An OCF Northern Willamette Valley Regional Action Initiative in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties
The Northern Willamette Valley Regional Action Initiative Committee works to create communities in which children develop basic literacy skills before entering kindergarten; parents understand the central role of literacy in early child development; and citizens commit to supporting literacy programs.
To achieve this vision, the Committee is collaborating with the county Commissions on Children and Families to improve literacy in the tri-county region by promoting Reading for All!.
Reading for All!, which was originally developed by the Marion County Department of Children and Families, focuses on book distribution and increasing public awareness of literacy.
The Marion, Polk and Yamhill Commissions have hired three facilitators who are working to implement OCF’s Reading for All! initiative. The Committee is also creating local action teams to increase the Initiative's visibility in the region.
In July 2010, Reading for All! partnered with Comcast to create an online video that raises awareness of regional literacy efforts.
On August 24, 2010, the Committee hosted a Leadership Gathering to celebrate successful first-year outcomes for Reading for All!. Eighty-five people attended this gathering, which also introduced the new committee chair, Mike Blanchard. First-year accomplishments included:
- A countywide book drive with 98 collection sites, which collected more than 5,200 books
- Creation of the first Literacy Action Team in Newberg, comprising 12 members
- A National Literacy Month celebration in Newberg that drew approximately 350 people
- $279,110 in cash and in-kind support from volunteers, businesses and the Commissions on Children and Families
During this first year, OCF staff met with 30,899 community members, 15,253 students, 8,538 parents or caregivers and 1,310 volunteers, and worked with 89 school staff members.
In April 2011, Reading for All! entered into a partnership with Reading Tree to collect and distribute books in Yamhill County. Since 2007, Reading Tree has donated more than 1.7 million books to needy children across North America. Blue book-donation bins are available at various locations throughout the county.
From December 1 to 12, Reading for All! held its 2012 holiday book drive, the goal of which is to collect 12,000 books for distribution to children, youth and families in need. Thanks to the generous efforts of donors and volunteers, the drive dramatically exceeded its goal by collecting a total of 35,037 books.
As of January 2012, the Newberg Literacy Action Team is preparing a “Read with Me” packet that physicians can distribute to new parents at the one-year well baby visit. Each packet will include a board book, a Reading for All! brochure, an early literacy modeling DVD, local library information, a list of age-appropriate books, and other items that promote early childhood literacy.
Currently, the Committee is working on plans for sustainability. For frequently updated information on this Initiative, visit Reading for All!. You can also help promote literacy in the tri-county area by attending Reading for All! events and activities in your community.
To get involved or contact us
If you are interested in collaborating with OCF's Northern Willamette Valley Leadership Council, or learning more about the RAI, please contact Maureen Thomas, North Willamette Valley Regional Director: mthomas@oregoncf.org or 503.779.1927; or Melissa Durham, statewide RAI coordinator: mdurham@oregoncf.org or 503.227.6846.