READING IS FUNDAMENTAL

This isn't a political blog, but this is worth noting regardless of political affiliations, so I'm making a brief exception.

Federal funding (about $26 million) for the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program has been cut out of the 2009 budget.

Reading is Fundamental is a non-profit organization, founded in 1966, that distributes free books and literacy materials to children in need and promotes reading for both children and families, organizes book festivals and more.

According to their site: "Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provides 4.5 million children with 16 million new, free books and literacy resources each year."

There is no benefit at any level to having an illiterate population, and the entire country only benefits by our children educated and reading. Information on getting involved is here.

-- Diana

Comments

[Chrysalis]

Hi Diana, I hope you don't mind that I'm contacting you via the Eos blog, but Kim said that this was the best way to reach you.

I love Harper Collins, and in particular, the Eos imprint, and I would love to one day be a part of the Eos team. Your marketing is amazing! Eos goes above and beyond other publishing houses and is very "current" in its advertising campaigns (LOVE the myspace giveaway idea). Because of that, I've started to buy books based on imprint rather than actual authors, lol.

At this point in my life, I'm not able to relocate to New York or San Fransisco, but I will be able to in a few years. In the meantime, I wanted to develop my skills as best I can.

Do you have any advice on what I should be doing in the meantime to prepare myself? I'd like to be as competitive as possible when I do apply, and any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I know you're very busy, and I understand if you won't be able to help, but I just thought I'd give it a shot. :)

Chrys
lldemosthenesll@gmail.com

[Chrysalis]

Thanks for posting that blog! I had no idea that RIF's funding was cut out of the budget.

I used to work as a leg aide for a State Representative and I'm sending him an email ASAP.

Based on the legislative calendar, it's a little too late for him to introduce legislation, but I'm hoping he can just schedule a couple of meetings with our Congressmen and discuss it behind the scenes, like most politics is handled.

Everyone should at least email. :) It only takes a couple of minutes and they made it very easy to send them out.