Illinois Reading Council Inc.

Overview

The Illinois Reading Council Inc. is an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy across the state of Illinois. It serves as a leading advocacy group for high-quality literacy opportunities, empowering learners of all ages. The organization is affiliated with the International Literacy Association (ILA) and provides a network for grassroots involvement and information exchange among its diverse membership.

Mission

The mission of the Illinois Reading Council is to provide support and leadership to individuals who promote and teach lifelong literacy. The organization achieves this by offering access to research, materials, and methodologies that enhance literacy education and foster lifelong learning. Its membership includes educators, librarians, administrators, parents, and other literacy advocates.

Activities and Initiatives

• Professional Learning and Development: The council offers consulting services aimed at enhancing professional skills in literacy education through workshops, conferences, and other educational events.
• Illinois Reads Program: Introduced in March 2013, this initiative encourages reading of books authored by Illinois writers. The program highlights six books across different age levels annually, concluding with a statewide "Family Reading Night" in November.
• Annual Conference: The council hosts an annual conference where literacy professionals and enthusiasts gather to discuss current trends and best practices in literacy education.
• Illinois Reads Ambassadors: This role involves promoting literacy by hosting reading events, distributing educational materials, and participating in book festivals.

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit, the Illinois Reading Council operates with funding from contributions and program services. In recent years, the organization has experienced fluctuations in revenue and expenses, with a significant portion of expenses allocated to executive compensation and other operational costs.

Governance and Leadership

The council is led by a board of directors and key officers who oversee its strategic direction and operational activities. The executive director plays a crucial role in managing day-to-day operations, while other officers support in roles such as president, treasurer, and secretary.

[1] https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-now/2023/11/13/ila-chapter-spotlight-illinois-reading-council [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237026824 [3] https://illinoisreads.org [4] https://www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-7057794