Home > Out and About — A Wireside Chat > Archives > 2008 > January > 30
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Man on a Mission: The Case for Reading
Yes, I’m a man on a mission. It is a mission that I choose to accept. The mission is encouraging the pursuit of education and reading in our community.
In a larger sense, that is how we promote unity in the community: education and reading.
We had a wonderful turn out to our Book Review and Discussion about Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Bob Anne Senter and Barbara Cunningham did a fantastic job reviewing the book and answering questions. We also had a great teacher appreciation reception for the high school teachers that are participating in One Book, One Waco. We would like to personally thank the Waco-McLennan County Library, James Karney and the Baylor Library System for their support and for hosting the events.
Next, week at 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble we will have an event for high school students, and we will introduce them to the book.
So, why am I on a mission? Well, the stats are alarming, and the following information is taken from the National Endowment of the Arts:
Only 47% of adults read a work of literature. Literary reading has decreased at all educational levels - young adults are declining rapidly than the general population. And there are more interesting facts about reading that I will share periodically. I’ll save room for the next facts for you.
But, the answer is clear: no one reads like they used to. So, we have to do something to encourage reading while at the same time promoting education.
That’s why One Book, One Waco is important. It is a communitywide movement that will inspire many to pick up a book. It will inspire unity in the community. It will inspire making a difference. It will inspire an engaged community that is focused on reading and education.
It will inspire you to read. Period.
And that is my hope. That is why I’m the One Book, One Waco man. A man on a mission that I choose to accept. I feel like a presidential candidates who is running a campaign, but this campaign is not political. It is an educational mission, mixed with hope and unity.
So, what about you? Will you choose to help me? Will you promote reading and education?
Will you join the mission?
Take a look at the mission here and schedule of our events.
