Representatives associated with United Way of McPherson County created a children’s book focused on volunteerism. The book included discussion questions that could be used by parents, caretakers, teachers and others to facilitate conversation about volunteerism and community service. Bookmarks highlighting local United Way progress provided a supplemental tool for all community members. Ultimately, the initiative was designed to encourage young students to read, to encourage individuals to volunteer and to improve county-wide relationships.
Second graders refined their reading skills by preparing “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” for readings with senior citizens, which included one-on-one conversations about lifetime volunteer opportunities.
McPherson High School students spent a day presenting the children’s book to elementary students and engaging them in activities to learn more about volunteerism.
Assessment: The concept for the “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative was inspired by research provided by Jenny Wiens, a first grade McPherson teacher. Her graduate project explored and demonstrated the ongoing need for literacy development tools for both children and their parents. Wiens’ research proved children need multiple, interactive and developmentally appropriate experiences to improve their literacy skills. She also noted conversations that elaborate on a story or a life experience will broaden the vocabulary of children. Wiens introduced a language development program to parents associated with Circles of McPherson County, a United Way partner agency addressing poverty. The curriculum included the 6 by 6 Ready to Read Program developed by Johnson County Library, Johnson County, Kansas, and used statewide by educators and librarians. United Way provided seed money and general support toward Wiens’ graduate project. The “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative program is an intentional step to complement her efforts.
Planning: The children’s book associated with the “Show You Care – VOLUNTEER” Reading Initiative was first distributed throughout McPherson County using community libraries, preschools and Kindergarten programs. Six libraries are located in McPherson County and provide varying levels of toddler time activities. All libraries committed to helping United Way and hosted a reading session during toddler time. Librarians facilitated conversation about volunteerism and community involvement, and FREE books were distributed to more than 100 children. Similar arrangements were made with county-wide preschools with more than 200 children from ten preschools receiving books. Distribution plans included county-wide Pre-K and Kindergarten programs, which reached families of all socio-economic situations and included both public and private educational institution. Books were also shared with the Milestones Ahead program, which was the inspiration for the project.
