Literacy is a form of freedom

If you are reading this, consider yourself lucky.

Today is International Literacy Day and the statistics around literacy in the world suck.17% of the world's adult population is illiterate.66% of the illiterate population are women.Globally, there are 775 million adults without basic literacy skills.

‍In addition,67.4 million children are not currently enrolled in school.

‍This is why International Literacy Day (ILD) aims to shine a spotlight on the issue.

Reading and writing may seem second nature to you, but across the world, the same is not true.

So what can you do?

Donate your time. Donate your money. Donate old supplies and books.

Start with a tour through your bookcases and if you have children, their rooms as well.

Take a peek inside any old boxes that are hidden away in the attic, garage, or basement.

Then head into your office and storage spaces and dig around looking for a school or office supplies that have never been used.

Needed items include index cards, pens, pencils, and notebooks.

Gather everything you find, those books and school supplies, and pack them up in a box.

Then send an email to 5 of your friends and neighbors and suggest they do the same.

Then visit 10 Awesome Book Charities That Help Kids All Over The World and pick a charity to send your books and supplies to.

While you are helping children across the world learn to read and write, you are also cleaning and organizing your house. How’s that for a win-win?

If it turns out that you don't have old books or supplies to donate, you can donate your time.

Nearby libraries and community centers often host days where children gather to have storytime.

Check your local listings and see what is available.

Feeling extra motivated with the free time you have now that you’ve simplified your life?

Create your own literacy event and share your love of reading with others.

Whichever way(s) you choose to help, let's end worldwide illiteracy together.

Are you tired of the story of “too much to do and not enough time?” Would you love to get an extra hour or more back into your week without any gimmicks AND for free? Check out this cheatsheet I put together for you—it’s my gift and a great way to jump start your decluttering.