America Reads - Mississippi

America Reads-Mississippi (ARM) members celebrated AmeriCorps Week May 11-18 by doing what they do best - serving. Members displayed information booths statewide to create awareness of ARM and to help people see the difference AmeriCorps programs make in the community. Members also recruited new members and volunteers for the 2008-09 academic year and thanked existing volunteers and community partners. Members participated in other outreach activities as well. Della Archie, ARM Jackson State University regional coordinator, and Margie Moore, Project LIFE/LINC (Living Independent for Everyone/Linking Individuals into Neighborhoods and Communities) director, spread the word about AmeriCorps at a Mississippi Braves baseball game, where Judy Stein, AmeriCorps director, and Marcie Skelton, vice chairperson of the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service Board, threw the first pitch. During AmeriCorps Week, ARM impacted over 12,000 people, who received valuable information regarding AmeriCorps. ARM is the largest AmeriCorps program of its kind in the nation, with 350 members serving in 80 elementary and middle schools across Mississippi. Members tutor students in reading, recruit volunteers for literacy activities, and conduct community service projects that meet local needs. For more information, contact America Reads-Mississippi State Director Ronjanett Taylor at (601) 432-6380.