An OCF Northern Willamette Valley Regional Action Initiative in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties

The Northern Willamette Valley Regional Action Initiative Committee is working to create communities in which children develop basic literacy skills before entering kindergarten; parents understand the central role of literacy and vocabulary in early child development; and citizens commit to supporting literacy programs.

To achieve this vision, the committee has consulted with regional librarians and school district members, and researched multiple models for fostering literacy. As a result, the committee is partnering with the local Commissions on Children and Families to promote literacy in the tri-county region by adapting the Reading for All literacy initiative for Yamhill and Polk counties. Reading for All, which was originally developed by the Marion County Department of Children and Families, offers comprehensive literacy programs comprising parent and caregiver training, reading performances, and book distribution.

The RAI committee and its partners have hired three facilitators who are working with the Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Commissions to implement OCF’s Reading for All initiative. The committee is also creating local action teams to take Reading for All into the community.

You can help to promote literacy in the tri-county area by attending Reading for All events and activities in your community.

To get involved or contact us
If you are interested in learning more about or collaborating with OCF’s RAI committees, contact Maureen Thomas, North Willamette Valley Regional Director: mthomas@oregoncf.org or 503.779.1927.