Reading is Fundamental

[malolo]

Reading is Fundamental (R.I.F.) is an amazing program which, thanks to some out-of-this-world volunteers here in Puna, reads aloud to classes and then gives away brand-new gorgeous totally-free paperback-books to every single student at Pahoa Elementary School and Keonepoko Elementary School three times a year.

The children get to pick their own books, and by the time they graduate 6th grade, they (along with their siblings) have amassed quite a nice little home library of books.

The impact of this program is impossible to dispute, especially in light of the economic situation of many of the families in Puna. (And nationwide? over 16 million books are distributed yearly!)

Now here's the rub.

Despite the fact that The Inexpensive Book Distribution program has been authorized under the Elementary & Secondary Education Act - SEC.5451, is not funded through earmarks, and has been funded by Congress and six Administrations without interruption since 1975, it is in imminent danger of losing its funding.

"President Bush Eliminates Funding for Reading Is Fundamental’s Historic Book Distribution Program Serving 4.6 Million Children"

http://www.rif.org/about/press/reinstate_rif.mspx

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If you can spare a moment, Good People, please contact your legislators and ask them to stop this impending insanity and reinstate the funds necessary for this wonderful nationwide program to continue.

The R.I.F. people have made it easy for you.

 

Here is a sample (easily copyable/editable) letter:

http://capwiz.com/rif/issues/alert/?alertid=10932481

 

And here is where you can go to write your own. By plugging in your zipcode, either right here in Puna, or over on the mainland, your letter will be forwarded directly to the appropriate legislators (...as well as the First Librarian's husband).

http://www.rif.org/get-involved/advocate/what/

 

Mahalo in advance, Folks.
Children here in Puna, and across America, thank you.

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Aside to Rob: I am aware, Sir, that there is a ban on national politics here at Punaweb, however I sincerely hope you'll make an exception in this case and allow this thread to stand. --malolo

[Kapohocat]

Can we donate money directly to a RIF program in Puna?

Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 965-9261
"We help make building your dream home a reality"

[malolo]

Yep. I just made a call and checked.
You certainly can, Kapohocat.

Thank you in advance from the hard-working volunteers!

Here's the way it works:

For every dollar the Pahoa RIF Committee raises (for both Pahoa and Keonepoko Elementary Schools), the Feds chip in three. And the publishing companies give substantial discounts on the books as well -- oftentimes 50%. Pretty cool, huh?

You can make out checks directly to:
Pahoa RIF Committee.

And then either drop the envelope off at the Keonepoko Elementary School office or mail it to:

Pahoa RIF Committee Chairperson
c/o Keonepoko Elementary School
15-890 Kahakai Blvd.
Pahoa, Hawai'i 96778

Thanks again, for your generosity!
And for asking such a pertinent well-intentioned public question.

Happy weekend!

---malolo