When I joined the staff of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in 2008, one of my first site visits was to an ArtsConnection puppetry program at PS130 in Brooklyn. During that visit, I saw how engaged students of all backgrounds and native languages were, how experienced the teaching artist was, and if you know me, you know I love puppets! The impact of the program was clear.

I have had the opportunity to work with ArtsConnection over the years in many different ways, including serving as a representative of the city on their board, and watching with excitement when Rachel Watts took the reins as Executive Director. Last year I served as a mentor in their teen program. I admire how hard the staff at ArtsConnection works - because they know what the arts can do. Specifically, they know that the arts have a unique power in improving literacy.

They have asked me to help them raise a modest sum to support their Bridges to Literacy program - a model that harnesses the power of puppetry arts and theater to bring language to life while deepening comprehension and increasing vocabulary. $3,000 supports one year of Bridges to Literacy professional learning for 25 educators across NYC schools, and I am hoping to raise $1,000 on their behalf.

I'm sending this to my people who know that literacy is the foundation for so many things in life: not just the joy of reading, but also in succeeding in the classroom, navigating systems, and gaining access to employment opportunities. Please support at whatever level you can - donations of $75 and above will get a 3-pack of greeting cards featuring student artwork!