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    Right To Read: 4 Advocacy Organizations With Resources To Fight Book Bans

    Jillian Gorry
     | Apr 07, 2025
    Teacher reading to elementary aged students

    Today, I find myself reflecting on Jodi Picoult’s bestselling novel Nineteen Minutes, a harrowing account of the moments leading up to a school shooting. It was among the top books banned during the U.S. 2023–2024 school year according to PEN America, and it contains a quote that I find very poignant: “If we don’t change the direction we are headed, we will end up where we are going.

    Book bans have already risen to unprecedented levels in recent years. Since 2021, PEN America has reported nearly 16,000 book bans in U.S. public schools nationwide—a number not seen since the Red Scare McCarthy era of the 1950s. By banning books, we are limiting access to stories that reflect a wide range of experiences and put young readers at a severe disadvantage. As a society, we all suffer under censorship.

    Preserving the freedom to read

    Right to Read Day marks a national effort led by Unite Against Book Bans to encourage readers, educators, and advocates to preserve access to literature for all. By mobilizing our communities, raising awareness, and providing advocacy tools, we can challenge restrictions on books in schools and libraries right now.

    Here are four organizations that can help support your involvement:

      1. 1.  Office for Intellectual Freedom: Part of the American Library Association, you can receive free consulting services, training materials, and even grants to bolster efforts combating book bans. 
        2.  Unite Against Book Bans: Our partners at Unite Against Book Bans offer actionable advocacy ideas to implement in your local community today, such as ways to support your local library, how to report a book ban, and ways to evaluate government candidates.
        3. PEN America: Providing research reports that clearly outline the dramatic rise in censorship, PEN America also offers guides on how to contact your state elected officials and what to say at public meetings.
        4. International Literacy Association (ILA): Here at ILA, we provide a Children’s Rights to Read toolkit specifically designed for teacher colleagues, librarians, families, and policymakers.

    Literacy is a fundamental human right, and access to books is essential for fostering lifelong learning, critical thinking, and empathy. By defending the right to read, we uphold global literacy efforts that empower individuals and communities. Whether you write to a legislator, attend an event, or share resources, every action contributes to a future where books remain accessible to all.

    Jillian Gorry is the managing editor for the International Literacy Association.

    Today, I find myself reflecting on Jodi Picoult’s bestselling novel Nineteen Minutes, a harrowing account of the moments leading up to a school shooting. It was among the top books banned during the U.S. 2023–2024 school year according to PEN...Read More
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    Support ILA's Children's Rights to Read Initiative During Do More 24 Delaware

    ILA Staff
     | Mar 05, 2025

    domore24 delaware ad

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe is dedicated to ensuring that every child, everywhere, has access to the education, opportunities, and resources they need to become successful readers.

    To amplify this work, ILA is participating in Do More 24 Delaware, a 24-hour online fundraising event in our home state, from Thursday, March 6, 6:00 p.m. ET, to Friday, March 7, 6:00 p.m. ET. Proceeds will go to, among other things, ILA’s Children’s Rights to Read initiative.

    You can help us make an impact

    Financial donations of even $5 can make a difference in support of ILA’s mission, and sharing this opportunity with your network helps tremendously. Use the hashtag #DoMore24DE and #RightsToRead on social media to encourage others to participate.

    Visit our campaign page to donate, to share information via social media, or to create your own fundraising page that benefits ILA.

    Maximize your donation: Power hours and prize opportunities

    During designated “Power Hours,” bonus funding opportunities are unlocked:

    • 6:00 PM ET: Greater Giving Opening Prize: First 20 nonprofits with 25 unique donations each win $500.
    • 8:00 PM ET: Make It Count Power Hour: Nonprofits with most unique donations win $250.
    • 10:00 PM ET: Countdown to Midnight Power Hour: Random nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 12:00 a.m. ET: Midnight Madness Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 3:00 a.m. ET: Magic Hour: First 10 nonprofits with a donation win $100.
    • 6:00 a.m. ET: Rise and Shine Delaware Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 8:00 a.m. ET: Rush Hour Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 9:00 a.m. ET: Coffee Break: Top 4 nonprofits by unique donations win $500.
    • 11:00 a.m. ET: Lunch Time Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 1:00 p.m. ET: Live United Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with 5+ unique donations win $250.
    • 3:00 p.m. ET: The (302) Power Hour: Top 5 nonprofits by unique donations win $250.
    • 5:00 p.m. ET: Zoom to the Finish: Top 3 nonprofits by funds raised win $1,000.

    Consider donating during a Power Hour to potentially extend the reach of your generosity.

    Additionally, participation in prize categories, such as the donation received from the greatest distance from Delaware (we think we have a good chance at this one!), provides further opportunities to support ILA's Children's Rights to Read.

    For a comprehensive list of Power Hours and other prize opportunities, please visit the official Do More 24 Delaware website.

    By working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of children and ensure that literacy remains a fundamental right for all.

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe is dedicated to ensuring that every child, everywhere, has access to the education, opportunities, and...Read More
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    Spotlight on Wisconsin State Reading Association

    BY ILA STAFF
     | Oct 22, 2024

    Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA)

    Established: 1956
    wsra.org

    What they do

    LT422_WSRA_680w

    WSRA’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, and professional learning for implementing effective literacy practices, understanding the complex nature of literacy, honoring the unique needs of our diverse students, and engaging them to apply their literacies in meaningful ways in a changing world.

    Why they do it

    WSRA recognizes the complex nature of literacy and supports teachers as professional decision makers who use their expertise to meet the unique needs of the diverse populations they serve. WSRA believes that research grounds us and that professional learning and advocacy are key. As leaders, we are proud to provide the state with research and literacy practices that will significantly impact Wisconsin students’ literacy lives.

    Who can join

    Educators who support our mission and beliefs are invited to join WSRA in building a literacy network that foregrounds productive practices and literacy learning for educators that enable Wisconsin students to reach their full potential.

    Ways to get involved

    Members can participate in our statewide local councils, leadership committees, and advocacy efforts, including building relationships with legislators.

    Highlights from recent events

    2024 WSRA Conference: Our most recent conference was held in downtown Milwaukee. Sessions focused on a wide variety of topics and issues, such as equity and diversity, literacy practices, and research, to enhance and deepen the understanding and practices of educators. A panel presentation, “Teaching: A Profession in Crisis,” included literacy experts Peter Afflerbach, Laura Handsfield, George Hruby, Patrick Harris, Tiera McMurtry, and Kathryn Champeau.

    WSRA Leadership Retreats: WSRA provides council leaders and committee members opportunities to learn from experts across the state and nation regarding topics and issues that are essential for literacy leaders. Recent speakers have included Christina Brey of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, researcher Elena Aydarova, Lori Menning of the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education, and researchers Andrew Johnson and Peter Johnston.

    Local Council Virtual Professional Development Series: During the 2023–2024 council year, WSRA local councils teamed up from across the state to host a virtual professional development series. Each month, council members had an opportunity to interact with literacy experts from across the country with topics including comprehension strategies, student engagement, literacy coaching, and reading research. The local councils are continuing the professional development series for the 2024–2025 year.

    Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) Established: 1956 wsra.org What they do WSRA’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, and professional learning for implementing effective literacy practices, understanding the complex nature of...Read More
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    ILA Partners With Smartbrief to Launch Weekly Newsletter

    By ILA Staff
     | Sep 11, 2024

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today a new weekly newsletter in partnership with SmartBrief: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief. Debuting today, the newsletter aims to be a vital resource for literacy professionals worldwide, providing curated content on the latest developments in literacy education and research.

    The mission of ILA—a professional membership organization for literacy educators, researchers and advocates across 128 countries—is to connect research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. Among the top priorities of the organization’s strategic plan is to provide more low-cost and free resources to educators around the world.

    This partnership with SmartBrief represents a significant step in fulfilling both that promise and the ILA mission.

    ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning is a free resource designed to keep literacy educators, researchers, and advocates informed about the most critical news and trends in literacy education. The newsletter will feature expertly curated content from a variety of news sources on global literacy news, advocacy efforts, research-based instruction, inclusive teaching and learning, and literacy leadership news, in addition to the latest updates from ILA.

    “We are so pleased to be partnering with SmartBrief on our Literacy Teaching & Learning newsletter,” said ILA Executive Director Nicola Wedderburn. “Our team has long been a fan of the SmartBrief format, and we’re excited to offer this new, convenient way to help our audience stay informed on what’s happening in the field.”

    SmartBrief is the leading digital media publisher of targeted business news and insights by industry. They leverage technology and editorial expertise to curate and deliver the most relevant industry news in partnership with leading trade associations, professional societies, nonprofits, and corporations.

    Anyone interested in subscribing to stay up to date on the latest in research and practice can sign up for free at: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today a new weekly newsletter in partnership with SmartBrief: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief. Debuting today, the newsletter aims to be a vital resource for literacy professionals...Read More
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    International Literacy Association Releases 2024 Edition of Children’s Rights to Read Advocacy Manual

    By ILA Staff
     | Sep 09, 2024

    In recognition of International Literacy Day, the International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today the next phase of its Children’s Rights to Read campaign, an initiative that continues ILA’s mission of promoting equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice.

    Children’s Rights to Read—which advocates for every child, everywhere, to have access to the education, opportunities and resources they need to read and be successful—was first launched in 2018. The list of 10 rights, including the right to diverse texts that offer opportunities for students to see authentic versions of themselves and others and the right to extended time set aside for reading, has been translated into 16 languages and has inspired similar campaigns around the world (such as the European Declaration of Digital Literacy as a Basic Right of Children).

    Childrens-Rights-to-Read-Advocacy-Manual This new phase—anchored by a 2024 edition of ILA’s Advocating for Children’s Rights to Read manual—aims to reignite global engagement with an emphasis on small-scale advocacy efforts. The manual provides actionable strategies for a range of audiences—everyone from classroom teachers and reading specialists to librarians and policymakers. The included “Take Action” planning templates encourage literacy partners at all levels to look at what steps they can take to become even more effective advocates for children’s rights in their communities.

    “The Children’s Rights to Read initiative underscores our commitment to literacy as a fundamental human right and also empowers communities to take meaningful action in support of every child’s right to read,” said J. Helen Perkins, president of ILA’s Board of Directors and professor emerita of literacy at University of Memphis in Tennessee. “I am deeply committed to strengthening ILA's advocacy efforts, and the Children’s Rights to Read campaign is a perfect example of how we can make a significant impact.”

    In addition to the manual, ILA has reintroduced a pledge to support Children’s Rights to Read, inviting educators, policymakers, literacy advocates, and community members to reaffirm their commitment to the 10 fundamental rights. To expand the campaign’s reach, signers are also invited to take the pledge and manual directly into their schools, communities and professional networks. Activating these signers as volunteers will play a crucial role in advocating for and protecting Children’s Rights to Read at the grassroots level.

    “We are thrilled to bring new energy to our Children’s Rights to Read campaign,” said Nicola Wedderburn, executive director of ILA. “Literacy is the cornerstone not only of education but also of equity and social justice, and our renewed efforts will empower educators and advocates to work toward a world where every child can exercise their right to read.”

    To learn more about Children’s Rights to Read or how to get involved, visit: literacyworldwide.org/rightstoread 

    In recognition of International Literacy Day, the International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today the next phase of its Children’s Rights to Read campaign, an initiative that continues ILA’s mission of promoting equitable access to...Read More
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