Reading to End Racism

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RER logoReading to End Racism (RER) is an inter-generational literacy program designed to engage first through fifth grade students with books and personal stories, and spark discussion about eliminating racism, bullying and discrimination. 

RER provides training, resources and support for volunteers, teachers and parents to talk with their children about racism and discrimination.

 


Reading to End RacismReading to End Racism Volunteer Training

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
YWCA Boulder County, 2222 14th St., Boulder

Register TODAY

Opportunities to read take place during the school year on days Monday-Friday during the school day, generally 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Join us for our upcoming volunteer training to prepare yourself to read in classrooms and make a difference in our community. Presented by Shiquita Yarbrough, Director of Community Engagement and Equity at YWCA Boulder County.


Get Involved

RER relies on enthusiastic volunteers.  For more information about volunteering, please email Shiquita Yarbrough at syarbrough@ywcaboulder.org.

You or your organization can sponsor a Reading to End Racism visit to a school or professional development training for our readers! Please email Shiquita Yarbrough for more information.

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

2021-2022 School Year

Two women standing behind books displayed on table

It’s been a busy spring for Reading to End Racism (RER)! We visited schools in Boulder and Louisville in February and March, including Reading Days every week in March. We also held our “How to Talk to Your Kids About Racism” parent training for Creekside Elementary’s PTO group.

Every time we do Reading to End Racism in schools, we are blown away by the insightful questions the students ask and moved by the personal stories students often share. At one Reading Day this spring, a volunteer was reading and discussing the book “I am Golden” by Eva Chen, which is a wonderful ode to the immigrant experience, especially for Chinese American children. After reading one section of the book about what a strange world it is that people will say we are different one minute and then say we are all the same the next, one little boy shared how hurtful it is to him when he is accidently called by the name of the other Indian boy in class and when the other boy is called by his name. “It makes me upset because we are both from India but we are very different.”

Thank you to all the volunteers who made these Reading Days possible! “I appreciate that our volunteers see the need and step in to read to any additional classrooms”, said Shiquita Yarbrough, director, community engagement and equity. We are proud to work alongside you to start conversations about racism, discrimination and bullying with children early.

Questions? Contact Shiquita Yarbrough at 303-443-0419 x103 or syarbrough@ywcaboulder.org.