EWI® is committed to promoting international literacy. In 1992, the EWI® membership selected literacy as its philanthropic focus and since 1999 has held an annual International Reading Rally. EWI® chapters across North America have enlisted the aid of corporations, writers, teachers, and many others to promote reading and writing opportunities to children.

As part of EWI®’s ongoing literacy campaign, the Birmingham Chapter along with other EWI® chapters hosted their Reading Rally event on Make a Difference Day, a national initiative established to promote voluntarism in communities and among people in need. The event was held Saturday, October 25th at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Approximately 100 children (K-4th grade) participated in the program. Our theme was Where the Wild Things Are. David Frings, educator and owner of The Fossil Site, brought 15 animals and gave a short presentation. The book Where the Wild Things Are was read and EWI® volunteers had the tools to encourage the creative imaginations of the children to write their own short story. Additionally, art supplies were provided so they could illustrate their stories. Each child received a commemorative Reading Rally t-shirt.