Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: Ninety million American adults may lack the literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs or to actively participate in the education of their children; and it is estimated that 860 million of the world’s adults do not know how to read or write and that more than 100 million children lack access to education.
WHEREAS: Altrusa International, Inc., an organization of executive and professional women committed to community service, has pledged to work toward worldwide literacy; and
WHEREAS: The community of Lawrence has residents of all ages, in every neighborhood, who are functionally illiterate; and
WHEREAS: Altrusa International, Inc., of Lawrence is the underwriting sponsor of the River City Reading Festival, has supported New York Elementary School with a large donation of books as well as provided volunteers as elementary reading companions, has provided books to Women’s Transitional Care Services (WTCS) and First Step House, has provided large print books and subscriptions to Lawrence Senior Services, provided newspaper subscriptions to Health Care Access, and has implemented the ongoing Newborn Book Project at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and thereby encourages reading and the promotion of life-long literacy for the residents of Lawrence;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Robert Chestnut, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim September 6-12, 2009 as
and urge all citizens of this community to continue working together in addressing literacy needs in Lawrence and Douglas County.
Robert Chestnut, Mayor
September 8, 2009