Belonging

Last week Lynne Dorfman and I presented at the Carroll County Reading Council in Westminster, MD. As we talked with the leaders, it soon became clear that we shared many of the same passions as well as many of the same concerns. We are passionate about our local and state councils and recognize the role these organizations have played in shaping curriculum and advancing literacy. But membership is dwindling. For whatever reasons, teachers are finding new ways to learn and share ideas about literacy, as have I. By taking the plunge into Twitter, I have been able to connect with teachers across the country in ways I never imagined. I learn something new or get insight into a new way of thinking every day just by reading a few blogs. But, I still feel that membership in a group brings its own kind of reward. The feeling of belonging to something larger and concentrating efforts toward a common goal is powerful.

A few years ago I wrote an article for our state council’s newsletter. In it I outlined the reasons why I belong to the Keystone State Reading Organization.  I talked about originally joining because I felt it was something that I should do as reading specialist and have on my resume, but how I quickly came to understand that it was so much more. Mostly,I talked about the influence of people: 
                Over the years I have met so many wonderful individuals who have guided me to new thinking and 
                challenged me to learn more. Teachers, authors, nationally known researchers, publishers, and 
                book sellers have all been a part of my professional and personal growth. 
                …I have learned that with KSRA, membership in a professional organization is so much more than
                something to put on a resume. It is a place where passions, friendships, and ideals are born and 
                continue to grow.

I’m still passionate about literacy, I’m still growing and learning, and I guess that’s why I still belong.