Imagine 1948. Soldiers returning from the war, many anxious to move on with their lives using the new GI Bill to improve their education and career opportunities. But what about those blinded in service to our country? What could be done for them? Ann T. McDonald had the answer. Record textbooks on tape. Since then, RFB&D (Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic) has recorded innumerable books for blind and dyslexic students from kindergarten to graduate school.

Every week for two hours I join other volunteers entering a small recording studio, putting on my headphones, adjusting my microphone and reading. There are no paid professional recording artists at RFB&D, just people like you and me with a desire to help. Although I rarely meet those who listen to my voice, their success is well-documented. It often means the difference between success and failure in school.

Education has played an important role in my life. I've been fortunate. I am honored to be able to ease the path of others. I don’t volunteer because someday I may need help, too, although I might. Or because it makes me feel good, and it does. I volunteer because it’s my responsibility as a member of a community.

I encourage you to look into becoming an RFB&D volunteer. It doesn’t require special skills, although having a clear reading voice is a plus. You may have skills you’re not even aware of. Can you speak, or can at least pronounce, a foreign language? That’s helpful. Are you in a health care field? Your skills are valuable in pronouncing medical procedures and pharmaceuticals. I read a lot of social science, research methods, and English grammar, because that’s my educational and professional background. Check out the RFB&D website for more details http://www.rfbd.org See you at the studio!

Nancy K. is an Administrative Officer for the Agricultural Research Service, an arm of the United States Department of Agriculture. She started her federal service with the US Forest Service in 2001 after twenty years in the private sector.

Kids and teens with behavior problems often fall far behind in their academic development. Mary knew this because of her own son. She decided to get involved with a local literacy program to help youth involved in the juvenile justice system get a solid education.
 

The local Czechoslovak Society of America group in North Riverside, IL, volunteered over 300 hours at the town library to complete a special project.
 

Summer Advantage USA, a national non-profit that provides summer learning opportunities for youth in grades K - 8, led its young scholars through a process of identifying community challenges and implementing service projects. Here, these young people reflect on their work.
 

This young man learns that putting his still-struggling second-language skills to work in his community parent education role is a win-win.
 

Stephanie explained how she would be reading a large print book and described her visual limitations. We stopped after each page for interactive comments and even corrections in the reading of the material! These kids were avid readers and didn’t miss a beat...
 

Libraries across the country are hubs of learning and community activity, and they're being stretched in these tough economic times. Individuals and groups are stepping up to make sure libraries get the support they deserve.
 

Zenniah had the challenge and support she needed to succeed when she was a young scholar at Higher Achievement in DC. After graduating from the program, Zenniah immediately returned as a volunteer to help other young people from her community get on that same path to success.
 

 Z, a middle school student in a Summerbridge learning program, didn't stand out. Until he started doing Calculus...
 

What does "active citizenship" mean for first- and second-generation Korean Americans? What's their role in addressing social problems in their own communities? This student wants to help LA-area youth figure that out.
 

When NEA teachers get together for their annual conference, they don't just go to meetings. This June, over 400 college students and retired teachers affiliated with the National Education Association pitched in to revitalize an elementary school in San Diego.
 

These Target team members are putting their skills to work for local kids to promote education and literacy. How could you use your own talents to support a community project?
 

These local kids aren't letting summer pass them by - they're taking action to keep learning and to make their community better.
 

Young Sabrina was acting out and needed some extra help staying focused in school. Carol, a Foster Grandparent, is helping her make it through.
 

Rain or shine, we show up to parks on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons to read to anyone who wants to listen.
 

 Nearly 800 million people in the world cannot read. This is only one story.
 

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius knows how important early childhood literacy is. Do you?
 

What happens to those elementary students who do not need special education, but need additional help in the classroom? Darlene, a former teacher, asked that question and decided to take action.
 

The blind leading the young: DC area woman can't see, but she can read, and she tutors kids to help prevent summer learning loss.
 

A 15 year old sophomore at Great Oak High School in Temecula, contacted Melissa, the Unit Director at the Great Oak Clubhouse in Temecula, CA. She was looking for a community service project that would truly have impact on the community and make a difference for children in her own town.
 

Can you imagine a program where teachers have to submit grant proposals to their students? Check out how these middle-schoolers in Florida are taking charge of their education and their communities.
 

These ten men are answering the president's call to service from within the walls of their correctional facility. Hear what they have to say.
 

Libraries across the country provide opportunities for young people to stay engaged this summer. The Department of Education is fighting summer learning loss and asking all Americans to help children and youth develop a passion for reading. What will you do?
 

Broward in south Florida is known for more than just hanging chads! Families get books and encouragement to keep reading, and PTA commits to staying engaged.