On Thursday, May 15, Literature for Life will be hosting its second annual Read & Believe fundraising event in support of their Women with Words Reading Circles program. The event, held at Product Nightclub in Toronto will feature performances by Montreal’s internationally acclaimed DJ Jojoflores and Vancouver born 2013 Juno & 2014 Radio Music Awards double nominee Vita Chambers.
The Women with Words Reading Circles helps marginalized young moms throughout the GTA build literacy and learning skills with the help of trained facilitators.
Why is reading a priority for struggling mothers?
Program coordinator Teneile Warren recounts one of her first experiences with the Reading Circle. “There was one woman in the group who declared that she could not read. She refused to read out loud and barely participated. At the beginning of the circle, we get all the women to write an “I am” statement. Hers was full of negative descriptions: I am ugly, I am stupid, and I am a bad mother. By the end of the 16 week program, she was coming to the circle with notes, questions about the chapters we read, and one day to everyone’s surprise, she decided to read out loud! During our last class we get the women to write another “I am” statement, this time she wrote: I am a person who can read, I am a mother who will see her children go to college, I am beautiful.” She was so emotional reading those statements out loud, so I stood up and read it with her and we were both in tears; all of the women were in tears.”
A past participant, Huda Eldardiry, who overcame homelessness and abuse, understands the power of literacy skills for young mothers, and their children. “Books opened up the world to me, while helping me learn problem solving skills and how to adapt without losing myself,” she says. “My son mimics my relationship with books – he doesn’t understand all the benefits of reading, and that’s okay for now – they are there for him to grow into.”
Literature for Life understands increased literacy rates are not only beneficial to an individual, but to the economic growth of our communities. According to a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) a 1% increase in literacy levels could generate $18 billion dollars in economic growth in Canada each year.
“Read and Believe is clubbing for a cause,” says Lydia Parent, Communications and Operations Manager at Literature for Life. “It’s a fun night out that helps us build literacy skills and spread our message that reading improves lives.” Last year’s event raised $22,000, and this year Literature for Life’s goal is to double its proceeds to $45,000.
For the advanced ticket sale price of $30 attendees will be able to dance to the music of some of Canada’s top performers, and support Literature for Life’s programming.
Tickets for Read & Believe can be purchased online at literatureforlife.org/support/events until Tuesday, May 13 or for $40 upon entry on Thursday, May 15. The event kicks-off at 8:00 p.m. with a silent auction, and entertainment hits the stage at 10:00 p.m.
People can also support Literature for Life and their programming initiatives through donations, volunteering, or organizing their own event to help raise proceeds. Silent auction donations for Read & Believe are currently being accepted.
About Literature for Life
Literature for Life is committed to helping marginalized young moms develop a practice of reading in order to access opportunities and achieve economic stability. Through Women with Words, our weekly Reading Circle program, young moms meet with trained facilitators to read books that are relevant to their lives and engage in highly interactive discussions and writing tasks. As a result, young moms gain a renewed interest in reading and learning that is passed on to their children. To date, more than 2,200 moms have participated in our Reading Circles and more than 20,000 books have been distributed. To learn more about Literature for Life, visit us online at Literature for Life.
Teneile Warren will be on our show live tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific. Teniele will be talking about Literature for Life and the Read & Believe Fundraising Event
You can find out more about Literature for Life via:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com
Please feel free to “Like” the “The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook fan page at “The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook Fan Page
God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith,
Dr. Vibe
info@blackcanadianman.com
Producer of Google+ Hangouts – The Good Men Project
The Dr. Vibe Show At “The Good Men Project”
Dr. Vibe on HuffPost Live – August 2, 2013
2013 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best Podcast)
2012 Black Weblog Award Winner (Best International Blog)
2012 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best Podcast)
2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series)
Black Blog Of The Day – Black Bloggers Network – June 23, 2011
Twitter
Twitter hashtag: #DrVibe
The Dr. Vibe Show – iTunes
Dr. Vibe Media – You Tube
Google+
The Dr. Vibe Show – Stitcher Radio
“The Dr. Vibe Show” Facebook Fan Page
