Lighting the Way to Literacy
Welcome to the Forsyth County Reading Association webpage!
We hope you will spend some time learning more about our organization and will join us as a member.
Please check out our pages for more information about membership
and our different programs and projects!
About Us
The Forsyth County Reading Association (FCRA) is a nonprofit professional organization of individuals who are genuinely concerned with the improvement and advancement of reading, writing, and language arts and their integration into all subjects. Membership in the council is open to all people, including teachers, administrators, parents, and full-time high school, college, or graduate students who are engaged in or interested in the teaching or supervision of reading at any level.
Forsyth County Reading Association belongs to the North Carolina Reading Association (NCRA), a group of more than twenty councils across our state who join together to promote literacy, sponsor the Young Authors Project, and host the North Carolina Reading Conference, which is held annually in downtown Winston-Salem in the spring.
North Carolina Reading Association Vision Statement:
We envision a world in which literacy is a basic and essential human right with ample opportunities and support provided to all individuals to become readers and writers.
A message from our 2024-2025 NCRA President Lisa Llewellyn McIntosh
Literacy is the key to transforming people’s lives. In keeping with our commitment to literacy for all, the focus of NCRA for the 2024-2025 year is about the future of literacy in our state and how we can continue to support educators.
The Conference this year will be March 23-25, 2025 and the theme is, “Lighting the Way to Literacy: A Beacon Towards a Brighter Future.” I was inspired by Steve Pemberton’s book, “The Lighthouse Effect: How Ordinary People Can Have an Extraordinary Impact in the World.” In his book, Steve writes about the people along his path that were “beacons of light” for him. As educators, we continue to look to the future and reflect on our literacy practices to ensure all individuals become readers and writers. NC and nationally known authors and speakers will be celebrating with us as we work together to meet the literacy needs of teachers, educators, and students. Just like the lighthouse guides the journey of the traveler, we ALL are “Beacons of Light,” and we can use this “light” to help others on their literacy journeys.
The theme for our Young Author’s project, “Beacons of Light Towards a Brighter Future” follows along with our conference theme. As writers and illustrators begin to create their entries, I encourage them to reflect on how they can be or have been a “beacon of light” for others in their families, schools, and communities; recognizing those who have helped light the way or inspired them; how they have turned challenges into opportunities.
Audre Lorde, African American Poet said, “When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
It takes reflection, courage, and perseverance to understand how to ensure that each and every student is successful. Opening the door to literacy for ALL students “lights the way” that leads to unlimited possibilities of discovery, learning, and joy! The only way for our light to grow is by passing it on to others. It is my hope that we keep looking forward, while helping others along the way create a brighter future for all educators and students. Join us and make a difference in North Carolina!
The Forsyth County Reading Association (FCRA) is a nonprofit professional organization of individuals who are genuinely concerned with the improvement and advancement of reading, writing, and language arts and their integration into all subjects. Membership in the council is open to all people, including teachers, administrators, parents, and full-time high school, college, or graduate students who are engaged in or interested in the teaching or supervision of reading at any level.
Forsyth County Reading Association belongs to the North Carolina Reading Association (NCRA), a group of more than twenty councils across our state who join together to promote literacy, sponsor the Young Authors Project, and host the North Carolina Reading Conference, which is held annually in downtown Winston-Salem in the spring.
North Carolina Reading Association Vision Statement:
We envision a world in which literacy is a basic and essential human right with ample opportunities and support provided to all individuals to become readers and writers.
A message from our 2024-2025 NCRA President Lisa Llewellyn McIntosh
Literacy is the key to transforming people’s lives. In keeping with our commitment to literacy for all, the focus of NCRA for the 2024-2025 year is about the future of literacy in our state and how we can continue to support educators.
The Conference this year will be March 23-25, 2025 and the theme is, “Lighting the Way to Literacy: A Beacon Towards a Brighter Future.” I was inspired by Steve Pemberton’s book, “The Lighthouse Effect: How Ordinary People Can Have an Extraordinary Impact in the World.” In his book, Steve writes about the people along his path that were “beacons of light” for him. As educators, we continue to look to the future and reflect on our literacy practices to ensure all individuals become readers and writers. NC and nationally known authors and speakers will be celebrating with us as we work together to meet the literacy needs of teachers, educators, and students. Just like the lighthouse guides the journey of the traveler, we ALL are “Beacons of Light,” and we can use this “light” to help others on their literacy journeys.
The theme for our Young Author’s project, “Beacons of Light Towards a Brighter Future” follows along with our conference theme. As writers and illustrators begin to create their entries, I encourage them to reflect on how they can be or have been a “beacon of light” for others in their families, schools, and communities; recognizing those who have helped light the way or inspired them; how they have turned challenges into opportunities.
Audre Lorde, African American Poet said, “When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
It takes reflection, courage, and perseverance to understand how to ensure that each and every student is successful. Opening the door to literacy for ALL students “lights the way” that leads to unlimited possibilities of discovery, learning, and joy! The only way for our light to grow is by passing it on to others. It is my hope that we keep looking forward, while helping others along the way create a brighter future for all educators and students. Join us and make a difference in North Carolina!
2024-2025 FCRA Meetings Locations
September, October, and November meetings will be held in Salem Chapel's M3 Innovation Center, 620 Coliseum Drive NW.
Our February meeting will be held on Zoom so that members from other NCRA councils can attend virtually.
We will update you on locations for our March and April meetings!
Please check out our social media links below and watch your email to learn about any changes to meeting plans due to COVID or weather.
September, October, and November meetings will be held in Salem Chapel's M3 Innovation Center, 620 Coliseum Drive NW.
Our February meeting will be held on Zoom so that members from other NCRA councils can attend virtually.
We will update you on locations for our March and April meetings!
Please check out our social media links below and watch your email to learn about any changes to meeting plans due to COVID or weather.
Stay in the know about FCRA programs!
Website: www.ForsythCountyReading.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Forsyth County Reading Association
Website: www.ForsythCountyReading.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Forsyth County Reading Association
