Every year, the IC Steering Team chooses a StandUp cause to bring attention to at the International Convention. This year, your experience team is so excited to announce Reach Out & Read.

Read Out & Read is a Colorado nonprofit that believes all families should have the tools and information to make reading a priority—which is easier for some families than others. In 2023 alone, Reach Out & Read gained 327,000 child visits, and donated books to over 327 hospitals around Colorado. 

From the Harry Potter series to Fahrenheit 451, almost all of us are fortunate enough to have been impacted by books, whether in school or outside of it, and it would be hard to imagine a world without them. Books not only have the power to stretch our minds beyond our normal day-to-day lives but also do incredible things to shape intelligence and fast-paced learning from a young age. It is vital for every kid to have access to books throughout their childhood. 

This IC, we are asking all of you to bring as many books as you can. Books can be new, old, English, Spanish, Hebrew, or ANY language. All donations will go to children in need to empower families to help their kids grow and learn. All they have to be is in readable condition. 

You will be able to donate them at the Welcome Center (on Wednesday) or at the Repair the World Table (starting Thursday). We can’t wait to see you and your books at IC 2025!