City Commission Seeking Volunteers for Bicentennial Reading Initiative

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) seeks volunteers to participate in its Bicentennial literacy initiative. “Read for 200,” a partnership between the City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males, the Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools, and United Way of Monroe County, is intended to promote literacy and celebrate the City and County Bicentennial in 2018.  

CSBM is looking for male volunteers to read a collective minimum of 200 hours to children in schools, community centers, and other public spaces throughout the community. The recruitment drive to enlist volunteers began on Tuesday, December 5, and will end on Friday, January 5.

Cornelius Wright, CSBM chair, stated, “Reading truly is the key to freedom, and it can take us places that we have never been. The CSBM is excited to receive the support of community partners who recognize the importance of increasing the visibility of men of color in schools and the community reading and promoting storytime as a fun activity.”

Volunteers for “Read for 200” must submit to a background check with the Monroe County Community School Corporation and attend an orientation. To sign up, visit the City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males on the web at bloomington.in.gov/csbm. For additional information, follow CSBM on Facebook or contact Rafi Hasan at 812-349-3559 or hasanr@bloomington.in.gov.