About ROW

Readers become leaders

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”

Margaret Fuller

ROW is a non-profit organization that gives students one-on-one reading attention once a week. Every other week, each student is gifted a book to build their home library. Throughout the school year, the volunteer and student have an opportunity to create a bond and hopefully instill a love of reading.

Our Vision

We're building a future where every child in Montana can read at a grade-appropriate level or beyond.

Our Mission

To foster literacy and improve reading skills through positive reading experiences.

A ROW volunteer and young reader sharing a book together — 01 Every reader is met with kindness.

Core value 01 / 05

Caring

Volunteers will exhibit a caring, thoughtful, respectful and kind approach when working with their ROW reader.

A ROW volunteer supporting a student as they read together — 02 Every voice deserves to be heard.

Core value 02 / 05

Respect

All participants in the ROW program will treat one another with respect and kindness and will be open to hearing and expressing opinions, ideas and concerns.

ROW volunteers will acknowledge and respect each child's current reading skill level. Based on this, appropriate books will be provided which will encourage success and confidence in reading.

Respect the confidentiality of each ROW reader's personal information.

A reader and volunteer choosing a colorful book together — 03 Time shared becomes possibility.

Core value 03 / 05

Value

ROW works towards adding value to our society. Low levels of adult literacy could be costing our economy $2.2 trillion a year. Acquiring reading skills will positively impact the child's life and their future, including income rate, obtaining access to healthcare and holding a quality job. ROW is challenged with the responsibility to change these statistics.

The ROW organization greatly values each volunteer who donates their time to the program. The volunteers are the treasures of the organization.

A ROW volunteer encouraging a young reader with a thumbs-up as they read together — 04 Confidence grows one page at a time.

Core value 04 / 05

Commitment

The ROW organization and ROW volunteers are committed to getting books in children's hands, creating a desire within that child to open a book and helping children feel confident reading.

ROW readers and volunteers learning together around a table — 05 Strong readers are built together.

Core value 05 / 05

Collaboration

ROW works together with schools, administration, teachers and families to help students in the best way possible. ROW values relationships and a cohesive approach to working together with the community.