Keep travelling! Focus on 1996. Think about the youth in your life and on the roles you play in the community. With what organizations do the young people spend nonschool hours? Are they attending church youth activities, suiting up for sports, participating in leadership programs and service clubs, or hanging out at the rec center? Are you the scout leader, soccer coach, Boys and Girls Club staff member, or Big Brother or Sister volunteer? Where does reading fit into those plans? Where could you find a place for reading in the program?
Nonformal educators, those who work with youth in nonschool hours, have a tremendous opportunity to engage young adolescents in reading, to serve as reading role models, and to creatively link with schools and libraries to enrich programs and add depth young people's experiences. Program developers can use the tools the Middle Grades Reading Network has developed to find logical and exciting places for reading in their programs. The Network has also helped forge cooperative pathways among other Stakeholder groups and nonformal educators. I'd like to highlight these and hope that they will spark thoughts the about opportunities you have to promote reading.
Paperback book collection
This young adolescent book collection was priced competitively and was easy to acquire. More than 80 titles were included, guaranteed to appeal to a wide range of readers. All it took was $300 and a note to Kids Ink in Indianapolis.
Letters to service clubs
The Network contacted more than 2000 Indiana service clubs about buying a book collection for community youth organizations. Many agencies have started or expanded libraries. Consider asking local service clubs to fund a collection for you.
Program ideas
Nonformal educators compiled a brochure of activities for reading in out-of-school settings. Members of this Stakeholder group are available to help you discover ways to integrate reading into ongoing program activities. Call me at 317-924-3657 or 800-3437060 for information.
Youthworkers Under Cover
Youth-serving professionals in New Albany formed a book club two years ago. They report that the combination of fellowship and great books makes them strong reading role models. Form a book club among your colleagues.
Expanded networks
Youthworkers can find local resources in public libraries, schools, education service centers, college and university reading departments, and parent groups. These networks can result in shared planning, guidance on book selection, exciting program activities, staff training, purchasing power, and technical assistance. Assemble your own local resource network.
The journey continues as each youthworker finds reading pathways in programs, no matter where the program occurs or what one's role is in it. Create time and places to read, provide access to books, and share your own favorite books.