Last night, I went to a speaking engagement and book signing by one of my all-time favorite authors, David Baldacci. The event was a fundraiser for "Friends of Literacy", a local non-profit organization that is seeking to eradicate adult illiteracy in Knox County. The goal of Friends of Literacy is " to provide funding and volunteers that support basic education and life-skill training to adult students, helping them to become better workers, parents and citizens". When I decided to attend the event, my main motivation was just to see David Baldacci speak and possibly get a book signed. I knew it was a benefit for "Friends of Literacy", but I didn't really know anything about the organization. At the beginning of the event, they played a video about "Friends of Literacy" and the work that they do. It was definitely an eye-opening thing to see. Here are some statistics on illiteracy in the United States:
- 42 million American adults can't read at all; 50 million are unable to read at a level higher than is expected of a fourth or fifth grader.
- The number of American adults that are classified as functionally illiterate increases by about 2.25 million each year.
- 20 percent of high school seniors can be classified as functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.
(Source: National Right to Read Foundation, 2007)
Reading these statistics made me think about something that I (and many of you) take for granted everyday....our basic ability to read. Imagine what your life would be like if you couldn't read the newspaper in the morning, read directions on a map, read the names on street or business signs. What if you couldn't read the directions on your prescription bottle or the warnings of possible side effects or drug interactions? How would you feel if you couldn't read the ingredients of your favorite recipes or read a letter written to you by someone you love? What if you went out to eat and couldn't read the choices on the menu, or couldn't get a job because you couldn't read the questions on the employment application? There are so many things that we read every single day without thinking or stopping to think about those who don't have the ability to do so. Without the ability to read, think about all the Facebook posts and tweets on Twitter you would have to miss....you wouldn't even be able to enjoy this blog! And...don't even get me started about all the adventures you would miss out on by not being able to read one of the greatest treasures found in this world...BOOKS!
As I said earlier, this event was a real eye-opener for me. It made me stop and realize how thankful I am for the ability to read and how I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the joys it can bring. Now I can say that I am a supporter of " Friends of Literacy" and the wonderful work they do. I hope you will stop and consider how thankful you are for your ability to read and remember those who taught you to do so.
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