Reach Out and Read-Alabama attends 2024 Reach Out and Read Leadership Conference in New York
More than 100 Reach Out and Read leaders from across the country gathered in New York City in May for the 2024 Reach Out and Read Leadership Conference, “Moments that Matter: Strengthening Early Relationships Through Systems Change.” The goals were to build, grow, and strengthen the Reach Out and Read movement to deepen how we as an organization can:
1) expand Early Relational Health through a universal intervention for all children;
2) sustainably change systems that impact children, families, and communities; and
3) elevate public awareness and expand who knows and understands ROR’s work and its vision for all children across the country.
Amy Crosby, statewide coordinator and Elizabeth Dawson, MD, FAAP, represented ROR-AL at the conference. “I loved learning from and spending time with experts in the field of early relational health and how to maximize Reach Out and Read’s impact through this discipline,” Dr. Dawson said. “True investment in early childhood is by supporting the relationships of young children. Regardless of the intervention, focusing on the relationship will yield the most benefit.”
At the conference, ROR’s 35th anniversary was celebrated with a 35-book collection curated to embrace inclusive stories about the families, communities, and cultures served by the program. Three hundred fifty thousand new copies of these books by acclaimed and emerging authors and illustrators were printed to be shared with young children at ROR sites nationwide.
James M. Perrin, MD, FAAP, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, gave the keynote address, “Improving the Health and Well-being of Children through Healthcare System Transformation.” Other conference topics included exam room interactions, navigating complex political challenges, securing public funding, brand visibility to increase impact, positive childhood experiences, improving parent/caregiver experiences, and others.
“It was wonderful reconnecting with and learning from other Reach Out and Read leaders, Board Members, and speakers. We can’t wait to attend the next conference,” Crosby said.