Georgia City Solutions, Inc

Literacy Improvement: The Pipeline to Strong and Vibrant Cities

Throughout Georgia, there is a growing movement to address an issue that threatens the economic vitality of our communities and the future prosperity of many of our residents: low literacy rates. With the support of mayors, other city leaders, and their local partners, Georgia City Solutions is making strides to tackle this issue head-on.

We invite you to watch this brief video message from the CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association, Larry Hanson, to learn more about GCS’s work and vision. You’ll also find additional information below, showing how a contribution can directly benefit Georgia’s cities and residents.

Tisha's story is not unique. Across Georgia, countless children and adults grapple with literacy challenges. The repercussions extend far beyond the inability to enjoy a good book. Low literacy rates are closely linked to high school graduation rates, unemployment, increased health issues, and even low civic engagement. Our cities, meant to be centers of opportunity and progress, risk being caught in a cycle of poverty if this issue isn’t addressed.

The Vision

But imagine a different Georgia. Imagine Tisha, graduating high school and preparing for college in 2034, now 18. She credits her journey from struggling reader to academic achiever with caring teachers and community programs, like Georgia City Solutions’ Mayor’s Reading Club and her city’s local youth council.  In fact, she still has a framed photo of her and her mayor on the day he spoke to her third-grade class about the importance of reading.  Her parents share her pride, having also benefited from adult literacy programs that helped them secure better jobs.

Tisha’s journey isn’t just her victory; it could be shared by hundreds of kids across Georgia, from our large urban centers to our small rural towns.  Her story shows what’s possible when we invest in literacy, opening doors for kids in every corner of the state to succeed.

The Pipeline

Literacy improvement isn't just a noble goal—it's what transforms cities. Every book read, every literacy class attended, and every tutoring session completed is another step towards stronger, more vibrant communities.

Building this pipeline takes time. It requires sustained effort, community involvement, and strategic investment. But with every word learned, every story understood, we lay the foundation for thriving cities across Georgia.

The Call to Action

Georgia City Solutions stands at the forefront of this transformative journey. We're committed to building this pipeline through initiatives like the Mayor's Reading Club, now in place in more than 100 Georgia cities, partnerships with local libraries, and coordinated community-wide literacy improvement planning.

This work is rooted in our communities – driven by the people and organizations committed to this challenge.

But we can't do it alone. We need citizens, businesses, educators, and community leaders to join us in this crucial mission. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, your support can help us turn the page on illiteracy and write a new chapter for our cities.

Together, we can ensure that stories like Tisha's become the norm, not the exception. We can build cities where books empower, literacy lights the way, and every citizen has the tools to contribute to a vibrant community.

Join us in making literacy the cornerstone of strong, vibrant cities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. DONATE TODAY!