EWI of Richmond Literacy 2021-2022:
EWI of Richmond partnered with member firm, TowneBank (represented by Michelle Mogel and Ashley Charity), and Communities in Schools of North Chesterfield to support Virginia Reads One Book at Bellwood Elementary School on March 7, 2022. Literacy Director Donna Thornburg (VCU), Karen Huffman (Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond), and Michelle Mogel (TowneBank) worked tirelessly to put together an amazing literacy program for the children, parents and staff of Bellwood Elementary School in Chesterfield, Virginia. The kickoff event was a huge success! Enjoy photos from the Kickoff Event here and on social media.
Everyone – students, parents, teachers, and even bus drivers and administrative staff – read this year’s financial literacy-themed book, “Dog Days.” More than 500 students and staff participated. Students and their families followed the same schedule during the month of March. It’s all part of Virginia Reads One Book — a statewide family literacy program designed to strengthen the educational connection between home and school from Richmond-based Read to Them.
Virginia reads one book kicked off on March 7, 2022. Richmond EWI and Communities in Schools along with the VCU Health System Therapy Dogs, Elsa and Keegan, joined the students of Bellwood Elementary School in North Chesterfield, VA. Richmond EWI representatives handed each student a copy of the same book, “Dog Days” by Karen English, along with a free backpack stuffed with dog-themed goodies such as dog tags, a small stuffed dog, pencils, notepads, etc. Each student also enjoyed a designer cake pop treat. The statewide reading schedule encouraged about 15 minutes each night, putting the entire community literally on the same page. Their reading was augmented with classroom activities, trivia contests, prizes and fun opportunities for family engagement. Parents of students were also provided access to a book detailing the benefits of children reading to pets.
Communities In Schools of Richmond is connected to a national network of over 200 affiliates to form the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school. By bringing community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated and accountable, CIS Founder Bill Milliken changed the picture for millions of kids across the country.
Executive Women International brings together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of promoting member firms, enhancing personal and professional development, and encouraging community involvement. For more information, visit www.ewirichmond.org.
Read to Them is a Richmond based non-profit promoting family literacy, with programs that have reached over 2 million families in over 3000 schools in all 50 states. When children become successful readers at an early age, academic success follows —increasing high school graduation rates and building the basis for a lifetime of learning and productivity. For more information, visit www.readtothem.org.
EWI of Richmond Literacy 2019-2020 and 2020-2021:
Due to the pandemic and lockdowns, we were unable to go into the local schools for the safety and well-being of everyone. However, the Chapter donates to the Corporate Literacy Program held each year in the host town of the Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting (LCAM) assisting a local school in need. In 2020, LCAM was virtual. In 2021, LCAM was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. EWI of Richmond continues to promote reading and education in the Richmond community.
EWI of Richmond Literacy 2018-2019:
EWI of Richmond continued its partnership with member firm The Children’s Museum of Richmond to collect books for local school age students. In addition, EWI of Richmond has partnered with member firm United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, who teamed up with RVA Reads, a program of Richmond Public Library, to read at public preschools in the City of Richmond. Our volunteers read a story from United Way’s Fostering Resilience Reading List and a book from RVA Reads, which students can take home with them. By volunteering, we helped children build critical literacy skills and bring the joy of books and learning to more Richmond families this holiday season.
EWI of Richmond Literacy 2017-2018:
EWI of Richmond partnered with member firm Children’s Museum of Richmond to collect and distribute over 2,400 books for local school age students with their book bus.
EWI of Richmond Literacy 2015-2016:
EWI of Richmond is committed to promoting reading and the education of its representatives, member firms and community at all levels. In addition to awarding scholarships to high school seniors through EWISP and adult students in scholastic transition through ASIST, the chapter also volunteers in a local reading program to assist students at the elementary and middle school levels. For two years, the chapter has partnered and helps sponsor a reading program with member firm “The Richmond Raiders” through Project IMPACT. The chapter representatives are invited to volunteer throughout the year along with The Richmond Raiders in planned after-school activities in which the school principals have pre-approved for supervised sports activities, reading group opportunities, and school pep rallies. Through this partnership, EWI is positively impacting the local youth in the area.
Project IMPACT highlights the six pillars of character and engages the students in physical activities and reading while reinforcing these pillars of character. As the football players, cheerleaders, and EWI volunteers divide the students into groups, each student group rotates through both the sports activities and reading stations. The two books (Speak Up and Get Along by Scott Cooper and Incredible You by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer) are introduced and well received by students of all ages.
The Richmond Raiders and Project IMPACT have visited 26 schools and have impacted over 6,000 students through this program.
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