Reading and comprehension are vital for a functioning society. Yet, adult illiteracy is at an alarmingly high rate in the United States.

Currently, around 43 million Americans cannot read at a fourth grade level. They cannot write or do math above a 3rd grade level, either. We can, and must do something about this before it’s too late.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton encouraged us to take on a tutoring role in elementary schools. Helping a child read opens their mind and imagination, too. And literacy has an economic impact. If all adults reach just a sixth grade reading level it would translate into $2.2 trillion of additional income in the United States. Personally, I can’t imagine my life without books.

I encourage you to volunteer to read with children. You will be helping the teachers by being an extra resource. By doing this, you will be making a difference in a child’s life, and you will be helping the country…