What if you couldn't read? You wouldn't be reading this right now, which means it would be harder to stay connected to something you truly care about. You wouldn't really even be able to access the Internet – no Google, no Facebook, no Wikipedia. And certainly no e-mail.
What kind of job could you hold if you couldn't read? How would you navigate street signs or a ballot? Could you be sure you had the right prescription and were taking the proper dosage and were aware of possible side effects and drug interactions? What if that prescription were for your child?
How would you feel if you couldn't read to your child? What if you WERE a child? How would you manage at school? Could you tell what was written on the board? Could you get through your homework? Would you know Harry Potter or Anne of Green Gables or Max and his Wild Things?
I'm sure you know where I'm going with this – 'tis the season for giving. And it's true that now more than ever, Rock For Reading needs you. Maybe you think you can't give enough to make a difference, but think about this: Our president-elect made history based on small contributions from people just like you. And in only four years, people just like you have helped us raise more than $1 million in cash and book donations.
So please, take a moment right now to put a check in the mail (addressed to Rock For Reading, 516 North Ogden Ave., Ste. 260, Chicago, IL 60622) or stop by our
online donation page. Did I mention that a donation makes a great gift for your pro-literacy loved ones and business associates? Consider it mentioned. And if you absolutely, positively cannot spare a cent right now, we'll be happy to take it out of you in sweat! To volunteer, click here.
Once you're done with that, come on back to hear about Rock For Reading 2008: A Concert For Literacy; An Evening With Alice Peacock; impeccably deserving grantees Book Worm Angels, the Cabrini-Green Tutoring Program and Casa Juan Diego; and what R4R board member Brad Moore is learning from penguins.
Very best (and happiest of holidays),
Alice Peacock
R4R Happenings
Rock For Reading 2008: A Concert For Literacy
Rock For Reading surely lived up to its name Nov. 22 at the 2008 Concert For Literacy. Not only did co-headliners Steve Earle (pictured at left with his wife, singer-songwriter Allison Moorer) and Tom Morello, aka The Nightwatchman (pictured below left), storm the Vic Theatre with some righteous rock, but more than $25,000 was raised for reading.
Earle sang his songs of love and loss with characteristic emotional intensity, while Morello's anthemic "One Man Revolution," among other pointed numbers, reminded the audience of the historic political event that had recently transpired. There was more than a note of optimism in the air, but these contemporary protest singers also acknowledged the enormous task that lies ahead. There is, in fact, much left to do in the struggle against injustice – and the fight for universal literacy. Still, though the message may be serious, the messengers sure know how to have a good time and their freewheeling energy touched everyone in the room.
We can't thank Steve Earle, Allison Moorer and Tom Morello (and their spectacular management teams) enough for their commitment to Rock For Reading and for making this magical night a reality. They seemed larger than life onstage but showed us just how down to earth they are by taking time to hobnob with the R4R faithful.
Our most heartfelt gratitude also goes to 2008 Concert For Literacy sponsors Hershey's Bliss (mmm ... chocolate) and the Career Education Corporation. Thank you as well to R4R advisory board member Norm Winer, program director at WXRT (we're proud to say the show was an official 93XRT event), whose heroic efforts cannot be overstated.
In addition to all the memories we made that night, we walked away with a pretty cool souvenir, the limited-edition letterpress-printed poster above. This commemorative art work, designed and printed by Meredith R. Winer of the Chicago Artists' Coalition, happens to make a terrific gift. You can pick one up at the Rock For Reading
for a mere $25.
Rock For Reading Benefit: An Evening With Alice Peacock
The 2008 Concert For Literacy was a hard act to follow, but our fearless leader (that's her onstage at left) delivered the goods last Saturday at her own benefit show. As many of you know, Alice has a new album coming out (more about "Love Remains" in the next R4R Reader), and the diehard devotees and fans-in-the-making assembled at the S.P.A.C.E. space in Evanston that cold and snowy night were treated to a preview. The evening brought in thousands of dollars for Rock For Reading, which, along with Alice's always-engaging presence, warmed the winter chill and spread good cheer throughout.
2008 Grantee Shout-Outs
Having glimpsed the literacy do-gooders of Sit, Stay, Read; Literacy Works; and Bread For The Head in our last issue, let us now train our scope on ...
Book Worm Angels is Chicago's only literacy program providing in-classroom lending libraries to public elementary schools where the majority of students read below grade level (that's founder Kermit Myers at left presenting Book Worm Angels' millionth book). Founded in 1999, this 501(c)(3) supplies about 6,000 books to approximately 150 schools averaging 600 students each. These children rarely see anyone reading for enjoyment. Many of them view reading as work – worse yet, school work. Book Worm Angels helps kids discover the fun in reading. Among the group's requirements is that principals send a letter home to parents asking them to turn off the DVD/CD players, radio and TV, and read with their children for 20-30 minutes a day. Acknowledging the centrality of the community to its mission (particularly in its support of book drives), Book Worm Angels recognizes the invaluable contributions of not only principals, teachers and literacy instructors but also volunteers, families, civic organizations like Scouting and Rotary clubs, and other local literacy groups.
For more than 40 years, the Cabrini-Green Tutoring Program has been dedicated to creating instructional programs that promote life skills and self-esteem as well as academic achievement. One-on-one tutoring (that's second grader John B. at left with his tutor Dawn) is offered to more than 200 students in grades one through six, roughly 70% of whom live in or around the Cabrini-Green housing project; students are bussed from the Cabrini-Green Row Houses, Schiller School and Marshall Garden Apartments. Weekly, early-evening sessions ensure a safe, stable learning environment. Launched by Montgomery Ward employees and operated out of the Montgomery Ward space for 33 years, the nonprofit today is based at the St. Vincent de Paul Center, one of the largest single-site child-care facilities in Chicago (a significant portion of the student population comes directly from its After School Program). The Cabrini-Green Tutoring Program is highly regarded for its breadth of offerings, which include field trips, special guest readers, essay and poetry contests, technology curriculum, health and wellness education, spelling bees and a graduation ceremony.
The youth center of St. Pius V parish, Casa Juan Diego is primarily a gathering place for Latino students, most from immigrant families in which Spanish is the primary language. It was created in 1996 in response to residents' desire to improve educational opportunities for their children and offer an alternative to gang life. Six days a week, Casa Juan Diego provides academic support and development in personal and social skills to young people ages six to 18. Approximately 100 students participate daily, with roughly 135 families taking part on a yearly basis. The organization's outreach spans homework assistance, computer training, college prep, structured recreation and cultural activities. Casa Juan Diego is also recognized for its Parents Council, which is actively involved in evaluating, planning and executing the organization's programs. This prepares parents to become active and responsible citizens of the larger community and increases the likelihood that they will pass these values on to their children.
What The Cool Kids Are Reading
As General Manager of RedEye, Brad Moore is cooler than cool, a designation that's only enhanced by his role as a member of the Rock For Reading board of directors. What's he had his nose in? "Our Iceberg Is Melting," by John Kotter.
"This book is about a group of penguins who realize their home is being threatened by global warming," Brad explains, "and that they must work together quickly to save themselves. I love it because it forces you to think about things differently, and it helps break down the human-nature barriers that can block innovative thinking. While the book was primarily designed for professional use, there are equally as many personal life lessons to be learned from these penguins."
In Other News
We know the suspense has been killing you, and now it can be told: Tom Walsh of Appleton, Wisconsin, was the first person to e-mail us to say, "Why, yes, R4R Reader, I do know why Wyoming is called 'The Equality State.'" As Tom informed, Wyoming is so nicknamed because it was the first state to allow women to vote, a full 30 years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Go, Wyoming! For his trouble Tom received a CD single of Alice Peacock's joyous and jazzy "Might As Well Have Fun While You're At It." Watch this space for YOUR chance to win.
Rock For Reading Link-O-Rama
Want to get involved? Let your fingers do the walking.
What if you couldn't read? You wouldn't be reading this right now, which means it would be harder to stay connected to something you truly care about. You wouldn't really even be able to access the Internet – no Google, no Facebook, no Wikipedia. And certainly no e-mail.
Rock For Reading surely lived up to its name Nov. 22 at the 2008 Concert For Literacy. Not only did co-headliners Steve Earle (pictured at left with his wife, singer-songwriter Allison Moorer) and Tom Morello, aka The Nightwatchman (pictured below left), storm the Vic Theatre with some righteous rock, but more than $25,000 was raised for reading.
We can't thank Steve Earle, Allison Moorer and Tom Morello (and their spectacular management teams) enough for their commitment to Rock For Reading and for making this magical night a reality. They seemed larger than life onstage but showed us just how down to earth they are by taking time to hobnob with the R4R faithful.
The 2008 Concert For Literacy was a hard act to follow, but our fearless leader (that's her onstage at left) delivered the goods last Saturday at her own benefit show. As many of you know, Alice has a new album coming out (more about "Love Remains" in the next R4R Reader), and the diehard devotees and fans-in-the-making assembled at the S.P.A.C.E. space in Evanston that cold and snowy night were treated to a preview. The evening brought in thousands of dollars for Rock For Reading, which, along with Alice's always-engaging presence, warmed the winter chill and spread good cheer throughout.
For more than 40 years, the 
The youth center of St. Pius V parish, 
As General Manager of