The objective of the Literacy Challenge Committee, first established in 1989, has not changed. In 2007 the committee’s name was changed to Literacy Promotion to better reflect the work of the committee: to promote adult literacy and involvement in literacy programs for children and adults. The goal of Waving Our Banner for Literacy is to explore the root causes of illiteracy and what DAR members and chapters can do to improve and promote literacy in communities, states, and our nation. --from the 2022 NIP
Education is one of the cornerstones of the National Society. Across the country, Daughters are meeting the challenge and helping those with significant literacy needs to learn to read, to gain self worth and confidence, and to reach life goals that otherwise would not be obtainable.
Members are encouraged to promote literacy by:
Reaching out in friendship to community groups that are promoting literacy: public libraries, after school programs, adult groups, and others;
Engaging in service on an individual or chapter level: mentoring/tutoring a child, an at-risk teen, or an adult; teaching GED or ESL classes, reading to the blind, recording books on tape, reading with your children/grandchildren, donating books to libraries, schools, shelters, veterans;
Highlighting the DAR's commitment to literacy promotion by publicizing/sponsoring literacy programs for all ages.
The purpose of the Literacy Promotion Committee national contest is to recognize the outstanding service of DAR members, chapters, and states in the promotion of literacy. A contest form must be completed and sent to the state chairman by the state deadline of January 5, 2023.
Virginia State Goal
Chapters - Please continue to keep the volunteer hours that you spend in promoting literacy whether its reading to a child or adult or tutoring. Many of us are assisting families with virtual education at this point in the year. All of this is part of promoting literacy. Don’t forget that it also counts as your normal volunteer hours. Keep a log of your time, to be reported on the Chapter Master Report.
Please refer to the National website for more detailed information.
Ways to Serve
Tutor Reading
Teach English as a Second Language
Help a student prepare for their GED
Establish a Literacy Program
Volunteer for a Literacy Program
Donate Books to a Library or School
Raise awareness of the Literacy Crisis
Support a Literacy Organization
Virginia Specific Links
Virginia Literacy Foundation
Commonwealth of Virginia Adult Education
Library of Congress, Read.gov
Imagination Library
Contact State Chair Carrie A. Hug for more information.