The official kick-off for Literacy Connects was held on October 1st in downtown Tucson. The rally celebrated the unprecedented steps taken by five literacy organizations to merge and create one strong voice to connect individuals, families, businesses and the community to dynamic literacy programs and services throughout Southern Arizona.
The Tucson Festival of Books presented check for $150,000 in support of Literacy Connects programs. Richard Elias, Pima County Supervisor, spoke of the power and importance of a thriving, literate Tucson. Clint Mabie, CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, told the story of how the Rally For Literacy was truly a tribute and the realization of the dream of the individual who left her estate to bettering our community through education and literacy. Other highlights of the event were performances by Stories That Soar, the big reveal of the new name and logo and an energetic, interactive Community Rhythm Jam led by Kenya Masala and ZaBoomBa!
Betty Stauffer, Executive Director of Literacy Connects, commented, “After extensive community input, we are excited to unveil our new name and logo. Literacy Connects recognizes that literacy is the common thread that connects us to friends, family, economic growth, job creation, and opportunities in our community.”
Will Creamer, Program Director for Reach Out and Read Southern Arizona, commented, “Our doctors and clinicians are excited to be a part of Literacy Connects. Last year, we distributed 65,000 books to over 43,000 children from birth to age five at their well checks. Now as a Literacy Connects program, we will be able to connect more children and families to literacy services and programs. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”
Elizabeth Campbell is Program Director for Reading Seed – a program of Literacy Connects. Campbell stated, “Literacy Connects is the leading resource dedicated to connecting teachers, schools, parents, businesses and people of all ages to programs and services that help everyone achieve their literacy goals.” Campbell continued, “Literacy Connects is about the community. Our new organization is proud to be leading the literacy movement to create a culture that celebrates and encourages learning from birth through adulthood.”
Sharon O’Brien, Program Director for Stories that Soar!, stated, “We recognize that literacy means many different things, including reading, writing and creative expression. We are one of the first literacy organizations in the country that recognizes the importance of inspiring young minds through imagination.”
Nancy Ledeboer, President of the Board of Directors for Literacy Connects, stated, “Literacy Connects is building on the success and passion of all five organizations. Working together, we are creating one powerful voice for literacy in order to do more. We encourage everyone in our community to take the literacy pledge, get connected and become part of the literacy movement!”
History
In 2007, the Tucson Regional Town Hall highlighted literacy as one of our community’s top priorities.
As a result of the Town Hall, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona launched the Literacy for Life Coalition bringing together government, nonprofit, business, media, funding, and educational organizations to inform, share, listen, learn and collaborate to increase our community’s literacy.
In July 2011, Literacy for Life Coalition, Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, Reach Out and Read Southern Arizona, Reading Seed, and Stories That Soar! voted to merge.
July-August 2011, the new organization conducted extensive research including focus groups, interviews with strategic partners, and an online survey, which was taken by nearly 700 people.
October 1, 2011, the new organization announced new name and logo at 1st Annual Rally for Literacy at Jacome Plaza in downtown Tucson.
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