in isolated slums in order to reduce the incidence of civil disturbance, to prevent the spread of communicable disease into the nearby White neighborhoods, and to protect property values among the White majority.” 

The history of redlining

Redlining is an especially sensitive topic here in Maryland. Ordinance 610, Baltimore’s first piece of legislation defining this housing discrimination, has retroactively been seen as the first example of redlining. Though not coined as a term until sociologist John McKnight in the 1960s, redlining in Baltimore served as an outline for states nationwide to adopt similar practices throughout the 1930s and on. Mayor Mahool, his many successors, and those trying to pass similar ordinances in other states made it clear that redlining was a purposeful initiative made to oppress Black citizens by keeping them isolated in predefined communities, destroying the potential property values of where they were made to live. In many ways, redlining was another way of enforcing segregation throughout cities.��

Amidst the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to bring economic relief to millions of Americans through a collection of federal programs and projects called the “New Deal.” This came with the enactment of the National Housing Act of 1934, which aimed to make mortgages more accessible and affordable to lower-income individuals. It is also known as the birthplace of the 30-year mortgage.��

Making the housing market more accessible to exponentially more people forced the US government to determine a method to gauge the risk level of awarding mortgages. The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation was tasked with creating residential security maps that would help banks determine where and to whom it was safest to award loans. Areas that were colored in “green” or “blue” generally consisted of businessmen and white-collar families, residents that were considered safe to loan to. “Yellow” or “red” (hence the term redlining) areas were generally comprised of working-class people, low-class whites, foreigners, and Black people, and were deemed riskier, unsafe investments for home loans.��

Photo by

The modern-day consequences of redlining in Baltimore

Despite redlining seemingly ending with the passage of the in 1986, its repeal did very little to revert the inequalities created. The U.S. government did nothing to allocate funds or heighten the property values of the previously neglected Black communities, or even help equalize them to their White counterparts. White communities continued to benefit from decades of previous investments, accruing more and more wealth, while Black communities continued to be deprived.

A “Tale of Two Cities,” or Baltimore as a divided city, is a phenomenon that Morgan State University professor as the “Black Butterfly” and “White L.” White neighborhoods, usually placed in close proximity to well-funded cultural institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, geographically form an “L” shape throughout the city. This proximity to resources helped specific neighborhoods accumulate structural advantages. Predominantly Black neighborhoods, on the other hand, form the shape of a butterfly’s wings on either side of the “White L,” and lack these structural advantages.

Individuals living in historically redlined areas are much more likely to be severely impacted by a host of economic disparities relating but not limited to environmental health hazards, police brutality, and access to public and free transit. In Baltimore, for example, Black citizens died at a throughout the Covid-19 pandemic compared to white residents. The murder of Freddie Gray in 2015 served as yet another example of over-policing among historically redlined areas. And Baltimore’s free Charm City Circulator shuttles only travel through areas concentrated within the “White L”, forcing those in the “Black Butterfly” to find other means of travel or pay for public transportation.

Correlation does not equal causation

It is undeniable that the consequences of racist and discriminatory practices such as redlining have prevented millions of people from marginalized communities from having or attaining the same privileges as those raised in more affluent areas. Statistics such as median household income, unemployment rate, and incarceration rate illustrate the impact of these disadvantages.

However, correlation does not equal causation. When considering these statistics, we must also analyze the impact of historically racist and discriminatory practices and how they affect those communities today. Despite the Fair Housing Act being enacted in 1986, it did very little to revert the inequalities created by redlining. People in historically redlined areas, like in Baltimore, are still and , while areas that have historically been marked as “green” or “blue” continue to reap the socio-economic benefits of their communities never having been disrupted.

If we look at statistics like median household income, unemployment rate, and incarceration rate without the context of redlining, our findings would likely be clouded with bias and prejudice, boxing in minority communities to play into stereotypes.

Baltimore may have been the birthplace of redlining, but it doesn’t mean cities across the US also don’t experience the generational effects of its impact. There are also people and organizations working to lessen these gaps in Baltimore and similar cities. Reading Partners works to shed light on the racist and anti-Black policies that have penetrated our education system, and give students equitable learning opportunities so that they are able to succeed in spite of deeply ingrained educational obstacles. If you’re ready to join our mission, sign up to volunteer now.

Banner image: Photo by

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Across the diverse landscape of the United States, the living allowance for Reading Partners AmeriCorps members varies from region to region. From the bustling streets of New York City to the hilly landscape of Seattle, AmeriCorps members navigate a financial terrain shaped by local economies and housing markets. Now, let’s take a closer look at how these figures stack up across different regions:

• New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley: $28,100.16*
• Seattle, Washington DC, Los Angeles: $25,800.06*
• Baltimore, Colorado, North Texas, Twin Cities: $23,850.42*
• South Carolina, Tulsa: $22,100.10*

*Please note, these living allowances are reflective of the total amount received by full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024.

While the living allowance forms the backbone of AmeriCorps members’ financial resources, Reading Partners also extends additional benefits to support their well-being and alleviate financial burdens. These supplementary benefits, ranging from healthcare coverage to professional development opportunities, play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience and ensuring the welfare of members. Here are some of the key benefits that accompany the living allowance:

• $500.00 Mid-Year Bonus*
• $3,000.00 End-of-Year Bonus*
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (at no monthly cost to the member)*
• Public Transportation Reimbursement at $127/month for 10-months*
• (available to qualified, active full-time members)*
• of $6,895.00*
  • Members serving in California may be eligible for the California for All award, which increases the total education award amount to $10,000*

*Please note, these benefits are only applicable to full-time members who serve from August/September 2023 to June/July 2024.��

So, how are AmeriCorps members budgeting their living allowance and benefits? Let’s look at 4 budgets created by AmeriCorps members serving full-time with Reading Partners during the 2023/24 school year (total living allowances for the 23/24 school year are less than living allowances for the 24/25 school year):��

, Created by Capricia Melgoza (she/her), program coordinator with Reading Partners Silicon Valley

Capricia Melgoza is a program coordinator with Reading Partners Silicon Valley. Here’s how she breaks down her $28,100.16 living allowance. Capricia is able to keep her “home” expenses low by living with her family during her term of service.��

, Created by Herchelle Wright (she/her), program coordinator with Reading Partners Washington DC

Herchelle Wright is a program coordinator with Reading Partners Washington DC. Here’s how she breaks down her $25,800.06 living allowance. Herchelle is able to keep her “home” expenses low by living with her family, and contributing towards rent, during her service term.��

, Created by Clint Wilson (they/them), program coordinator with Reading Partners Colorado

Clint Wilson is a program coordinator with Reading Partners Colorado. Here’s how they break down their $23,850.42 living allowance.��

, Created by Joy Faris (she/her), literacy lead with Reading Partners Tulsa

Joy Faris is a literacy lead with Reading Partners Tulsa. Here’s how she breaks down her $22.100.10 living allowance. Joy is able to supplement her living allowance through child support and SNAP/EBT benefits.

If you’re inspired by the dedication Reading Partners AmeriCorps members show, and eager to make a difference in your community, consider . Reach out to a recruitment manager to learn more about how you can embark on a journey of service and personal growth. Your opportunity to make a meaningful impact awaits.

The post Thriving on a living allowance: Navigating finances as a Reading Partners AmeriCorps member appeared first on Reading Partners.

In April 2023, the U.S. and public health authorities recognized loneliness as a significant public health concern. The growing epidemic of loneliness is increasingly acknowledged for its profound impact on both mental and physical health. Studies and reports, including those from the HHS, have highlighted several critical aspects of this issue including its prevalence, health risk, social changes.

To address the loneliness epidemic, experts have suggested interventions such as social prescribing, community engagement initiatives, and policies aimed at increasing social connectedness. The goal is to build more resilient communities where individuals feel valued, supported, and connected.

Understanding the loneliness epidemic

Today, loneliness affects as many as one in four adults, and it can stem from the fact that many kids and adults have a hard time connecting with the physical world.�� In severe cases, it can be a mental health illness that can transition into other health disorders.

A revealed that people who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, especially if their motive for being on social media was to maintain contact with friends and family. The study found that “More time spent digesting other people’s happiness on social media may accelerate one’s own feelings of loneliness and distress, possibly fueled by envy.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) underscores the gravity of loneliness as a public health concern, likening its impact to well-established risk factors such as smoking and obesity (““). This comparison is echoed by research indicating that prolonged loneliness can significantly increase the risk of premature death, paralleling the mortality risk associated with smoking up to fifteen cigarettes a day ().

Volunteering: A path to connection and community

Feelings of loneliness stem from feeling disconnected to the community and world around you. So, to overcome those feelings of disconnection, one way to fight loneliness is to seek connection.��

Volunteering is one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself and others. It’s a physical act that provides many therapeutic and rewarding benefits.��

Giving back feels good

Volunteering is often said to be altruistic. And to a degree this is completely true. However, volunteering can be a great way to feel better about yourself. It feels good to give back to other people. Often, teamwork is required to accomplish a goal, whether it is raising money, building something physical, or collecting donations.

A great example of this is the Reading Partners program. Many volunteers who start tutoring end up having a long term partnership with a student and return year after year. This is true for even volunteers who plan to have a short-term commitment. Much of this has to do with the lasting impact that high-dosage tutoring has on children.

Volunteering requires a physical and mental presence

Volunteering doesn’t allow us to be on our phones wishing we were someone else. It typically requires us to be present and to show up for someone else. Whether you’re sitting with a student to help them boost their literacy skills, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, participating in a beach clean-up, or engaging in other forms of community service, you’re reaping all the benefits of being physically and mentally in a place where helping others is the goal.

Finding purpose in helping others

One of the most significant ways volunteering combats loneliness is through the sense of purpose it provides. Engaging in meaningful work that benefits others brings a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. It shifts the focus from one’s own struggles to the needs of others, creating a perspective that is both outward-looking and positive. This sense of purpose is instrumental in mitigating feelings of loneliness, as it reaffirms the individual’s value and impact in the world.

Expanding your worldview

Volunteering often provides a new perspective on the world. It can introduce us to new ideas, communities, and ways to be grateful for what we already have. When we practice gratitude, it can stave off feelings of loneliness and help you build a more enriching life.

Taking the first step into volunteering

For those seeking to feel more connected to their communities and avoid feelings of loneliness, volunteering offers a promising path. The first step is as simple as identifying a cause you’re passionate about and reaching out to local organizations in need of support.

With a wide range of opportunities available, from literacy tutoring to environmental advocacy to elder care, there’s a fit for every interest and skill set. A can help you visualize your week at a glance, identifying free time that can be dedicated to volunteering. By setting aside specific blocks of time for volunteer work, you ensure that these commitments are treated with the same importance as other appointments or responsibilities. This proactive approach prevents overbooking and ensures that you can dedicate your best self to the causes you care about.

By building resilience, encouraging mutual aid, fostering a culture of caring, addressing social needs, and strengthening the social fabric, volunteering lays the groundwork for more inclusive, supportive, and empowered communities. As individuals continue to give their time and talents, they contribute to a legacy of cooperation and compassion that will benefit generations to come.

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These are a few of the questions that , one of the world’s foremost historians and leading antiracist scholars, found himself avoiding in anticipation of the birth of his first child. Like many parents, parents-to-be, and caregivers, Kendi felt the initial reflex to avoid discussions of race with children out of fear of tainting their innocence or stealing away their joy.

, from the National Institutes of Health, shows us that children notice race at an early age, that kids “also observe and can understand injustices among people” (Lingras). However, the research also tells us that “not all caregivers discuss race, identity, and racism” (Lingras). More so, some avoid the topics altogether.��

This silence allows for stereotypes, biases, and racism to be reinforced. Thus, Kendi realized that to protect his child’s innocence and joy, he would need to raise her to be an antiracist, to actively have these conversations with her, and to lean into his own discomfort.��

So, where do you start? Children’s literature can serve as a powerful tool for initiating discussions on race in age-appropriate ways by presenting diverse characters and narratives that reflect the real world. Through engaging stories and relatable characters, children can explore different perspectives, develop empathy, and gain an understanding of the complexities of race and identity.��

By incorporating antiracist children’s literature into their reading routines, caregivers and educators can create safe spaces for dialogue, where children can ask questions, share their thoughts, and learn to challenge stereotypes. These stories not only foster a sense of belonging and inclusion but also empower children to become agents of change in creating a more equitable society.

Antiracist children’s books

The following are examples of children’s literature that Kendi highlights in his book, How to Raise an Antiracist, that can all be used to initiate these conversations with the children in your life (all of which can be found , on the Reading Partners’ Bookshop):��

• by Innosanto Nagara
• by Jason Reynolds
• by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
• by Brenda Child
• by Jaqueline Woodson
• by Minh Le
• by Joanna Ho
• by Loryn Brantz
• by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal
• by Kevin Noble Maillard
• by Matthew Cherry
• by Angie Thomas
• by bell hooks
• by Grace Byers
• by Susan Verde
• by Jessica Love
• Ibtihaj Muhammad
• by Andrea Wang
• by Carole Lindstrom
• by Cleo Wade

In conclusion, discussing race with children is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Literature serves as a gateway to initiate these conversations, providing children with valuable opportunities to explore diverse perspectives and challenge prejudices.��

By incorporating antiracist children’s literature into their reading experiences, parents, caregivers, and educators can empower children to embrace diversity, cultivate empathy, and become advocates for social justice from an early age. Together, through open dialogue and the power of storytelling, we can strive to build a future where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

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