You know you cannot stand with a lit cigarette in your hand and tell your child not to smoke. You cannot expect your child to read, and find pleasure in reading, if you do not read yourself. If you represent a youth or sports organization Because you are in the unique position of being able to connect reading to pleasurable activities, encourage the adults in your organization to use their power as role models to influence young people to read. Adult volunteers have a tremendous influence on young people, especially young people who may not have positive adult role models elsewhere in their lives. The simple act of a coach taking a team to the library will mean more to young people than any lecture on the benefits of reading.
Scout leaders can encourage writing as a pleasurable activity.
Work with your local librarian and plan a meeting or trip to the neighborhood or main library branch in your community. Give the young people you work with a chance to become givers and encourage them to start a book drive, become reading partners, or plan an literacy event for younger children. If you represent a business You have a vested interest in young people's literacy because young people who can read, write, and think critically and creatively will become skilled adult workers. Literate adults can also hold higher-paying jobs and have more money to spend as consumers of services and products. Literacy profits everyone.