Literacy First

Literacy Now
2020-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
A FORWARD-LOOKING CONVERSATION ABOUT THE CRITICAL ROLE OF EARLY LITERACY
An expert panel discussion on recovery efforts in the wake of COVID-19
and how, together, we are building bright futures for our students.
THIS EVENT TOOK PLACE ON MAY 20, 2020. CLICK HERE TO WATCH A RECORDING OF THE PANEL DISCUSSION ON YOUTUBE.

RSVP TO RECEIVE THE ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION FOR THIS WEBINAR
Technical difficulties with Zoom? Prefer to watch on a different platform?
Register here to watch the event live-streamed on YouTube.
FEATURING
Ellen Arnold Principal, Arnold Public Affairs & Literacy First Advisory Board Member
Ellen is principal and owner of Arnold Public Affairs where she represents nonprofit entities such as Texas PTA, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Goodwill Industries of Texas before the state legislature, assisting clients with their goals to pass legislation, obtain state appropriations, and influence or impact legislation that potentially affects their organizations. Ellen also serves on the Advisory Board of Literacy First. Prior to becoming a government affairs consultant in 2002, Ellen worked in the field of education for over 20 years, the last several as principal of Barton Creek Elementary School in Eanes ISD in Austin. During her tenure there Barton Creek applied for and received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award, presented by the United States Department of Education.

Helen Dunne Garcia, M.Ed Principal, Del Valle ISD
Helen is principal of Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, PK-5th Grade Campus in Del Valle ISD. Helen graduated from UT-Austin and has been in education for 17 years. She has worked in several districts with a focus on reading and math in both monolingual and bilingual settings. After serving as an assistant principal in both Austin and Pflugerville ISD, Helen joined DVISD in 2019. In addition to being a principal, Helen is the mother of two very energetic toddlers, Javi and Miguel. They spend a lot of free time outdoors and reading books, they keep her on her toes and active.
Ilza Garcia Administrative Supervisor of Dyslexia & Literacy, Austin ISD
Ilza is a biliterate educator, mother, writer and advocate who attended and taught in AISD schools. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Bilingual and Bicultural Education and serves as a Teacher Consultant for the Heart of Texas Writing Project. She serves as Administrative Supervisor of Dyslexia & Literacy in Austin ISD, as well as the chair of the AISD Dyslexia Support Committee and seeks to improve equitable learning experiences for students in AISD.
Mary Ellen Isaacs, Ph.D Director, Literacy First
Mary Ellen has nearly 25 years of experience with Literacy First, and four decades of experience working in the field of reading difficulties as a teacher, diagnostician and program coordinator. She has a deep knowledge of both research and best practices in reading acquisition, and brings this expertise to shaping and growing our highly effective early literacy intervention program. Mary Ellen believes that learning to read is the right of every child, and has dedicated her career to ensuring children learn to read well, so they can read to learn. Some of her best memories are of reading aloud to her daughter, and their favorites were Blueberries for Sal, and Miss Rumphius.

Virginia Potter Portfolio Director, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Virginia joined the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation in 2008, leading projects in California, Colorado, Cape Town, South Africa, and finally Central Texas. In the Central Texas community, she manages efforts to improve children’s ability to engage and perform effectively at school; to increase access to quality healthcare services for children and their families; to ensure the safety and wellbeing of abused or neglected children, and to provide gifts to organizations or projects that have the power to transform the Austin community. Prior to joining the Foundation in January 2008, Virginia served as director of product marketing with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Earlier in her career, she was a Spanish teacher at Lanier High School in Austin, Texas. Virginia has a bachelor’s in Spanish and linguistics from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration in global business from Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

Moderated by Marisol Foster Executive Director, Webber Family Foundation
Marisol is Executive Director of the Webber Family Foundation, a charitable organization that focuses on closing the achievement gap in academics and the arts. Since 2008, Marisol has managed the Foundation’s grants portfolio in both Washington, DC and Austin, TX. She holds a B.A. in both English and Spanish from the University of Texas. In her spare time, Marisol enjoys volunteering with local nonprofits and spending time outdoors with family.
Ashli Knust Event Committee Co-Chair
Ashli is a graduate from the University of Texas and has lived in Austin for more than 20 years with her husband, Casey, and two beautiful children, Chloe (11), Will (8), and two dogs, Pearl and Ollie. She is passionate about volunteering her time, and is very involved with her children’s school, Trinity Episcopal School. Ashli has held numerous charitable roles over the years. She served on various committees for Dell Children’s Hospital Council over the span of five years, and is currently serving on the Seton Development Board. In addition, she held a board position for The University of Texas Women’s Organization. Ashli celebrates the vision of Literacy First to work to create a caring and compassionate environment responsive to the educational needs of all students and looks forward to making a significant impact for the organization.
Caroline Trube Event Committee Co-Chair
Caroline is a community volunteer, having served in recent years on the boards of CHAT (Children’s Hearing Aid Texas), Any Baby Can and Good Shepherd Episcopal School, among others. She currently serves on the Seton Development Board and the Trinity Episcopal School Promise Campaign committee. Formerly working in the development field, Caroline was a development director at Tulane University before becoming Associate Dean for Development at UT Austin’s School of Architecture. Caroline is a graduate of the University of Virginia. She is married to John Trube and they have a daughter, Olivia.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
CLASS ACT

Helen and Sandy Watkins
LEARNING CURVE

LESSON PLANS

Jennifer Lynch, Author of Livi and Grace

THANK YOU TO OUR HOSTS
Ashli and Casey Knust
Caroline and John Trube
Cory Wolf and Sam Wilson
Donna Osborn
Edie Rogat and Cotter Cunningham
Ellen and Jim Arnold
Holly McIntush and Mallory Ellis Grotzinger
Jackie and Bob Mata
Jane Louis
Julie and Zack Shields
Kara and Chris Belew
Libby and Lloyd Doggett
Mary Ellen Isaacs
Margie Gaudin
Sheryl and Steve Prater
StoryBuilt
Texas Capital Bank
Tricia and Mark Traeger
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SUPPORTERS
Kathy and Patrick Terry
Gretchen and Bob Ellis | Kathryn Ross
1st Commercial Credit | Kim Wolf
Michele Moore
Elizabeth Bayer Morgan
Jane Black | Jocelyn Hornblower | Christine & Ted Huston | Jennifer Long
Beth Cunningham
Barbara DeCicco
Kelly Dixon
Julie M. Douglass
Allison Edwards
Brooke Freeland
Carla Greenwood
Merri Holden
Margy Kennedy
Christina Lobes
Jennifer Pickens
Ann Stevens
David Wiltz
EVENT COMMITTEE
Ashli Knust and Caroline Trube – Committee Chairs
Kara Belew
Jackie Mata
Edie Rogat
Catherine Scott
Cory Wolf
Helen Watkins – Advisory Board Chair
LITERACY FIRST ADVISORY BOARD
Helen Watkins, Community Volunteer (Board Chair)
Ellen Arnold, Arnold Public Affairs
Elizabeth Bayer Morgan, Long-View Micro School
Kara Belew, Tenet Leadership, LLC
Anna Bodine, Harrell Investment Partners
Jackie Mata, Texas Capital Bank
Julie Shields, SAS
Tricia Traeger, Literacy First Alumnus
Claire Wiygul, Benchmark Bank
Cory Wolf, Community Volunteer

Literacy Luncheon 2020
2020-04-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Etter-Harbin Alumni Center at the University of Texas at Austin, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78712
Following the cancellation of the 3rd Annual Literacy Luncheon, we’re excited to share that we’ll be hosting a virtual panel discussion in the coming weeks featuring experts around the state of literacy and education in Texas. We will share the date and additional details soon, and look forward to connecting with you.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we navigate the rapidly evolving situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and wellbeing of our students, tutors, staff and supporters remain our top priority.
QUESTIONS: Contact Rachel Mallernee at rmallernee@austin.utexas.edu.

2020 LITERACY LUNCHEON COMMITTEE
Ashli Knust and Caroline Trube – Committee Chairs
Kara Belew
Jackie Mata
Edie Rogat
Catherine Scott
Cory Wolf
Helen Watkins – Advisory Board Chair
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
CLASS ACT

Helen and Sandy Watkins
LEARNING CURVE

LESSON PLANS

Jennifer Lynch, Author of Livi and Grace

THANK YOU TO OUR TABLE HOSTS
Ashli and Casey Knust
Caroline and John Trube
Cory Wolf and Sam Wilson
Donna Osborn
Edie Rogat and Cotter Cunningham
Ellen and Jim Arnold
Holly McIntush and Mallory Ellis Grotzinger
Jackie and Bob Mata
Jane Louis
Julie and Zack Shields
Kara and Chris Belew
Libby and Lloyd Doggett
Mary Ellen Isaacs
Margie Gaudin
Sheryl and Steve Prater
Storybuilt
Texas Capital Bank
Tricia and Mark Traeger
LITERACY FIRST ADVISORY BOARD
Helen Watkins, Community Volunteer (Board Chair)
Ellen Arnold, Arnold Public Affairs
Elizabeth Bayer Morgan, Long-View Micro School
Kara Belew, Tenet Leadership, LLC
Anna Bodine, Harrell Investment Partners
Jackie Mata, Texas Capital Bank
Julie Shields, SAS
Tricia Traeger, Literacy First Alumnus
Claire Wiygul, Benchmark Bank
Cory Wolf, Community Volunteer

Amplify Austin 2020
2020-03-05 18:00 - 2020-03-06 18:00
Give to Literacy First during Amplify Austin and
help teach 1600 children to read this year alone.
On March 5 @ 6pm – March 6 @ 6pm, Literacy First will participate in Amplify Austin, a community giving day held by I Live Here I Give Here, and we need your help. Our goal is to raise $20,000 in 24 hours. Join Literacy First in building a brighter future for our community!
3 Ways to Amplify Literacy First
Preschedule your gift to Literacy First today! Your gift of any size will go toward teaching 1,600 young readers immediately. And as soon as we register your gift, we will remove you from all Literacy First Amplify Austin emails, reducing your inbox while brightening the future of Austin.
Become a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Over 750 nonprofits participate in Amplify Austin. You can amplify Literacy First and help us reach our fundraising goal by becoming a fundraiser! We’ve made the process super simple with a step-by-step guide for getting started and email and social media templates for your use!
Join our social media campaign! Record a video or take a photo and write a caption to tell us why you love reading! Share on your own social channels with the hashtag #ilovereadingsomuch, and tag @literacyfirst in your post. Or, send it to sarah.lowery@austin.utexas.edu and we’ll share on our Literacy First channels. You can print this sign to add a little Austin flair!

Amplify Austin is an annual citywide day of online giving that seeks to inspire community members to build a better Austin by giving back to the causes they’re passionate about. Please, schedule a donation to Literacy First here. Your gift will be amplified through an incentive pool and may help Literacy First win monetary prizes.

Kendra Gives Back to Literacy First
2019-09-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Kendra Scott Domain, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #104, Austin, TX, 78758
Enjoy sips, sweets and jewels for a cause when “Kendra Gives Back” to Literacy First! Join us at Kendra Scott in the Domain on Thursday, September 26th from 5:00-7:00pm. A portion of proceeds from the evening will go to Literacy First when you mention us at checkout!

26th Annual Tutor Swearing In Ceremony
2019-09-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Joe C Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Watch a recording of the 26th Annual Swearing In Ceremony here.

The journey of a tutor teaching young Austinites to read starts with a commitment to serve our community. Literacy First invites you to recognize this commitment at the 26th Annual Tutor Swearing In Ceremony. Support our 2019-2020 cohort of tutors as they take the official AmeriCorps pledge and begin their service journeys.
WHEN: Monday, September 9th, 2019, program from 10:15-11:00am
Please plan to arrive between 9:45-10:00am and be seated no later than 10:15am.
WHERE: Joe C. Thompson Conference Center at the University of Texas at Austin
WHAT: Show our newest tutors the support they have from our community. Program featuring former Literacy First tutor Michelle Castillo as keynote speaker, remarks by Executive Director of the Charles A. Dana Center and co-founder of Literacy First Dr. Uri Treisman and Literacy First Director Dr. Mary Ellen Isaacs, a read aloud with children’s book author Jennifer Lynch, and the official AmeriCorps pledge.
PARKING: Guests should park in Lot 40 at the corner of E Dean Keeton and Red River. After submitting your RSVP, you will be emailed a printable parking pass prior to the event.
QUESTIONS: Contact Rachel Mallernee at 512-471-4924 or rmallernee@austin.utexas.edu.

The 6th Annual Study Social
2019-08-16 20:00 - 2019-08-17 00:00 | 800 Congress, 800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Thank you for joining us at the Study Social 2019! Check out event photos here. See you next year!

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT
An annual social event for Austin’s civic-minded young professionals, benefitting Literacy First. Join us in downtown Austin for a night of food, drinks, raffle and auction prizes, live music by FOXI MOXI and more! Check out the fun from last year’s event! View the 2018 Facebook album here.
WHO
YOU! The Study Social is open to anyone who wants to see every child reach their full potential. Ages 21+ Only
WHERE
800 Congress – 800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
WHY
When children begin school without a strong foundation, they are likely to fall behind. By providing daily, one-to-one tutoring from highly trained tutors, Literacy First makes sure that children in low-income communities read well by third grade, so they are prepared to unlock their potential for the rest of their lives. Since 1994, Literacy First has given over 20,000 children in Central Texas a chance for success both in school and in life.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Interested in becoming a sponsor of The Study Social? View available levels and benefits here and contact sarah.lowery@austin.utexas.edu for more information.
CAN’T MAKE IT?
Make a donation to Literacy First.
QUESTIONS
Contact sarah.lowery@austin.utexas.edu
THE STUDY SOCIAL 2019 COMMITTEE
Claire Wiygul – Chair
Wilson Albright Maisie Barksdale
Daniel Compean Zach Cannon
Callie Cantrell Marlee Friedman
Lee Lee Paschal Kelsey Rivera
Jou Spitler Callie Strickland
Caleb Toomey
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

H-E-B Tournament of Champions is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

Keller Williams is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

Kendra Scott is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

Open Lending is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

Benchmark Bank is a Book Worm sponsor.
They will help 4 children learn to read this year!

Loewy Law Firm is a Book Worm sponsor.
They will help 4 children learn to read this year!

St. Croix Capital Companies is a Book Worm sponsor.
They will help 4 children learn to read this year!
KAREN WILSON & KARL BAYER
Karen Wilson & Karl Bayer are a Budding Scholar sponsor.
They will help 2 children learn to read this year!

Prominent Title is a generous sponsor.

Telco Data is a generous sponsor.
LIVE MUSIC BY

PHOTO BOOTH FUN GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY
YVAN NGUYEN
BEVERAGES GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY

CATERING GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY

THANK YOU TO OUR RAFFLE AND AUCTION DONORS (MORE TO COME!)

Literacy Luncheon 2019
2019-04-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas, 78701
Location
Event Room, first floor entrance on the south side of the building, facing Cèsar Chavèz
Parking Details
Valet will be complimentary. Limited spots available. Please approach valet on West Ave. going south toward Cesar Chavez. You can approach from 5th or 3rd, then go south on West Ave. You can also approach from Walter Seaholm, go east on 3rd and south on West Ave.
Parking is available in the library garage (Off West and Cèsar Chavèz) for $5 – $7, but it generally fills up quickly. Signage at the entrance (above) will indicate how many spots remain when you arrive. Additional parking can be found around the convention center (street parking), Trader Joe’s (must purchase an item in the store for partial validation).
***We encourage ride sharing and carpooling when possible.

Thank You to Our Literacy Luncheon Committee
Co-chairs
Edie Rogat | Shelby Goodrum
Caroline Trube | Cory Wolf | Jackie Mata | Kara Belew | Tory Newby
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Laura and Rex Bohls
Harrell Investment Partners
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Thank You to Our Table Hosts
Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos
Austin Cops for Charity
Caroline Trube
Cory Wolf and Sam Wilson
Del Valle Independent School District
Edie Rogat
Freeit Data Solutions
Gabriela Vivanco and Friends
Heather and Reed Arnos
Helen Watkins
Hispanic Bar Association of Austin
Jackie Mata
Kara Belew
Karen Brimble
Kristin Gossett
Shelby Goodrum
Mary Ellen Isaacs
Sheryl and Steve Prater
Tabatha Brown
Texas Capital Bank
Tory and Milam Newby
Graphic Design by
Video Production by
With Support from

Dr. Seuss Reading Day 2019
2019-03-01 08:30 - 13:00
Thank you to all of our Dr. Seuss Reading Day 2019 attendees!
Literacy First’s Lawyers for Literacy group invites members of the community who are interested in taking up the fight against childhood illiteracy in Austin to join us for Dr. Seuss Reading Day! Give an hour of your day to connect with AmeriCorps members giving a year of service, observe part of a one-to-one literacy tutoring lesson, and read a book aloud to a young child who will be delighted to see you!
We thank you for your support of Lawyers for Literacy, Literacy First, and Austin’s youngest readers.
Details
Date: Friday, March 1, 2019
Time: Shifts begin at 8:30am / 10am / 12pm. Each shift is approximately one hour long from start to finish.
Click here to view a map of participating schools.
Parking
Each school has limited designated visitor parking. Please mind the signs, but you will not need a special parking permit. If the visitor parking lot is full there will be additional street parking available for free.
What to Bring
Valid driver’s license or state or federal ID (needed to obtain a visitor pass).
Dress is business casual or what you would normally wear to work.
Your Reading Session
Arrive at your selected school and shift time. Please be punctual, as our lessons are timed. If you will be late or unable to make it, please contact Sarah Lowery at sarah.lowery@austin.utexas.edu. A Literacy First staff member will greet you in the front office to assist you in signing in and will escort you to the tutoring area. School officials will need to see your ID before issuing you a visitor pass. Each campus has 2-4 tutors. Each tutor will share a bit about their background, discuss why they chose to serve with Literacy First and give you a chance to introduce yourself. Guests and tutors will then pair up. Tutors will get their students from the classrooms while you wait with Literacy First staff in the tutoring area. Tutors will introduce their student and guest, and then the tutor will conduct part of a regular lesson while you observe. Guests will then read aloud a book provided by the tutor, either in Spanish or English.
If we have permission, a Literacy First staff member will then take a photo of you with the tutor and student at the end of the reading session.
Tutors will walk children back to class, while Literacy First staff escort you out of the school.
Never read to a student before? No problem. Watch our video to learn a few tips and tricks.
CAN’T MAKE IT TO DR. SEUSS DAY?
If you can’t make it to our Dr. Seuss Reading Day, don’t worry. You can still help us fight illiteracy by donating to Literacy First during Amplify Austin on February 28-March 1, 2019! Learn more and give here!
Donate Now

Amplify Austin 2019
2019-02-28 18:00 - 2019-03-01 18:00
Give to Literacy First during Amplify Austin and
help teach 1600 children to read this year alone.
On February 28 through March 1, Literacy First will participate in Amplify Austin, a community giving day held by I Live Here I Give Here, and we need your help. Our goal is to raise $25,000 in 24 hours. Join Literacy First in building a brighter future for our community!
Donate Now
DID YOU KNOW

Every day, Literacy First students track their reading progress on a special chart. Your $13 contribution covers the cost of one literacy lesson where a student builds confidence, chart by chart.

Many Literacy First students come to us with no knowledge of letter sounds. Your $26 gift honors every letter our students learn while they launch their love of learning.

A sticker a day is the perfect prize for young readers. Your $51 gift celebrates the stickers and smiles an average Literacy First student collects while they’re reading their way to grade level.

While they walk students to and from their lessons, Literacy First tutors transform into mentors and role models. Your $85 gift represents each of our tutors making a positive impact that stretches beyond the classroom.

Ten students a day means lots of germs floating around the classroom! Your $103 contribution buys a personal bottle of hand sanitizer for every tutor so they stay healthy while they teach our students to read.
Amplify Austin is an annual citywide day of online giving that seeks to inspire community members to build a better Austin by giving back to the causes they’re passionate about. Please, schedule a donation to Literacy First here. Your gift will be amplified through an incentive pool and may help Literacy First win monetary prizes.

25th Annual Tutor Swearing In Ceremony
2018-09-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Joe C Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
The journey of a tutor teaching young Austinites to read starts with a commitment to serve our community.

The 5th Annual Study Social
2018-08-24 20:00 - 2018-08-25 00:00 | 800 Congress, 800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Thank you so much for joining us at the 5th Annual Study Social.
See you next year!
Event Photos

You’re invited to The Study Social!
WHAT
An annual social event for Austin’s civic-minded young professionals, benefiting Literacy First. Join us in downtown Austin for a night of food, drinks, raffle prizes, music by DJ Mel, and more!
WHO
YOU! The Study Social is open to anyone who wants to see every child reach their full potential.
WHERE
800 Congress – 800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
ENTERTAINMENT
We are so excited to have the one and only DJ Mel for this year’s event! The Austin Music Hall of Fame inductee’s past performances include Lollapalooza, ACL, Bonnaroo, the 2015-2018 NFL Draft, University of Texas Football and Men’s Basketball, and the 57th Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama.
TICKETS
$45 in advance, $55 day of/at the door
Ticket includes food and beverage.
WHY
More than one-third of children who can’t read and live in poverty fail to finish high school. That’s where Literacy First comes in. All Literacy First students struggle with reading and over 90% of them live in desperate poverty. Since 1994, Literacy First has given over 20,000 Austin children a chance at being successful throughout school and in a career by teaching them how to read. Ticket sales and cash sponsorships from The Study Social will help over 1,800 kids learn to read next year!
WHAT TO BRING
Cash or credit to purchase tickets for amazing raffle packages!
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress down or dress up…but dress for August in Austin!

LET FRIENDS KNOW YOU’RE GOING
Join the event on Facebook.
CAN’T MAKE IT?
Make a donation to Literacy First.
QUESTIONS
Contact literacyfirst.events@austin.utexas.edu
BECOME A SPONSOR
Interested in becoming a sponsor of The Study Social? Contact literacyfirst.events@austin.utexas.edu for more information.
Thank you to this year’s generous sponsors:

H-E-B Tournament of Champions is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

Keller Williams is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

Open Lending is a Teacher’s Pet sponsor.
They will help 10 children learn to read this year!

RetailMeNot is a Study Buddy sponsor.
They will help 8 children learn to read this year!

Benchmark Bank is a Book Worm sponsor.
They will help 4 children learn to read this year!

Frost Bank is a Book Worm sponsor.
They will help 4 children learn to read this year!

St. Croix Capital Companies is a Book Worm sponsor.
They will help 4 children learn to read this year!

Austin Woman Magazine is a Budding Scholar sponsor.
They will help 2 children learn to read this year!
Karen Wilson and Karl Bayer are a Budding Scholar sponsor.
They will help 2 children learn to read this year!

Texas Monthly is a Budding Scholar sponsor.
They will help 2 children learn to read this year!
The Birge Family is a generous sponsor.
They will help 1 child learn to read this year!
Beverages generously provided by:

Food provided by:

Desserts generously provided by:

Photography by:

Raffle items generously donated by:

Annual Literacy Luncheon
2018-04-24 11:30 - 13:00 | Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas, 78701
Austin Public Library710 W. Cèsar ChavèzEvent Room, first floor entrance on the south side of the building11:30 a.m. – Registration and networking12:00 p.m. – Lunch and program1:00 p.m. – AdjournPARKINGValet will be complimentary. Limited spots available. Please approach valet on West Ave. going south toward Cèsar Chavèz. You can approach from 5th or 3rd, then go south on West Ave. You can also approach from Walter Seaholm, go east on 3rd and south on West Ave.
Parking is available in the library garage (off West and Cèsar Chavèz) for $5 – $7, but it generally fills up quickly. Signage at the entrance (above) will indicate how many spots remain when you arrive. Additional parking can be found around the convention center (street parking).We highly encourage carpooling or ridesharing.
For day-of needs please contact Rachel at 512-779-4341 (cell).

Dr. Seuss Reading Day
2018-03-02 08:30 - 13:30
Literacy First’s Lawyers for Literacy group invites members of the community who are interested in taking up the fight against childhood illiteracy in Austin to join us for Dr. Seuss Reading Day, sponsored by RetailMeNot. Give an hour of your day to connect with AmeriCorps members giving a year of service, observe part of a one-to-one literacy tutoring lesson, and read a Dr. Seuss book aloud to a young child who will be delighted to see you!
Questions can be directed to Sarah Lowery, Literacy First Development Specialist. We thank you for your support of Lawyers for Literacy, Literacy First, and Austin’s youngest readers.
Sign Up Now!
Details
Date: Friday, March 2, 2018
Time: Shifts begin at 8:30am / 10am / 12pm / 1:30pm. Each shift is approximately one hour long from start to finish.
Parking
Each school has limited designated visitor parking. Please mind the signs, but you will not need a special parking permit. If the visitor parking lot is full there will be additional street parking available for free.
What to Bring

Valid driver’s license or state or federal ID (needed to obtain a visitor pass).
Dress is business casual or what you would normally wear to work.

Your Reading Session
Arrive at your selected school and shift time. Please be punctual, as our lessons are timed. If you will be late or unable to make it, please contact Sarah Lowery at 512-232-5649. A Literacy First staff member will greet you in the front office to assist you in signing in and will escort you to the tutoring area. School officials will need to see your ID before issuing you a visitor pass. Each campus has 2-4 tutors. Each tutor will share a bit about their background, discuss why they chose to serve with Literacy First and give you a chance to introduce yourself. Guests and tutors will then pair up. Tutors will get their students from the classrooms while you wait with Literacy First staff in the tutoring area. Tutors will introduce their student and partner guest, and then the tutor will conduct part of a regular lesson while you observe. Guests will then read aloud a Dr. Seuss book provided by the tutor, either in Spanish or English.
If we have permission, a Literacy First staff member will then take a photo of you with the tutor and student at the end of the reading session.
Tutors will walk children back to class, while Literacy First staff escort you out of the school.
Never read to a student before? No problem.
Watch our video to learn a few tips and tricks.
CAN’T MAKE IT TO DR. SEUSS DAY?
If you can’t make it to our Dr. Seuss Reading Day, don’t worry. You can still help us fight illiteracy by donating to Literacy First during Amplify Austin on March 1-2, 2018!

Amplify Austin
2018-03-01 18:00 - 2018-03-02 18:00
Amplify Austin is an annual citywide day of online giving that seeks to inspire community members to build a better Austin by giving back to the causes they’re passionate about.
Illiteracy threatens the futures of thousands of Austin children. Literacy First changes those futures. With your help, we can give real opportunities to nearly 2,000 children this year.
Join us in building a better future on Amplify Austin Day. Please, schedule a donation to Literacy First here. Your gift will be amplified through an incentive pool and may help Literacy First win one of four $5,000 Grand Prizes or a $1,000 hourly prize for most donors or most dollars raised.
Details
Date/Time: Thursday, March 1 @6:00 pm – Friday, March 2 @ 6:00 pm
Don’t wait! Schedule your gift any time at amplifyatx.ilivehereigivehere.org/literacyfirst
