32 Million People in The US Can’t Read This
“The U.S. Illiteracy Rate Hasn’t Changed In 10 Years” — Huffington Post
Literacy is the bridge to all understanding and personal development.
Think of a book that changed your life. What did it reveal to you? How did you feel? Did it change your mind about something? Equip you to examine things from a new point of view? Reveal a bias of yours? Remind you of the truth?
14% of the US can’t read & write above a basic level.
The literacy rate affects all aspects of our society. It’s influencing public health, the economy, our elections. But it seems like almost nobody is talking (or writing) about it.
My father and I would like to change that, so we are doing our part to help raise awareness for literacy rates in the US.
We decided to commission a limited edition notebook. Part of each sale would support students learning to read & write.
We searched high and low for a manufacturing partner. We decided to work with Scout Books of Portland, Oregon. Scout makes their notebooks with 100% recycled materials and uses nontoxic vegetable-based inks.
They fit in your pocket. A great little spot for your big ideas.
Reading is about learning and exploring. Humans love a good adventure. We are natural explorers. We wanted the front of the notebook to evoke that feeling. We drew inspiration from the ultimate frontier of exploration: space. The design pays omage to the Golden Record inscription carried into deep space by NASA’s Voyager 1.
We are committed to making a positive impact. We partner with Friendship House, non-profit organization, to package and distribute our notebooks. Friendship House provides vocational training and employment opportunities to the differently abled. Their mission is to build skills and help people achieve more meaningful lives.
Literacy is important. It’s the first rung on the ladder to creative freedom; the freedom to write what’s next.
With our notebook, you can carry inspiration in your pocket, take notes, and make a difference.
