Reading Opens Your World

Our Story

About ROW

Our story, our heart...

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."
— Margaret Fuller

ROW is a non-profit organization that gives students one-on-one reading attention once a week. Every other week, each student is gifted a book to build their home library. Throughout the school year, the volunteer and student have an opportunity to create a bond and hopefully instill a love of reading.

Where we're headed & why it matters

Our Vision

We're building a future where every child in Montana can read at a grade-appropriate level or beyond.

Our Mission

To foster literacy and improve reading skills through positive reading experiences.

The People Behind ROW

Meet the Board

The hearts that make it happen

Hover each card — click for full bio

What We Stand For

Core Values

What drives everything we do

Caring

Volunteers will exhibit a caring, thoughtful, respectful and kind approach when working with their ROW reader.

Respect

All participants in the ROW program will treat one another with respect and kindness and will be open to hearing and expressing opinions, ideas and concerns.

ROW volunteers will acknowledge and respect each child's current reading skill level. Based on this, appropriate books will be provided which will encourage success and confidence in reading.

Respect the confidentiality of each ROW reader's personal information.

Value

ROW works towards adding value to our society. Low levels of adult literacy could be costing our economy $2.2 trillion a year. Acquiring reading skills will positively impact the child's life and their future, including income rate, obtaining access to healthcare and holding a quality job. ROW is challenged with the responsibility to change these statistics.

The ROW organization greatly values each volunteer who donates their time to the program. The volunteers are the treasures of the organization.

Commitment

The ROW organization and ROW volunteers are committed to getting books in children's hands, creating a desire within that child to open a book and helping children feel confident reading.

Collaboration

ROW works together with schools, administration, teachers and families to help students in the best way possible. ROW values relationships and a cohesive approach to working together with the community.

Get Involved

Every little bit counts!

Every action you take — donating, volunteering, or spreading the word — directly impacts a child's future.

442
Students Reached
2,910
Books Gifted
3,059
Reading Hours

Join Us

Our goal is to build a child's confidence, grow their desire to read and expand their reading skills. And it's FUN!

Donate Volunteer

Our goal is to build a child's confidence, grow their desire to read and expand their reading skills. And it's FUN!

350+

Students Reached

3,000+

Books Gifted

5,000+

Reading Hours

In the News

Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight: Sentinel Kiwanis and Reading Opens your World

A look at how the Sentinel Kiwanis chapter has partnered with ROW to expand the program's reach across Missoula, bringing more volunteers and books to students who need them most.

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