We think we can...

A simple goal: Expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to all of Arkansas.

Perfect partners to get to goal: Rotary International District 6150 Rotary clubs statewide Rotary International Foundation State of Arkansas

What is the Imagination Library?

In Dolly’s words: “When I was growing up in East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are kids in your community that have their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows maybe there is a little girl who dreams of being a writer or a singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books. These seeds you plant in your communities can grow all across the world.”

1996 Launched by Dolly in her native Tennessee county to: – Foster love of reading among children in her county – Excite children about the magic of books – Ensure that every child had books, regardless of family income levels

Children at birth – age 5 enroll Receive age-appropriate books, 1/month every month 60 books in total at no cost Managed by nonprofits Turn-key thru Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Now in Tennessee: 204,000 children 5 and under enrolled Equals 54% of eligible children

Tennessee governor’s study Large-scale, 2007 study among teachers: - DPIL students “better prepared” - 64% found DPIL students exceeded expectations versus 11% for non-DPIL students

Tennessee now provides 50% of the total program cost through state funding

forms a foundation for education strengthens the resolve toward learning allows adults to set a positive example Reading to children:Reading to children:

American Association of Pediatrics recommends daily reading routine to infants & older children – records reveal only 50% of parents read to children daily Identifies reading as – significant aid in brain development – key factor in solidifying bond between parent and child

U.S. Literacy Statistics 42 million American adults cannot read. 50 million read below fifth grade level 20 % of high school seniors are functionally illiterate at graduation The number of functionally illiterate adults increases by 2.25 million annually

1,993,031 adult residents: - 491,000 (25%) had no high school diploma - 170,420 had less than an 8th-grade education

U.S. Literacy Statistics 42 million American adults cannot read. 50 million read below fifth grade level 20 % of high school seniors are functionally illiterate at graduation The number of functionally illiterate adults increases by 2.25 million annually

Rotary--the ideal vehicle Literacy-a major area of emphasis for RI service projects – RI sponsors a literacy month – All clubs expected to complete a literacy project RI already partnered with Dolly Parton Imagination Library Worldwide, grassroots organization

Get on board! Every Rotary Club in 6150 starts DPIL – Partnering or solo models for remaining Arkansas districts 3.Rotary support saturates Arkansas communities 4.Rotary spearheads quest for state funding

Get your club on board! Assign a leader to learn about DPIL – Visit imaginationlibrary.org Decide on sponsoring organization – Club alone or with a partner Dedicate start-up funds – $1,000 is a great start! Sign up, buy materials Enroll children

Clubs: – Best grassroots organization! Literacy – Key RI issue – Especially acute need in Arkansas DPIL – Already a partner – Ideal for literacy growth Rotary is the engine!

We KNOW we can... so.. LET’S GET ON BOARD!