May Winners, Snicket: Level 4

To Whom It May Concern:

Reading is one of the greatest joys of my life. I've found being able to escape to different lands through literature has composed a major part of who I am. My friend Byron has suffered from developmental dyslexia, a learning disability linked to having trouble reading, for as long as he can remember and it has always been heartbreaking to me that peers of mine like Byron were too frustrated with the practice of reading to find solace in it. Dyslexia is a cause of dissatisfaction with school, poor grades, low self-esteem, and general discontentment, and no student should have to feel this way everyday while struggling to read and complete assignments.

With dyslexia rates rising and instruction remaining ineffective in aiding those struggling with the disability, I propose to initiate Project LiteraryStars, which will use funding to create programs in public libraries that utilize tested ways to improve reading and writing skills in dyslexic children, specifically phonics. Children can come to a program for an hour or two after school at their local library and obtain the reading and writing abilities necessary to succeed through games and activities specially tailored to their disabilities. With language development practices, work on visual perception skills, and a dash of fun, Project LiteraryStars will be able to enchant dyslexic children early on with the promise of the visiting the same worlds that first captivated me in literature. It is essential that tomorrow's leaders are well prepared with the capabilities, adeptness, and confidence necessary to achieve in the ever-expanding world.

Project LiteraryStars would begin locally, seeking out libraries in Connecticut interested in engaging young challenged readers, but could expand, with the help of funding, across the East Coast and eventually the nation. With funding, Project LiteraryStars could begin to purchase special packages of educational brain exercises and develop our own games and projects for children to work on to get their minds moving. We could purchase bus transportation for children to go directly from school to the library for the program. In the vein of 826National, an organization working towards increased strength in writing of children across America, Project LiteraryStars would foster the creativity and genuine interests in each and every child, while honing their proficiency in language and attending to their learning needs.

Groups of AP English students from my high school could take tutoring shifts and the head of the English department, Ms. Bridget Barry, could supervise alongside Head Librarian at the Cos Cob Library, Ms. Wendy Silver. If we work together cohesively and obtain the necessary funding, Project LiteraryStars could begin as early as August 2010 (the beginning of our school year). My friend Byron has avoided reading as much as possible due to his dyslexia but with the help of Project LiteraryStars, no child will ever need to be afraid of something so fantastically wonderful as reading.

Thank you,
Caroline L.

To Whom It May Concern:

Paint the Cities seeks support of $500 from your organization to jump-start our organization. We believe that our organization is aligned with Do Something's belief that "teenagers and young people everywhere can improve their communities."

Paint the Cities (PTC) is a non-profit, student-run organization that seeks to lower the percentages of at-risk youth in America's inner cities. Our current demographic is in the city of Richmond in the state of Virginia. In serving the youth of this community, we hope to give them a brighter future by employing them in city beautification projects during their after-school hours. Not only will these projects help prevent teenagers from getting involved in crime, drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity, but it will also give them a means of improving their community.

We strongly believe that our organization will make a difference in the lives of young adults in the city of Richmond by occupying their free time with projects that will benefit the community. We will need six months to a year and approximately $1,000 in seed money, and we expect the following concrete results: a) a tasteful website to promote our organization, b) advertising in local city high schools, and c) one new beautification project completed in the city of Richmond, all within the six-months-to-a-year time period.

As we are not yet an official organization, we have not yet received any funding. However, we have had an interest expressed by student volunteers, as well as notable adults and parents within the community.

We will be glad to submit a full proposal with additional information for your further review.

Sincerely,
Hannah U.