A classroom with children seated on stools and a bench, there is a teacher or guest speaker sitting on a chair near a whiteboard. The classroom is decorated with posters, a fall themed tree, and educational materials on the wall.

Reading to End Racism (RER) is an intergenerational program designed to engage kindergarten through fifth grade students with books and personal stories. RER aims to spark discussion about eliminating racism, bullying and discrimination. 

RER provides training, resources and support for volunteers and teachers to talk with children about racism and discrimination, and foster self-advocacy, consent, and identity. 

We invite anyone who is interested in participating in future RER events to complete our volunteer sign-up form.

RER News

Readings in the Community

Missed an event? Sign up for our newsletter for the latest news!

Events Feed
Reading to End Racism Volunteer Training
Aug 12
Reading to End Racism Volunteer Training
Aug 26

UPCOMING RER Events

Events Feed
Reading to End Racism Goes to the Gunbarrel Public Library!
Jun 13

Reading and discussion at Gunbarrel Public Library!

Reading to End Racism Goes to the Boulder Public Library!
May 30

Reading and discussion at Boulder Main Library!

Reading to End Racism Goes to the Boulder Public Library!
May 17

Reading and discussion at Boulder Main Library!

Reading to End Racism Goes to the Boulder Public Library!
May 3

Reading and discussion at Boulder Main Library!

Reading to End Racism Goes to the NoBo Library!
Apr 18

Reading and discussion at NoBo Library!

Reading to End Racism Goes to the NoBo Library!
Apr 11

Reading and discussion at NoBo Library!

RER Volunteer Training
Mar 4

Do you want to be a Reading to End Racism volunteer for elementary school students? Join us for this free community training - all are welcome! Sign up today!

Reading Day at Foothill Elementary School
Feb 20

Reading Day at Foothills School. Sign up here to volunteer as a reader or to shadow in a classroom.

Reading Day at Eisenhower Elementary
Feb 13

Sign up to volunteer at Eisenhower Elementary School as a reader or to shadow in a classroom.

RER Volunteer Training
Jan 14

Do you want to be a Reading to End Racism volunteer for elementary school students? Join us for this free community training - all are welcome! Sign up today!

Reading Day at Meadowlark School
Oct 25

Reading Day at Meadowlark School. For more information, contact Heidi here.

RER Community Volunteer Training
Sep 17

Become a Reading to End Racism Volunteer! Training will take place at the YWCA, 2222 14th Street, Boulder, CO 80302.

Recent RER Events

RER in Action!

Reading to End Racism (RER) began as a grassroots organization founded in 1998 by a group of retired local teachers. They saw racism and discrimination in their classrooms and wanted to create a safer, more supportive educational environment for local students. YWCA Boulder County became involved with the program in 2006, originally providing office space and eventually adopting the program in 2013 to help it continue and grow. 

A classroom with students sitting on stools and on a bench, listening to a teacher. The classroom has whiteboards with writing and posters, including an orange fall-themed tree and a colorful rug on the floor.
Books on a wooden surface with a decorative autumn leaf and string lights in the background, including a book titled 'Hear My Voice' and another titled 'Stamped' for Kids.
A classroom with children sitting on the floor and listening to a woman who is reading a book. Some children have their hands raised. There are posters, a calendar, and a whiteboard on the walls, and a large screen in the room.
Two men standing beside a table with a birthday cake, books, and cups, at an indoor event. Behind them are posters and banners, including one that reads 'YWCA Boulder County Today' and 'Persimmon Early Learning.' The background features a gray wall w
A classroom scene with children sitting on the floor, raising their hands. A woman with blonde hair, wearing a denim jacket, is sitting on a chair in front of the class, gesturing or speaking to the children. The classroom has decorations like blue p
A group of young children sitting on the carpet, listening to a woman reading a children's book aloud in a classroom or library setting.
A teacher and a student are engaged in a classroom activity in front of a digital screen displaying text and images. The classroom is decorated with an alphabet border on the wall and a calendar on the side.
Group of five women smiling in a public indoor space, posing for a photo. They are dressed in casual clothing with some wearing jackets. The background shows a doorway, a wall with posters, and a TV screen with a woman’s face on it.
Four smiling people at an indoor event, standing in front of informational posters on the wall. The group includes three women and one man, dressed casually, holding drinks and a phone.
A classroom scene with young children participating in an activity, some with hands raised, and a teacher smiling at the front. The background shows a whiteboard with writing about racism, a schedule with days of the week, and colorful educational de
A young girl with dark hair tied in a ponytail, wearing pink glasses and a white hoodie, is standing and speaking in a classroom with a world map on the wall behind her. Other children are seated nearby.
A teacher standing beside a whiteboard in a classroom during a lesson with young students seated on a colorful carpet, yellow, orange, green, and blue sections, listening attentively.
A group of young children in a classroom holding up paper with colored drawings of faces, along with their teacher. The classroom background features colorful storage bins, educational posters, and a whiteboard.
A classroom scene with young students sitting on the floor, engaging with a teacher who is speaking and gesturing. The classroom has educational posters on the walls about writing processes and poetry, and a laptop is visible on a table.
A teacher holding a colorful world map while engaging with young students in a classroom. The classroom has educational posters, a bookshelf, and teaching materials visible in the background.
A crowded classroom with young students sitting on the floor and listening to a teacher who is reading a picture book. The whiteboard behind the teacher has writing and colorful labels, and there are educational posters on the wall.
A teacher or storyteller is holding an open book in front of a group of children sitting on green cushions on a colorful carpet in a classroom. The children are attentively listening.
A group of young children sitting on a carpet in a classroom, listening to a woman reading a colorful children's book. The classroom has wood and plastic shelves filled with books and educational materials. The children are wearing casual clothing wi
A classroom with students sitting on the floor, facing a whiteboard and posters. There are two adults, one man and one woman, standing and speaking. The whiteboard has handwritten notes and posters about story elements, reading, and social issues lik

Ways to Get Involved

  • Volunteer

    Attend a Volunteer Training. We have trainings throughout the year on our event calendar.

  • Bring RER to You

    Interested in a RER Reading Day at your school or community group?

  • Sponsor or Host

    You or your organization can sponsor or host a Reading to End Racism day for a school or community group.

  • View Our Book List

    Download our curated book list: 10th Anniversary of Reading to End Racism at YWCA Boulder County.

Contact us for more information

 RER Volunteer FAQs

We are always looking for new volunteers to join us. Check out our FAQs to learn more about how you can make a difference.

  • Volunteers choose a book and read to a classroom, then lead age-appropriate discussions on diversity, inclusion, empathy, kindness, and allyship.

  • RER volunteers typically spend 2–3 hours per session, this includes 30–90 minutes in the classroom plus time for book selection and prep.

  • Yes! Once sessions are scheduled, you'll receive a signup and can choose the school, grade, and time that works best for you.

  • Yes, all volunteers must complete a training before participating. Trainings are offered bimonthly or by request, and new volunteers can also shadow a session before leading their own.

  • Volunteers must pass a background check and be aligned with the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, with a willingness to engage in thoughtful conversations on sensitive topics. Volunteers must complete RER training and engage in continuous training and education.

  • We provide books, activity suggestions, materials, bookmarks, and stickers—everything you need for your reading session. Many titles are also available through the library.

  • “I think racism is wrong because we are all the same on the inside.”

    Student, Sanchez Elementary

  • “I will always be an ally.”

    Student, Flatirons Elementary 


  • “This is the best presentation of what racism is about and how to recognize it in one’s self and others.”  

    Teacher, Heatherwood Elementary

  • “I thought it was a great lesson and super-appropriate for first graders. Honoring culture and differences within our community is culturally responsive teaching!”

    Teacher, Whittier Elementary

  • “I learned that when you see someone alone, you should go make them feel better and make a new friend.”

    Student, Foothill Elementary School