“Literacy is the cornerstone of lifelong learning!” This phrase is commonly used as part of media campaigns and programs aimed at improving literacy. However, I’m not sure why this phrase is so popular. Although memorable, it’s not always effective in making people act. As human beings, I believe we usually need urgency to act. For example, I’ve known that working out is good for my health, but this was not enough this last year to make me go to the gym. Instead, it was stepping on a scale in my bathroom that made me realize I needed to do something different. (Why a scale in my bathroom? I should ask my wife, maybe it was a hint). What forced me to act was seeing those flashing numbers that highlighted the truth and foreshadowed potential health problems. Surprised and motivated, I made my New Year’s resolution to lose weight and I am now a new member of World’s Gym – wish me luck!

O.K. too much about me, let’s go back to the issue of education. In addition to the popular expression above, I think the following phrase should also be widely shared (get ready it’s going to be a long one): “Students that are not reading at grade level by 3^rd grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school—there is a 50% chance that if your child is in LAUSD,  he/she is reading below grade level.” It is clunky, long, and even depressing (a communication director’s nightmare), but I think it could be more effective in engaging all of us —parents, schools, and communities—to take action with a great sense of urgency. The reality is that too much is at stake for us to continue doing the same thing — especially for low-income communities. And don’t be misled; low-income communities care as much as you and I do about education. The problem is not about “caring enough;” it’s about the lack of critical information, educational options, resources, and support available to low-income communities. When provided with the right information, options, and support, I believe the majority of low-income families will react the same way you and I would.

So, fueled by this urgency to act, Families In Schools developed the Million Word Challenge. The campaign encourages preschool through 12^th grade students to read millions of words outside of school with support from their parents and community. As part of the campaign, we provide registered schools with parent-friendly information that they can share with families regarding the current literacy crisis in our communities, literacy milestones for students, and literacy tips for parents, and many more resources and tools. The student who reads the most at each school/or agency gets receives a voucher to buy books so they can start their own home library. The campaign is supported by dozens of foundations, corporations and community organizations interested in improving education in their communities.  This year, TARGET is our featured sponsor – THANK YOU!

This is only the beginning – just like my own resolution, joining the gym was only the first step.  But based on a strong partnership between schools, families and communities, I am certain that we will boost literacy rates. Please join us in achieving our New Year’s Resolution to create a legacy of avid readers and critical thinkers!

Oscar E. Cruz