Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: There are over 775 million people worldwide who lack the literacy skills needed to obtain good jobs or to actively participate in the education of their children; and it is estimated that more than 67 million primary school aged children do not attend school and many more attend irregularly or are drop outs; and over eight percent of the population in the state of Kansas over the age of 16 lack the ability to read or write.; and
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 has implemented the ongoing Born to Read Project at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, providing a book to each newborn; provides four annual scholarships for women; supports New York Elementary School with volunteer reading companions and has implemented a partnership book club; provides educational software for youth and adults for its international project in Kenya; provides newspaper subscriptions to Health Care Access; has developed a caregiver lending library at Douglas County Senior Services; supports the Lawrence Public Library, and encourages reading and the promotion of life-long literacy for the residents of Lawrence.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Amyx, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim September 8, 2015 as
and urge all citizens of this community to continue working together in addressing literacy needs in Lawrence and Douglas County.
Mike Amyx, Mayor
September 8, 2015