World Read Aloud Day: Promoting Literacy throughout the World

Do you think there's a literacy problem in the United States? I didn't think so, until I got involved with LitWorld and their event World Read Aloud Day (WRAD). The statistics are surprising:

Illiteracy Statistics

• 42 million American adults can't read at all; 50 million are unable to read at a higher level that is expected of a fourth or fifth grader.
• The number of adults that are classified as functionally illiterate increases by about 2.25 million each year.
• 20 percent of high school seniors can be classified as being functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.

Source: National Right to Read Foundation

Where Illiteracy Leads

• 70 percent of prisoners in state and federal systems can be classified as illiterate.
• 85 percent of all juvenile offenders rate as functionally or marginally illiterate.
• 43 percent of those whose literacy skills are lowest live in poverty.

Source: National Institute for Literacy

There are so many ways you can get involved, donate, help. You can find programs through LitWorld or find information on starting your own program. You can also participate in a nearby WRAD event. In Chicago there are 3 events happening on Wednesday, March 9th.

Nili Yelin is coordinating three WRAD events in Chicago:

10:30am at Psychobaby
1630 N Damen Ave
psychobaby.net
Family Read Aloud Event

4:00pm at Little Beans Cafe
1809 W Webster Ave
littlebeanscafe.com 
Family Read Aloud Event

7:30pm at Book Cellar
4736 N Lincoln Ave
bookcellarinc.com
Mom and Dad's Favorite Picture Books Event

You can also get involved locally at Open Books, a nonprofit social venture that operates an extraordinary bookstore, provides community programs, and mobilizes passionate volunteers to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond.

Alexandra Gnoske is the Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth" and an Environmental Expert.

Behold the Power of Spring

What makes us long so much for Spring? Is it biology or chemistry? I think it's a bit of both and a little more.

Here in the Midwest it seems everyone starts getting a bit stir crazy when February rolls around. And that made me wonder what are we experiencing. Here are my ideas of why Spring is so powerful.

Oxygen
Obviously an essential to life on earth, oxygen is an element we can't live without. As Spring nears, plants emerge, leaves grow and more oxygen is produced. It's really just fresh air and whether or not you've been cooped up indoors all winter, there has been less oxygen produced in your immediate vicinity. Spring gives us that first breath of fresh air and it's stimulating.

Sun
During Winter there is a decline in sunlight from the tilt of the earth and in some cases more overcast skies. Once Spring arrives we have more daylight hours, more direct sunlight and are able to get an increase of that essential Vitamin D that boosts our immune system, strengthens our bones, and lightens our mood.

Movement
With all the fresh air and Vitamin D, we are inspired to move; whether walking, running, biking, hiking, most people tend to get out and get more physical exercise when Spring comes. It elevates our mood, decreases our waist size, and improves our health in numerous ways.

Connections
Now that you are happy, healthy, and running around, you are more likely to see your neighbors, your friends, and make new friends. As the most social animal on the planet, connecting to other human beings is essential to our overall health and wellness. Spring promotes our connections to each other.

Nature
As you make your way outdoors in the Spring it is only natural that you will hear birds chirping and see flowers blooming. If you are fortunate enough you may be able to enjoy lakes, oceans, parks or forests, depending on where you live. Nature provides us with a spiritual experience, connecting to the earth and creation. Getting out into nature is a very satisfying experience.

With all the good things in store, it's no wonder so many people are longing for Spring. If you want to enjoy the rest of the winter, read my previous post on The Winter Blues and experiencing a happier Winter. Until then, I'm enjoying Winter but looking forward to Spring.

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environment Expert, Green Business Owner, and Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth."

Organic Consumer Association finds Organic Elite Surrender to Monsanto

I'm not usually a political person, but after reading the Organic Consumer Associations article on Whole Foods and other organic elites bowing down to Monsanto and their Genetically Engineered alfalfa I feel compelled to share.

To read their article Click Here.