Proclamation: Board declares September 8 as "International Literacy Day"

09/06/2013
Office of the County Commission P R O C L A M A T I O N INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY WHEREAS, There are over 774 million adults worldwide who lack the literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs or to actively participate in the education of their children; and it is estimated that more than 75 million children worldwide do not attend school and over 150,000 people in the state of Kansas over the age of 16 lack the ability to read or write. WHEREAS, Altrusa International, Inc., an organization of executive and professional women committed to community service, has pledged to work toward worldwide literacy; and WHEREAS, The community of Lawrence has residents of all ages, in every neighborhood, who are functionally illiterate; and WHEREAS, Altrusa International, Inc., of Lawrence is the underwriting sponsor of the River City Reading Festival. They have supported New York Elementary School with a large donation of books, as well as, volunteers for elementary reading companions. Altrusa has given books to Women's Transitional Care Services (WTCS) and First Step House, along with annual scholarships for women. They have provided large print books and subscriptions to Lawrence Senior Services, newspaper subscriptions to Health Care Access, and have implemented the ongoing Newborn Book Project at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and thereby encourage reading and the promotion of life-long literacy for the residents of Lawrence; NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, Kansas, do hereby proclaim September 8th, 2013 as "INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY" and urges all citizens of this community to continue working together in addressing literacy needs in Lawrence and Douglas County. ADOPTED this 4th day of September, 2013.

Related Links:
Douglas County Website - http://www.douglas-county.com

Media Contact:
Robin Crabtree, Executive Secretary
Administration Department
785-832-5268
rcrabtree@douglas-county.com