A book is more than an object on a shelf. It’s a gateway to new worlds, new insights and new opportunities in life. 

This is especially true for children. Kids who read proficiently by third grade are far more likely to graduate high school, pursue post-secondary education and land a rewarding career. That’s why United Way emphasizes early grade literacy as part of its education focus.

In Michigan, United Ways across the state are sharing best practices through United We Read, a partnership with the Michigan Association of United Ways. United We Read targets communities with vulnerable children to promote literacy and continued education. Not only does this help children improve their reading skills, it gives them a boost to becoming educated, productive citizens.

The heart of United We Read is unity; each of us can help inspire young people to read.

June 21 is United Way National Day of Action, an annual event inviting people to be actively involved in their community. In that light, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is encouraging people to promote literacy—through giving, advocating or volunteering.

Here are a few ways you can change a life by encouraging a child to read:

Volunteer for early grade reading programs: These efforts, which involve mentoring and family engagement as well as classroom instruction, have made a dramatic, positive impact on reading proficiency. Area programs include the Early Grade Reading Achievement Project at schools in Battle Creek and Galesburg-Augusta, Kalamazoo County Ready 4’s and the Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo. To volunteer for the Early Grade Reading Project, contact Maureen Slamer at slamerm@calhounisd.org or Jessica Hackworth at hackworj@calhounisd.org. To connect with the Learning Network, go to www.thelearningnetwork.org. 

Get involved in community reading programs: When adults are active readers, the children in their lives are likely to do the same. Battle Creek Reads, sponsored by Willard Library, and Reading Together, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Public Library, are community-wide book clubs in which participants read the same books and gather to discuss themes and impressions. Both programs hold special events, including author visits and social gatherings. Find out more at www.battlecreekreads.org and www.kpl.gov/reading-together/2014.

Connect through the business community: United 4 Change, a regional partnership of companies, educators, nonprofits and volunteers, focuses on efforts to support and inspire students, especially in early grade reading and career mentoring. Find out how to get involved at www.united-4-change.com. 

Advocate for literacy online: Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media to promote the importance of reading. Be sure to add #DayofAction to your post so more people know about the great work in our community.

Support literacy through United Way: Financial gifts to UWBCKR help support these and other programs promoting education and literacy. This year, UWBCKR is channeling more than $1.8 million into education programs throughout the region. Click here to find out how you can donate.