By Laura Thompson
Got a couple clicks to spare? Yes? Then I need your help.
You can help my nonprofit, Sistas in Business, put more books in the hands of kids, and give them the opportunity to celebrate their love of reading in the community. And helping is as easy as a few clicks. This may sound like a gimmick, but let me explain.
I work for Sistas in Business, a nonprofit partner of SA2020 that focuses on expanding literacy in San Antonio. Through a field trip-based “Read Aloud” program called Read & Lead, we help kids gain self-confidence and practice reading by visiting local businesses and encouraging each child to read aloud to the employees.
In early August, we entered a contest conducted by Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program for a chance to win a brand new Highlander for our Read & Lead program. We would use this car to distribute books to students in neighborhoods where students do not have books in their homes, and increase awareness about our program in the San Antonio community.
In order for us to win the vehicle, we have to receive public votes. Our voting date is TODAY: October 11. We have until 10:59pm. (You can vote here!)
We started off this school year with 67 pre-kinder to 5th graders from Cameron Elementary School travelling to TriniCakes Cupcakery in Lincoln Heights. One of the TriniCakes owners, Anna Foster, used to be a third grade teacher at Cameron Elementary. It’s such a gift to see the joy on the kids’ faces as they read proudly to supportive adults and their peers in the classroom. The students are always excited about travelling around the city showcasing their reading skills and love for reading.
Sistas in Business has been partnering with one elementary school, Cameron Elementary, for the past 8 years. The model that we have built, Read & Lead, has been expanded into 3 other schools this year: Gates Elementary, Booker T. Washington Elementary and King Academy.
We have partnered with three national organizations that have local chapters in San Antonio. All three organizations have an education component to fulfill. Our partnering organizations are Jack & Jill, Inc. San Antonio Chapter, 100 Black Men, Inc. San Antonio Chapter, and National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa San Antonio Chapter.
We believe that reading is the foundation to learning, and our goal is to spread the program and the message of its success to elementary school students all over the city. We want everyone involved in this movement to eliminate illiteracy in San Antonio by inviting schools throughout the city to adopt this field trip-based reading program that now serves four schools in the San Antonio Independent School District. Learn more about our organization at our website, or check us out on Facebook.
What’s so amazing about participating in the SA2020 movement is seeing the power of citizen involvement. Individual work can contribute to and is necessary to create a larger difference in our city, and today that work can be made with one click. Please vote now and help us help more kids!
