Words Matter

A literacy and cultural awareness program
Words Matter is a program geared toward early high school learners with the purpose of engaging minds around real-world problems and solutions. The program is administered by KDW Cares, a non-profit organization.

When learners can connect literature to their environment and circumstances, it helps form a connection to the text and increases the rigor. Identifying with the characters in a story allows for a deeper comprehension of the text. That is not to say that all texts must have characters that look like us, but our focus will be to use literature to aid in self-exploration.

Over a series of book talks, we will explore social issues that are prevalent in today’s society. These issues will be ones that are happening in and out of our community. Our mission is to build literacy awareness that enhances the culture of our learners.

Our program addresses important themes for our learners to reflect upon- race and racism, justice and injustice, police brutality, segregation in cities, personal decisions vs. societal expectations, etc. In these efforts, we will be reading and listening to texts that, at times, contain some mature content (explicit language and material). Please let us know if you are not comfortable with your child being exposed to any particular language or topic in literature or if you have any questions or concerns.

REQUIREMENTS: Learners in grades 8 - 10 who have already read or are currently reading the book, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry.

You must apply to participate in our Words Matter program. Applications are due by February 20,2019.

Please DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION and email back to kdwcares@gmail.com . An educator from our team will contact you after receipt of your application.