Why We Do What We Do
From the beginning, Writers For Readers has been oriented around two questions: Where is there a need for help in our communities?
&
What can WE do to fill it?
Because the internet has made writing and reading so accessible, many people see illiteracy as a thing of the past. However, the numbers tell a different story:
According to the 2023 US National PIAAC* Results:
28% of adults have a literacy level of 1 or below, (struggle immensely with literacy)
29% of adults have a literacy level of 2 (have difficulty with literacy)
From 2019 to 2023, the percentage of adults performing at the lowest literacy level increased, and literacy overall has decreased.
*Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies
56 million
58 million
Adults at or below proficiency level 1
Adults at proficiency level 2
Rewriting the Story
We believe writers hold the key to empowering new readers. Our competitions reflect that.
All excess proceeds from our competitions are distributed to another US-based 501c3 certified organization whose primary goal is to providing literacy education.
Included below are the nonprofits we partner with. Click the links to read about their goals!