Volunteers with the Rosedale Development Association are reading stories to students at five Rosedale neighborhood schools as a way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year the ninth annual Reading Inspiring Stories to Empower is being held virtually.
In a typical year Rosedale volunteers would go to the schools in person to read stories, but this year, because of the risk of COVID-19, the volunteer readers are interacting with classrooms through pre-recorded videos and live Zoom events, according to a spokesman.They are reading books that highlight community change-makers and civil rights leaders.
“We are grateful to have so many options for community members to come together virtually and teach one another,” RDA Executive Director Erin Stryka said in a news release. “RISE is helping us stay connected and support each other in working for change in our community.”
This year’s theme is “Moving for Change” and will encourage students’ to make positive change within and advocate for their communities.
After reading the stories, students will identify and discuss pressing issues, and share ideas on how to improve their community. They will then be invited to write to their elected representatives about their ideas and concerns, channeling their discussion and ideas into an action of change. Through this, students may come to understand that their voices carry importance and that even the smallest of actions can lead to progress, according to a spokesman. As Dr. King Jr. said “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”